Creating an art journal from scratch, is like creating one large masterpiece one page at a time. Everyday occurrances or even one's innermost personal feelings can be the inspiration to put pencil (and much more) to paper. Being creative relieves stress and generates a sense of wellbeing. Everybody has the ability to be creative in one way or another.
Ansota is an artist from Somerset West. She has been involved in arts and crafts for the past two decades. She is a self-taught artist and experiments with all mediums. Her mixed media artworks, where she uses several different mediums together, are very popular. This is her suggestion for getting started on creating an art journal. To create the journal you will need the following, available from any arts and craft shop:
Getting Started
- A book with blank pages or an old story book (this is perfect for beginners who do not want to spend money on an expensive journal)
- Stamps and stencils
- Gesso
- Acrylic paints
- Water soluble crayons or pencils
- Drawing ink
- Podge or gel medium
- Decorative paper or prints
- Serviettes and tissue paper
- Glitter glue
- Scrap booking embellishments
- Gouache or water-soluble paint
- Brushes
- Crafting glue
- Coffee or tea
- Glazing medium
- Oil pastels
To purchase all of the above is not necessary. Decide how many layers is needed and buy materials accordingly. Practice makes perfect. But remember; art journaling is not about creating something perfect - the rougher the better! Spontaneous ideas created on blank paper usually have the best end result.
The Process
- Paste two or three pages together with podge, if the pages are a little too thin.
- Paint gesso on both sides to strengthen the page and prepare it for other mediums.
- Start designing a layout now or go with the flow and see what happens.
- Paint the background with gouache or acrylic paint.
- Mix a little glazing medium with the paint as it waters down the paint, which makes it dry faster and gives shine to preferential areas.
- Layer decorative papers,prints, serviettes and tissue paper using podge and a very soft brush.
- Use gesso to cover mistakes or areas that need to change.
- Give decorative paper an antique look by staining it with coffee or tea.
- Apply water-soluble crayons, pencils and oil pastels anywhere and smudge with your fingers for effect.
- Ad glitter glue, drawing ink, stamps, stencils and scrap booking embellishments to end off with.
Tips
- Make sure each layer has dried completely before continuing with the next.
- The brush used to podge delicate tissue paper and serviettes with, should be very soft to prevent tearing of the paper.
- Brushes should be washed thoroughly after use, especially the gesso and podge brushes.
- Do not use a lead pencil when designing the layout. Use a water-soluble or pastel pencil in a soft shade so that mistakes can be erased easily.
Start Crafting Today
To view Ansota's blog, click here or go to www.artyansota.blogspot.com. Continue practicing to find your own unique style. Most importantly; have fun! Make time for journaling each day. It will enrich your life and leave you feeling good about yourself. Enjoy!
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