Have you ever thought… ‘I so want to journal but I just don’t know where to start!’
An art journal is more than just a collection of random drawings – it is a vibrant tapestry, woven from the threads of your innermost thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Unlike a sketchbook – a trusty companion for honing your artistic skills with pencil, pen, or marker strokes on sometimes pristine pages — an art journal is a sanctuary for your soul’s expressions. It is a place where images and words dance together, where mixed media becomes a language, and where every smear, mark or stitch is a conversation with your creative spirit. In the realm of art journaling, the pages are alive with the colours of your memories and the textures of your dreams, inviting you to explore, experiment, and discover.
Day 1 – Using reclaimed papers we will create a series of pages with painted papers, layered washes, mark making, natural textures, inks, collage etc. At the end of the morning session you will have your own personal stack of papers. During the afternoon we will compose these papers into signatures with a simple binding, create a cover and add pockets, belly bands and reused envelopes. This will be the start of your personal journal, uniquely textured and expressive.
Day 2 – During the morning we will start by adding further layers of colour exploration, scraps, text and drawings. We will move on, with the use of prompts to exploring approaches, themes and techniques, enabling you to develop a toolkit for developing your beautiful handmade journal.
You will leave with a beautiful handmade journal that you have begun to journal into and have several completed pages.
Material suggestions to bring:
1. Sketchbook: A sturdy sketchbook with thick pages serves as the foundation for your art journal, ready to hold up to a variety of mediums.
2. Acrylic Paints: With their quick-drying properties and bold colours, acrylic paints are versatile for layering and texturing in your journal.
3. Watercolour Set: Watercolours are ideal for adding soft backgrounds or a wash of colour without causing the paper to buckle.
4. Coloured Pencils: They offer precision for detailed work and are perfect for adding depth and shading to your illustrations.
5. Fine Liner Pens: These pens are essential for crisp lines and writing, and their permanent ink won’t bleed when painted over.
6. Washi Tape: This decorative tape can be used for borders or as a way to adhere lighter items without bulk.
7. Glue Stick: A non-toxic glue stick is a mess-free way to stick paper and photos to your pages.
8. Part 2 – Tickets, photos, articles …this will be explained more on session 1
9. Stamps and Ink Pads (Optonal): Stamps are a quick way to add patterns and text, and with various ink colours, the possibilities are endless.
10. Gesso: This primer can be used to prepare pages, ensuring that they don’t absorb too much paint and that the colours stand out.
Homemade cake, fresh coffee and teas provided