more than one way to craft a handmade art journal

Art journaling is such a convenient and ‘handy’ way of doing something crafty. Even here, at Canvas Corp Brands, we have started our year-long project called CCB Traveling Art Journal. But how about not only putting art into the journal but making it art on its own? Yes, we are talking about having your own handmade art journal. Of course, it is so much easier to go and buy one but it is definitely more fun to actually make one – a one-off piece of art with your very own covers and your very own inserts; the size you like, the theme you like, the paper you like. Sounds interesting? Oh, yes, it does! 

Today, two of our Crew members show you their own, and very different from one another, take on making a journal from scratch. We are sure that you will like their ideas.

First up is Tammy Brackett with her Flow-ish type mini-journal.

‘Another Crew member, Rosemary Morris, introduced me to Flow-ish style journaling and I am HOOKED! I love journals that can be taken apart and used in other projects. Think of it as recycling recycled recycling! I took the concept a step further and included blank tags, ATCs and small canvas pieces to encourage play. I also attached interactive elements like washi, stickers, fabric, and chipboard embellishments throughout the Flow-ish Journal. I’ve made several big Flow-ish journals but this is my first mini Flow Journal or FloJo. I used scraps of various papers from Canvas Corp and 7gypsies. It was so much fun and I hope everyone tries this Flowish Journaling project!’ – explains Tammy.

Materials used:
Scraps from 7gypsies Junque Packs
Tattered Angels Glimmer Mists
Assorted Canvas Corp papers

‘I love every single shred of paper from Canvas Corp Brands! Making a mini Flow-ish style journal was a GREAT way to use up small bits and bobs of paper and packaging!’ – enthuses Tammy.

Tammy used various papers and other elements form numerous collections and brands; you can do the same. You could also go for a themed journal with a nautical or nature or holiday theme and choose papers that will fit in – there is no right or wrong way of doing it. As long as what you make is what you like, go for it!

Ina Solsbery shares another take on the crafting process – she focused on making beautiful covers that will hold plain mixed media pages for her art journaling.

‘I was in need of a new art journal for my mixed media pages, and decided to use the beautiful mermaid image (from Tattered Angels Mixed Media Origins Collection ) for the main focal point. I find it fun and satisfying to create a journal from scratch using recycled materials. The journal is designed for loose leaf pages and therefore great for art or anything else you might like to collect and keep as a nice presentation. The journal came out very sturdy and functional with beautiful colors, and the pretty mermaid inspired me to give it a nautical flair. In true mixed media fashion, I added a large variety of medium for colors, texture and effects.’ – said Ina.

Materials used:
Tattered Angels Mixed Media Origins paper – Mermaid
7 Gypsies Maritime Collection paper – Sirene
Tattered Angels Calendar Paint System – Diamonds and Pearls
Tattered Angels Simply Sheer Mist – Teal
Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist – Hemlock Green
watercolors (generic)
Primacolor Watercolor pencils
markers (generic)
Folk Art Metallic acrylic paint (aquamarine and copper)
Folk Art Liquid glitter
Faber Castell Texture gems
Posca pen
PITT marker
Sharpie
Daler/Rowney Gesso
Speedball Gel Medium and Modelling Paste
Mod Podge matte
Ranger Bubble stencil
Recycled: tissue paper, old record album, binder rings, foldout sheets, cardboard, 2 screws and nuts, and white duct tape

Tools:
paint brushes
scissors
spatula
credit card
hole punch

We also have some useful tips from Ina:

1. Use duct tape to connect front and back cover to the spine and cover everything in gesso to create the base.
2. Added tissue paper and chosen image to the front cover, a border to the spine and a whole page design from the reverse side to the back cover.
3. Add modelling paste through a stencil to the edge of the image and any free spaces on the front cover.
4. Color both covers and spine with a large variety of mediums. Do the same with the inside cover and spine.
5. Seal the whole outside of the cover with ModPodge; add the binding rings with screws and nuts.
6. Inside, add the mixed media paper. Your journal is ready!

‘This project took me a few hours to complete as layers have to dry etc., but the basic design is simple and time could be cut significantly, if the papers are used without adding color. They are pretty just the way they are as well.’ – explains Ina.

For more of her work, make sure you visit Ina’s Instagram.

As you can see, there is no one or best way to make a journal. Make sure that you go for what speaks to you, what inspires you and what makes your creative process even more fun! Once you have made your own handmade art journal, make sure you share it with us in our CCB Collective on Facebook. We love seeing your creations!

Happy Crafting!

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