Art Journaling: Lessons from Kasia Avery

Have you ever tried making an art journal? It's essentially a from of self expression using a sketchbook and mixed media like paint, collage, and journaling. Travel albums, bullet journals, and inspiration boards are a few examples of art journals.

I've dabbled in simple art journaling in the past but I'd like explore a little bit more, this time with the help of mixed media artist, Kasia Avery. 

She has a book called "Creative Wanderlust" that allows anyone to bring their inner artist to life through art journaling and intuitive mixed media.

Here are some of valuable insights I picked up while reading her book:

1. Let go of perfection and limiting beliefs

We are our biggest critics and a common stumbling block to making art is the idea of what the end result should look. If we expect ourselves to create work like that of Picasso or Van Gogh, then we'll feel defeated. Kasia, instead, suggests we define art this way:

2. Choose an art journal and create a supply kit

There are many options to use as an art journal like old books or handmade books using paper remnants. I'm on a mission to whittle down my paper stash so I'm using individual sheets of paper to make my art journal pages. Then, once I'm done, I put the pages in a binder. I also have my sketchbook (watercolor paper) as an alternative: 

I have a small art table where I work and my materials are already laid out -- when I see them ready, it's an invitation for some creative time:

My art journaling supply kit includes: acrylic paint (black & white), 

paint (watercolor & gouache), brushes, modeling paste, gesso, and paper.  

Not in photo: scissors, glue, magazine pages & smaller paper scraps

3. Learning how to use gesso

Gesso is a water-based medium that gives a toothy layer to paper so that when we apply paint, it sits on top of the gesso instead of being absorbed into the fibers of the paper. 

Kasia suggests to apply a thin layer of gesso on your paper (especially the thin ones like tissue) and letting this dry completely. 

Here I am testing gesso for the fist time. I used white gesso applied with a paint brush on printed tissue. The upper part of the tissue is just a layer of paint. The lower part of the tissue started with a layer of gesso, then paint was added on top of the gesso. Notice that on the bottom part, you can't see the design as clearly as the upper part. The tissue also provided a less delicate surface (no fear of tearing) with the layer of gesso.     

I'll keep experimenting and let you know what I discover. 

4. Before making a spread, choose a color palette and a focal point 

Limiting the colors when making an art journal spread helps create a mood and tell a story. That's why Kasia recommends swatching our colors before we begin. Another decision to make early on is the focal point. It's the first thing you see when you look at an artwork like a drawing, word, splash of color, strong pattern or handwritten text. The focal point should stand out.

An art journal spread made using a paper bag, watercolor, and a Sharpie pen.

5. Create a ritual for your art journaling practice and assign a mindfulness reminder

In the book, Kasia also says, "Having certain practices right before you start creating will take your art journaling to a whole new level. It will immediately put you in the zone, giving your inner artist a sign that this is their time to sparkle, explode with color and go absolutely wild."

Here are some of the things I like to do when I start an art journal page: I light a scented candle and play some music to help me process my thoughts and feelings. Then I write down an intention for the spread I am about to make. I also determine how long I want to work and set a timer. When I'm done, I applaud myself for showing up, whether or not I like the page I created.

Kasia also recommends having a mindfulness reminder: "Choose an object that will bring you back to being in the moment every time you see it. It could be sticky notes you leave around your house or a little precious stone you always have in your pocket and every time you touch it, it reminds you about appreciating the now." The mindfulness reminder I chose is this ceramic origami crane (meant as a chopstick rest but I use it as a paintbrush rest).  

Here are some of the spreads I painted using the prompts in the book:

Prompt: What does it mean to you to be kind to yourself?

Prompt: What makes you feel at home? When and where
do you feel most yourself?

Prompt: Write a letter of reassurance to your inner child.

And finally:

I hope these tips will help you turn a blank page from blah to TADA! as you embark on your art journaling journey.

*****

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Stationery Swap Kits

It's so nice to see you!

Last week, I updated the look of some plain gift tags by adding some baker's twine and floral fodder:

They look so fun and festive! I can use them to turn a paper bag or a gift box from blah to TADA!

But I made so many, I thought, "Why not share these gift tags?"

It reminded me of the stationery swap kits that I've been fortunate to receive from fellow stationery lovers.

This envelope was from Kelsey (@kelsonplanning) who I met at a travel journaling workshop. She gave everyone an envelope!

Inside are these pieces of ephemera and stickers to decorate a journal or scrapbook...TADA!

These wax seals and washi tape collection are from Michael (@theenchanteddesk). I met him at a letter writing workshop.

