Art Journaling

Introduction

As a fanatic of mixed media, art journaling is something I am constantly drawn to; that is for many good reasons. Modern art journaling (similar to scrapbooking) is one of the most expressive forms of art. It is a 'piece' of space usually contained in a form of a book, where words weave themselves into the beautiful fabric of art in a way that is most personal to the creator. The entries vary in length, from a word to a full page of writing, all accompanied by colours, shapes, textures and images. The entries can vary in content; coverage of day-to-day experiences, personal struggles, truths that never make it to the outside world, explorations, dreams, travel memoirs, childrens' stories or life changing experiences. The combination of personal expression, whether with the use of literacy or not, allows the artist to communicate through photographs, colours, drawing, paintings, sound and other elements. Historically, illustrated journals were used by many significant figures such as Albert Einstein and Leonardo da Vinci. They documented their observations, insights, concepts and experiences with both words and imagery.

A sheet out of a journal belonging to Leonardo da Vinci

Materials

Art Journal 

Your first task is deciding on your journal structure. Be mindful of your own work ethic. Pick the appropriate shape and size: square, rectangle, long and narrow, large, pocketsize (A5 or A6). Next figure out what style you would like the most, something simple and clean or old and vintage. The beautiful thing is that this part really allows you to show off your character. Here are some examples:

• Sketchbook with heavyduty paper sheets
• Photo album ring binder
• A hardback book of your choice (be careful! Make sure it is stitched not glued)
• Handmade journal (pick your own size, cover type, sheets, folding type; a great advantage is the ability to allow space in between sheets)
• Black paper interleaved album (e.g. used for stamps or photos)
• Wire bound pad of watercolour paper
• I personally love using leaflets made of out good quality (thick) paper or showcase booklets (usually to be found in DIY stores)

My small unique book I got from a special someone featuring a beautiful owl on its cover

You should try be considerate of the media you would like to use. Heavyduty paper might be a must as it will add rigidity to your journal and wont lose shape when glue or paint is applied. A simple hardback book will be perfect for the use of pencil, charcoal, pastels, markers, coloured pencils or crayons. If you like, glue a few pages together to create a thicker base. You may also remove as many pages as necessary if there is a lot of volume in your art. By using binder rings you will allow more space in between sheets, therefore you will be able to create volume (the bigger the rings the more space). Also the amount of sheets you would like to have is a big factor. A few pages in your journal would be easier to keep than a few dozen. Therefore choose carefully!

Text

Jacqueline Newbold

Adding text can be a central element or a detail in your art journal. Your written entry can be assisted by landscape sketches, a portrait or anything else that relates to the text and vice versa. The decision to contain personal information is up to you however there are a few good ways to keep it private. To begin with you could make an entry as the base of your art, it will show in some parts that you are comfortable showing and cover those you want to keep for yourself. Creating your own unique code is also a good alternative. You could separate each letter of your entry with two or three random letters. Da Vinci used mirror writing in his notebooks to keep all his ideas and thoughts confidential. Once you are comfortable with writing backwards you can develop the style of your writing and make it even harder to figure out. 

Paint

The Diary of Frida Kahlo

Using painting in art journaling probably offers the most freedom. There is an opportunity to use this technique to show a landscape, a person or an object exactly how you remembered it. Choice of colour can be another way to express an emotion or create an atmosphere. Acrylic paint can add a bold statement to your page or serve as a background to your art. Mixing paints can also create lovely colours and their application with varying brushes can create an interesting effect. By using different techniques you can add texture to your sheet. Tip: In order to prevent pages sticking together remove excess paint or coat it with wax or dust it lightly with baby powder once dry.

Fabrics and Textiles 

Suzy Quaife

Fabrics and textiles can add a lot to your journal. I love reclaimed fabrics as they all have their own history. There are so many opportunities here to make your pages look rustic and old or soft and inviting. It combines the sense of sight and touch and occasionally smell! This technique can also exhibit something you are sentimental about like a piece of clothing someone you love wore or a piece of cloth from your grandmas kitchen (be sure these are ok to use first).

Embellishment

Judy Wilkenfeld

Embellishment is the addition of three dimensional objects to an art journal page or cover, therefore we have already mentioned some ideas. However it is important that your art journal doesn't fall apart once it emanates and spills with creative spirit and a range of materials. The fundamental factor to this technique must be the practicality of placing such items on the pages. If you would like to really play with art journaling and add statement pieces that will add a sculptural essence as well as a personal touch to it you need to make sure it is going to be secure and will still be able to close once finished. Stitching and using adhesive is good for fabrics and textiles. Craft glue will be perfect for lighter items such as flowers. Hot glue gun will hold heavier and larger pieces such as metal objects, shells, tree bark and silk flowers. Stones and plastic can be attached using specialised craft glue for non porous material. Don't forget to keep it meaningful to what you are trying to capture on the page!

Printmaking

Printmaking can be used to create an interesting ornamental background or on top of fabrics, photos or writing. Patterns and shapes can be cut by using soft objects like rubber/eraser or a potato cut in half or they can purchased at the craft store. Mesh or netting can be placed on to paper and painted over to create an interesting pattern. Wooden rolling pins can be cut out to create a pattern or a design of your choice or purchased at a craft store. Similarly leaves, string, flowers, wood can be painted and pressed to create an image. To stamp the shapes you can use acrylic paint, ink, charcoal, craft paints or ink pads.

Details 

Karen Cole

Detailing is an important part of art journaling. It can vary from exposed stitching, ornamental wallpaper piece, flowers, glitter, buttons, beads, crystals or anything slightly bigger such as pendants, flasks, keys, stones, tree bark, envelopes, mirrors and everything in between. Adding such pieces can have a big effect on your page. Gathering bits and pieces like this is almost like a hobby, for me at least. Anything can become useful and play a major part in your art journaling experience, especially unique pieces like those made out of metal or glass. By keeping a few pieces of a jigsaw puzzle you may create an opportunity to express yourself in a way unique to you in the future. I am a fan of adding smell to art so do not be afraid to scent your pages with whatever you like. Keep some orange peel in a little bag on your page or spray your sheet with perfume, go with the flow :)

If you haven't yet started I hope you enjoy your experience with art journalling! Maybe I'll go back to it :)