Are you ready to take your art journaling to the next level? Whether you’re looking to experiment with new materials or dive deeper into mixed media techniques, here are some supplies and methods that can breathe new life into your creative practice.
- Mixed Media Papers and Journals
Start with a sturdy foundation. Mixed media papers and journals are designed to handle various wet and dry media without warping or bleeding through. - High-Quality Watercolours
Upgrade to artist-grade watercolours for more vibrant pigments and better blending capabilities. The difference in colour intensity and workability can be truly transformative. - Acrylic Inks
These versatile inks provide intense colours and can be used for various techniques, from washes to detailed work. They’re perfect for adding pops of colour or creating interesting backgrounds. - Alcohol-Based Markers
Great for blending and creating smooth colour transitions, these markers are a favourite among illustrators and can add a professional touch to your journal pages. - Washi Tapes
These decorative Japanese paper tapes are perfect for adding texture, patterns, and a touch of whimsy to your pages. - Embossing Powders and Heat Gun
Create raised, textured elements by stamping with embossing ink, sprinkling on embossing powder, and then melting it with a heat gun. - Gesso
This primer can create interesting textures and allow you to work on various surfaces. It’s also great for preparing pages in altered books (more on that later!). You can also use it to paint over sections or pages you don’t like and want to redo. - Modelling Paste
Add three-dimensional elements to your pages with modelling paste. It can be tinted, textured, and shaped to create unique effects. - Stencils and Masks
Use these to create repeating patterns or shapes, adding depth and interest to your backgrounds. I’ve used toy car tyres and spiral scrunchies dipped in paint to add interesting textures. - Gelatos or Water-Soluble Crayons
These offer a creamy texture and can be blended with water, creating beautiful, soft effects. Crayons can however leave a sticky surface, so make sure to add a silk or wax paper so pages don’t stick together. - Collage Materials
Expand your mixed media work with speciality papers, fabric scraps, dried flowers or leaves or other ephemera. The possibilities are endless when you open up your mind to what could go in an art journal, suddenly a lot of trash starts to look like treasure. These days I save all the silk and packing paper used in filling out empty space in delivery boxes. - Calligraphy Pens or Brush Pens
Elevate your lettering with these tools, perfect for journaling with style. They’re also great for adding theme-appropriate or inspirational quotes to your imagery, or giving photo descriptions a truly personal touch. - Altered Books as Journals
Give new life to old books by transforming them into art journals. Start by gessoing over the existing pages to create a blank canvas. You can also glue pages together for added strength. This technique not only provides an interesting base for your art but also adds a layer of texture and history to your journal. - Sewing in Your Journal
Incorporate textile elements by sewing directly onto your journal pages. This can be done by hand or with a sewing machine (if your journal can fit). Add fabric scraps, create interesting patterns with thread, or use stitching to attach other elements to your pages. This technique adds wonderful texture and a handmade feel to your work.
Keep in mind that you may need to cut out some pages to make space for the finished pages in your art journal that are most likely going to be thicker than before.
And remember, the joy of art journaling lies in experimentation and personal expression. Don’t be afraid to mix and match these supplies and techniques to find what resonates with you. The most important thing is to enjoy the process and let your creativity flow!