Stationery lovers and journal enthusiasts are some of the most thoughtful people on earth! It wasn't required but they did it anyway as a way to share their stash. This kind gesture also made them more memorable. I felt so bad that I didn't have anything to trade with them.   

So maybe it was time to make my own stationery swap kits.

I saved this printed tissue paper from a package.

I cut the paper into smaller rectangles.

I turned them into envelopes, gluing the open sides together, and leaving one side as a flap. Also, I decorated the envelope with a floral rubber stamp and a sticker label. 

It serves as packaging for my handmade gift tags...TADA! I can also include D.I.Y. stickers and handmade stationery.

On the blank labels, I can write "Handmade for You," "A Little Something for You" or personalize with the recipient's name. I can even add my business card or links to my website and social media accounts if I want to make more lasting connections.

And that is how I turned some plain paper from blah to TADA! I can't wait to make more stationery swap kits so that I'm ready when the occasion calls for it. 

*****

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Floral Gift Tags

Thank you for stopping by today!

I was rummaging through some gift wrapping supplies and I found these:

They are gold gift tags that I got at Ikea many years ago. While they are cute and versatile, they are looking a little blah, don't you think?

I drew some flowers and leaves on cardstock, painted them, and outlined them using a black fineliner pen. Instantly, we have scrapbooking or collage fodder...TADA! 

I cut around the different flower shapes to make them look like die-cuts. Then I attached these on the gift tags using a glue gun. 

I also added some confetti (the little paper dots left inside a hole punch), securing them in place with more glue. Then I looped baker's twine to the little hole on top of the gift tag.

Look at my gift tags now! It's like they got a glow up from a tropical vacation! They are ready to embellish gift bags and gift boxes, with a sweet note inscribed on each one.

And that is how I turned plain gift tags from blah to TADA!

*****

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Three Things for July

Oh July, you're here! 

July means picnics and barbecues and eating outdoors. I'll bring a cake to the potluck and dress it up with whipped cream and berries...TADA!

July also means road trips and stopping by flea markets to go thrifting. I love the hit of nostalgia when I see little toys like these that I used to collect: the Trolls, Muppet Babies, E.T., Ziggy, and Monchhichi. It brings me back to a simpler time...TADA!

July also means weekends at the beach for rest and relaxation...TADA!

I hope your July will be filled with all your favorite things!

Art Journal: Inspired By Peonies

Hi there! Have you been relishing the weather and doing lots of fun activities outdoors?

I've been taking a lot of walks in the park and I'm loving the peonies in different stages of bloom. 

Thrilled to have captured them with this veil of early morning dew drops.

Peonies are one of my favorite flowers -- they are like pink cabbages when in full bloom. They really command attention!

I hurriedly went home to make something peony inspired!

I used cling stamps, an acrylic block, and ink pad to make these peony prints on a security envelope. I used colored pencils to add just the right shade of pink. 

I painted a page of my art journal black. While the paint dried,  I cut out the peonies with a pair of scissors and eventually glued the peony cutouts to the page.

I added details like leaves and dots using a white pen. 

I may not have peonies all year long but I was able to preserve their beauty in my art journal!

And that is how I turned a blank page from blah to TADA!

As a bonus, here are ways to use the peony cutouts:

Peonies as a cover for a greeting card...TADA!

Peonies to turn a plain paper bag from blah to TADA! 

Peonies to embellish a notebook cobbled together from paper remnants...TADA!

*****

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Treasures from the Trash: A Comfy Chair

Thanks guys for stopping by today!

In the past, I've shown you "treasures" I found in the trash like this chalkboard easel, bookshelf, side table, doors, and rolling cart, plus ideas on how to turn them from blah to TADA!

I found another item:

It's a side chair. It's looking a little tired but it's still sturdy and in good shape. I couldn't take it home with me because I have no room in the apartment. But if I did, here's what I would do: 

I would give it a new coat of paint or varnish update and some new upholstery to make it look new again...TADA!

Here are my fabric options:

via Fabric Worm

Something from Rifle Paper Company's fabric line. All the prints are pretty, it's really difficult to choose. Here are my favorite ones:

via Anthropologie

via Anthropologie

via Anthropologie

These will look good in a craft room, a girl's bedroom, or home office.

Another option is to use androgynous fabric.

via Spoonflower

Like these ones from Spoonflower that are timeless and can easily be mixed and matched with other pieces of furniture.

They'll look something like these:

via West Elm

via Anthropologie

via Apartment Therapy

Before getting rid of your chairs, why not find ways to turn them from blah to TADA! Otherwise, you can donate them to a thrift shop like this one or this one...it's the responsible way to help both the environment and those in need.

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