Discover how mixed media art journaling allows you to tap into your creativity, and encourages a regular art practice filled with experimentation and expression. In this 2 hour class, you will play with color and a variety of mediums and techniques. Most importantly, you will learn how to set aside that critical voice that can disrupt your creativity. 

Topics include different approaches to art journaling, using a variety of tools and supplies, incorporating junk or “ephemera” into your designs, layering words and images on paper, and the critical component of connecting with your inner artist. 

You will leave with one art journal entry, as well as inspiration and strategies that will jump start your regular art journaling practice.

Supplies list

Because there aren’t any rules for art journaling, a supplies list really only needs to include paper and some kind of way to make marks on the paper. Below are just ideas and options. Don’t feel obligated to buy something on the list. I will bring a limited supply to share. However, It is helpful if you bring your own basics so that we can minimize touching shared supplies.

Blank journal: any blank journal that is sized around 6” x 8”.  One option is Canson XL mixed media pad, wire bound, 5.5”x8.5”, readily available at arts and crafts stores.  If you don’t like wirebound journals, and prefer to work across pages, find a plain sketch book that has a little thicker paper so it can hold paint and ink, and not bleed through too badly. I will have loose leaf paper that you can use if you don’t have a journal for the class.

Glue stick or white PVA glue (like elmers school glue): UHU brand glue sticks seem to work better than others, but any brand will do.

Scissors

Drawing and writing media: pencil, permanent black marker, colored pencils, pens, markers, crayons, paint markers, pastels

Wet media: any craft or acrylic paint. Inks or stains or sprays. Ink pads or oxide pads. Watercolor paints. Bring your favorite colors, even just a handful of colors are enough.

Paint brushes: bring a couple of different sizes

Paint palette: plastic lid or a piece of wax paper works

Water cup for washing brushes: anything to hold water (yogurt container, old jar)

Other equipment options: old credit card (for smoothing paper that has been glued), stencils, brayer roller, palette knives, rubber stamps, washi tape, duct tape, paper punches

Junk/fodder/ephemera (anything that looks visually interesting to you):

Scraps of fabric, string, ribbon, buttons, doilies, lace

Junk mail, envelopes, stamps, stickers

Receipts, barcodes, old letters, old legers, vintage anything

Old books, maps, newspapers/magazines/catalogs

Pressed flowers or leaves, empty seed packets, wall paper samples, gift wrap, tissue paper

Photos (we can make copies of photos if you don’t want to use the original)

Old artwork you want to re-purpose

Candy wrappers, canned food labels, tags off of new clothes

Old sewing patterns