Art Journaling for Beginners
An art journal is a fun and easy way to explore your creativity and connect with your inner artist. It’s also a great way to express yourself and your feelings while escaping the everyday stresses of life.
Your art journal is your own personal space where you can create and show your individuality. There are no rules when it comes to art journaling. There is no “right” or “wrong” way to go about it.
Your art journal may be filled with sketches, doodles, shapes and designs, collages of photos and paper, or anything you decide to include in its pages. You may decide to combine techniques or use different styles on each page. You might want to be colorful or stick to a black and white motif.
All you need to get started is a spot where you can work on your journal as well as some supplies you can collect very inexpensively. You really don’t need lots of supplies to get started. You can begin with as little as some paper and colored pens or pencils. We’ve put together a list of supplies you might want to pick up as you go along.
Some fun art journal supplies...
The journal itself. Although a sketchbook with heavy duty paper is probably best, you can use any kind of notebook, journal, or even Ioose paper kept in a binder.
Paints. You don’t need expensive paints to create beautiful art. Even a watercolor or acrylic paint kit designed for children will do.
Paint brushes. If you’re using paint, you’ll need paintbrushes. You don’t have to buy top of the line brushes. Your local craft store should have a wide range available at varying prices.
Pens and markers. It’s best to select waterproof pens and markers that won’t run or smudge. Both come in a rainbow of colors and are available in sets.
Old magazines, books, and printed materials. Images and paper cut or ripped from magazines or books can be used to create beautiful collages, as can images printed from the Internet. You can also use old wrapping paper and greeting cards. Just fit the pieces together in a creative way and use glue to position them on the page.
Stamps and stencils. You can purchase stamps and stencils at your local art supply store or make your own easily at home. Shapes cut into a potato or cut out of a sponge can make great stamps.
Household items. There are so many things around the house that can be turned into art for your journal. Let your imagination go wild. For example, you could use string, ribbon, buttons, paperclips or a whole host of other items.
Items from nature. Look around outdoors and you’re sure to find something that can be dried and used in your art journal, like leafs, flowers, seeds, and even weeds.
Wax or parchment paper. Placing wax or parchment paper between the pages of your art journal will help protect your creations.
Containers. You’ll want something to keep all your materials in so you can keep everything organized in one place. It makes the process neater, convenient, and portable.
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