An Emotional Art Journal Page

I cried after completing this art journal page.   After losing 120lbs and keeping it off for the past 3 years this page says so much...I feel strong, beautiful and free from the many constraints of morbid obesity. I am amazed at how just allowing myself to freely create, this is the image I came up with. It's perfect. I love it. It's me! 

Notice how it looks like she is coming forth out of the darkness.  This process is very freeing and enlightening. Page not planned, as a matter of fact, as I started it I didn't even like it.  However, I LOVE the finished page.

Supplies used: Vibez Mists, Making Memories Acrylic Paints, Tim Holtz Stamp, Scrappy Cat Stamps, Black Gesso, Reeves Oil Pastels. 

How do you incorporate art journaling with your crafting?

Art Journal Page 2: Discoveries: How to...

I've shared my growing stash of supplies for art journaling and mixed media.  I've told you that I've been in the studio creating every day.  Well, today, I'll share one of those art journal pages.

I am finding art journaling to be care free and fun.  Being a little messy and using some of those paints, stamps and mists that I've had for way too long feels good, as well.  

Steps to completion:

• Applied Gesso to page. 
• Misted background with Glimmer Mists.
• Painted using Art Anthology Gel Paints.
• Misted template in a dark silver in 3 spots on page.
• Stamped dragonfly image.
• Stamped Tim Holtz quote.
• Sponged to create textures spots in pink and yellow. 
• Dripped mists to create splatters.
• Dipped dabber into paints to create the dots. 
• Out lined quotes and paint with a marker.

 Click here for a suggest list of supplies for beginners. 

Do you art journal?

Art Journaling/Mixed Media: List of Supplies for Beginners

If you follow my blog or me on Facebook you know that I have fallen in love with art journaling, junque journaling and mixed media.  I just cannot get enough.  I've been in my craft studio every day playing with Gesso, paints, dyes, mists and inks.  What fun.

I've been creating layouts without patterned paper (gasp) and LOVING it.  For those who know me, this is a FAR departure from my "normal" style of scrapbooking, where patterned papers rule with each layout needing to contain 3 or more patterns.  However, I find it freeing, fun and very artsy. 

I am quickly adding to my collection of paints, stamps, mists and such...as seen by the above picture. The stash grows!

However, I thought it would be nice to share a simple list of supplies you might want to purchase or gather if you too would like to give mixed media and art journaling a shot without breaking the bank.  Many of you already may have some of this stuff in your stash.  However, there are a few essentials I think are necessary, just so you can give it a try.  Once you find your rhythm you can add to the supplies.  You might find you like art journaling or not so much.  One thing to remember...do what you want.  The coolest part of art journaling is, there are NO rules.  Do what you like!

Beginner's supply list:

• Gesso (to prime your paper. You want to use this. It will allow your paints/supplies to go much further.
• Acrylic Paints
• Ink pad
• Stamps 
• Templates
• Brushes
• Mists
• Sharpie or Copic for writing on top of paint
• Oil Pastels (really not must have for beginners but it'll provide you with a bit of variety. 
• Paint tray 
• Artists Sketch Book with heavy paper to hold up to the painting and misting. 

If you missed my first attempt at an art journal page, here it is.

Here is my first layout created without patterned paper.  I LOVE how this turned out.  I used a stamped image, paint, stickles, rub ons, flowers and buttons to complete this layout.  It's in 6x12 format for a special album I'm creating of friends from days gone by!

Stayed tuned more creations coming soon, including some art journaling and junque journaling pages!

Happy Crafty Monday!

Easy ideas for creating your 1st Art Journal Page

I think I've found a new love!  Just another way for me to experience my creativity and myself.

I enjoyed the process of misting, inking and stamping and then adding my own writing to this journal.  I am so excited that I almost cannot wait for the next moment when I can create another page. Perhaps, I'll spend some time in the studio today!

What is an art journal?
An art journal is a journal or diary that expresses your own artistic creativity and imagination. Using art and/or words to express your memories, thoughts and dreams. How and what you create is completely up to you.  There are NO rules.  You can use paint, mists, ink, stamps, markers, doodles, photos...anything YOU like.

Easy ideas for your first journal page:

• It's your book.  There are NO rules.
• I bought a spiral bound artist's sketch book with heavyweight paper.  I love how the paper feels after drying and it stands up to misting, painting, stamping and staining. 
• Start with what you have and play before feeling the need to run out a purchase products.  I used inks, mists, stamps, distress stain and paint.  All currently in my stash.
• You can doodle, paint, draw, stamp, ink, write, mist...you name it the choice is yours.
• Try playing with each medium alone or in combination.
• Mix colors until it is pleasing to you. 
• Work with special thoughts, memories or dreams to inspire you to create. Or perhaps meaningful words like love, gratitude, happiness, faith, play, anger, joy, laughter, anxiety or any words that move you to express yourself in words and art. 
• Don't be afraid to just start and let your creativity naturally flow without a definitive plan. 
• Enjoy yourself and express YOU!

Do you art journal?  What fun facts have you recorded?

Comments are welcomed and cheered.