Hi friends! I wanted to share some photos and details about the process behind my spring art journal. This year I am making an effort to start a new art journal each season. Art journaling is one of the healthiest creative habits that I've found. I hope this post inspires some of you to start one too!
Here are a few details behind my creative process... 1. Supplies I used... An old used journal (I went through it beforehand and ripped out any pages with ideas or lists I needed to keep) this is a great way to recycle a purse journal after it's filled with random lists and notes you don't need anymore... I would have normally tossed an old journal like this! I also used washi tape + colored masking tape from the art supply store, a pack of colored origami paper (best colors ever! i purchased this a Hobby Lobby), scissors plus some found paper and view master slides. 2. Paint the outside of the old journal to give it a new life. 3. Recover the front of the journal with a large photo, trim to size and add a new binding to the book with masking tape. I also added letter stickers to the front (see the photo below) for a bold title. 4. Choose your favorite colors from the origami paper pack. I loved this step because I got to create a palette that totally reflects my color instincts for this season. I cut it up and am carrying the scraps in an envelope for future art journal pages.
Next, spend some time prepping the inside pages. I like to prep a lot of pages (at least 10) at one time and then carry it with me and write on the pages over time. Above are a few examples, but the possibilities are endless! Play with color, texture and photos you love to make pretty backgrounds for your journal entries. And here are a few photos of my finished journal. I'll be carrying this around this season recording little bits of life! I have tons of art journals from the past ten years and they are truly one of my favorite keepsakes.
That was fun! Are you in the mood to make your own art journal now? Start one today with random supplies you find in your home. xoxo, elsie
Such a great idea! I'm going to make one of these to keep all my spring inspirations in!
Posted by: Kristen | March 25, 2012 at 03:51 PM
thank you for this inspiration! Love the end result!
x
Angie
sundaybelle.com
Posted by: Angie | March 25, 2012 at 04:02 PM
Such an original idea for making a journal!
Posted by: Margherita | March 25, 2012 at 04:05 PM
I call my art journal "the black book" (because it´s a black book, haha), and I filled it with lot´s of nice and interesting things. For example is one page is filled with sugar packets which I emptied, because I thought the images them were nice and so on. I don´t use to write much in it, I let pictures speak instead.
Posted by: Malina | March 25, 2012 at 04:18 PM
AWESOMEEE I love stuff like this, and I'm starting my own today... It keeps the inspirational mindset going.
Posted by: Penelope Poe | March 25, 2012 at 04:24 PM
thank you so much for sharing your creativeness with us! i also your art journal e-course and can't wait to start my own!
Posted by: sara | March 25, 2012 at 04:29 PM
I just created a photo journal out of an old readers digest book. I was inspired by you emphasizing the importance of printing out all those digital photo memories. It turned out really great, I will send you a link when I put it up on my blog!
Posted by: Chelsea | March 25, 2012 at 04:40 PM
I am TOTALLY in the mood to start an art journal. This post just gave me a funny feeling in my belly. I've been creatively blocked for a while, and I feel like this is going to be my cure.
Posted by: corinne | March 25, 2012 at 04:55 PM
This is great idea! I always find that I forget to write/draw in my journals, even if I carry them around. I'm definitely going to point more effort and focus into it now.
Posted by: Lo | March 25, 2012 at 05:02 PM
SO cute! I'm trying to get more organized so I totally want to do this! :) Especially on this rainy day!
Posted by: Lolo | March 25, 2012 at 05:12 PM
I really really love this example of a spring season journal. I've never really thought about keeping one before, but it looks like it's a great way to keep your thoughts and artistic inspirations together.
Thanks for the inspiration!
:) Ewa
http://ewalooksattheworld.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Ewa Prokopczuk | March 25, 2012 at 05:13 PM
how do you find time to do all that?! bravo! and the journal is simply great:)
Posted by: staklene bombone | March 25, 2012 at 05:24 PM
This is so lovely!
Posted by: Bubble my Licorice | March 25, 2012 at 05:32 PM
So, so nice... i really love!!!!
Posted by: Anaïs Villanueva | March 25, 2012 at 05:42 PM
I need to do this... I can't draw but I could do this for sure and I need something like this to keep me centered and think positively. I wish I had more time, but it's just a matter of making time.
Posted by: Taylor | March 25, 2012 at 05:47 PM
Wow! I really, really, need to do this!
http://loganmakesamess.com
Posted by: Logan | March 25, 2012 at 05:49 PM
I'm not sure I understand the purpose of an art journal. I think I'd be afraid to write something in it I'd regret... like a typo or something embarrassing... then have to throw the whole thing away.
Posted by: Mac | March 25, 2012 at 05:52 PM
I used to keep a journal like this. I transformed old sketchbooks with fun + colourful abstract drawings. It's great to see what other people's look like - and makes me want to take the time to start art journaling again! Thank you!
Posted by: Vanessa | March 25, 2012 at 05:53 PM
Journals are a great way to not only stay focused, but also to figure out what you are drawn to, &, at the risk of sounding new-agey, who you are. Art Journals, style journals, educational journals all help explore possibilities without risk!
http://aclosetintellectual.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Tabetha | March 25, 2012 at 06:16 PM
now you've inspired me to start my own journal!:) Yay, can't wait!
Posted by: BluePenguin | March 25, 2012 at 06:30 PM