I had originally planned to post a tutorial
for making that page, but when I got the
paintbrush in my hand and started
creating, I completely forgot to take
scans of the steps to complete the page!
I also realized that not everyone likes
their own handwriting, or wants to take
the time to draw fancy letter styles.
So here's an Art Journal Page Tutorial
with a variety of ways to add text,
other than writing in your own handwriting...
"GOOD DAY" Art Journal Page Tutorial~
Supplies:
- Art Journal of your choice; mixed media or watercolor paper is good, but not essential
- Permanent (waterproof) marker or pen, in medium and fine point sizes
- Watercolors and water
- Paintbrush: 3/4" flat
- Highlighters
- Your choice of text - words/phrases
- Scraps of a variety of papers: scrapbook, book text, painted scraps
- Scissors and adhesive (I used Aleene's Tacky Glue)
- Ideas for wording to be added to the page
• • •
My first step was to think about what
words or phrases would be included on
the page, and determine the number of
sections into which I would divide the page.
I drew a border around the page: a
variety of wiggly lines, curlicues,
marks and dots. I didn't try to be
necessarily balanced or 'even.'
I used a medium point permanent marker,
over which I can use water media
without smearing the ink.
I divided the page into the number
of phrases in 'my list' for a Good Day,
again making different little patterns
that are easy to draw. You could
also just use 'straight' or wavy lines
as dividing borders. Those who like
to Zentangle could really showcase
their abilities here!
I applied light watercolor washes to
the page,and chose to vary the colors
from section to section. This is a Canson
sketchbook, so the pages aren't intended
for water media. Some buckling of the
paper occurred, but I just tried to use as
little water as I could. After it dried, just
closing the book flattened the pages again.
I used Prang pan watercolors--the kind
you can buy for elementary school kids,
and a 3/4" flat paintbrush to fill in
the areas quickly.
For the lettering, there are a variety of
ways to add text on the page:
- --Your own hand-written cursive
- --Your own hand-written printing
- --Letters cut from magazines or newspapers
- --Computer generated words or phrases
- --Stamped text using rubber stamp letters
- --Words cut from a book, or junk mail
- --Lettering from scrapbook paper
- --Letters from sticker sets or rub-ons
- --Stencil lettering
- --Use a typewriter to type words on a separate paper, then cut and paste the paper to your page
I didn't have any stencils small enough
to fit on this page, but I did have some
scrapbook letters that I cut out, and
stickers--used in the last line.
This is a place where you could
call your art journal page 'done.'
But I find that adding doodles, shading,
and decoration is my favorite part of
the process!
A view of the Bic highlighters I used,
and my morning cup of Mocha coffee.
I added highlighter (above) to some areas
to brighten up the page, add shading
and accents. I also decided I needed
to clarify what I meant by
"accomplish something," so
there is now another line in parenthesis
below it. Keep in mind that housework is
the last thing on my daily 'To Do' list...ahem!
This could be another
point where you could call it 'done.'
but I want to create some
simple flowers for filling in some
spaces, so let's keep going...
I made some 'flowers' from
a book page. You could also use
ledger paper, scrapbook paper, or
any painted paper scraps.
Draw simple oval shapes with the
medium point permanent marker.
Then add color using watercolors,
or highlighters. I used highlighters.
Be sure to draw your flowers in
a size that will fit your journal page.
Using highlighters, overlapping colors
can give you additional colors. I didn't
have a purple highlighter, but overlapping
pink and blue gave me purple. You can
add more details with a fine point
marker now, or later when you've
adhered the flower to the page.
Cut out the flower heads with scissors.
I cut several 'outside' the outlines, letting
the text create an additional border.
Adhere the flower heads to the page
where you like, draw in stems, and
accent stems with green highlighter.
At this point you could also draw leaves,
but I drew leaves on the text page
scraps, cut out, and adhered
them also.
Beneath the top flower heads,
I didn't feel there was enough room
for leaves, so I drew in some
curlicues and dots.
Another option for adding a decorative design is
to add some stamping. Since I am not confident
with my 'stamping abilities,' I usually just draw
or doodle where I want to add designs. It's your
Art Journal...do whatever you like best.
For additional decorative motifs, research symbols in the assorted fonts of the word processing program on your computer. Look for symbols that might be fun to use on your journal pages. If you have any version of 'Wingdings' you can find a wide variety of symbols to use as 'fillers' or design elements. I printed out a page full of assorted motifs on white card stock, so I can have them on hand for future projects.
I chose a leaf design in Wingdings 2. (above)
I made sure to include the reverse design
in the motifs I printed out, so there would
be a mirror image on opposite sides. I chose
to leave these uncolored, as I felt the black
and white went well with the striped scrapbook
paper on which I mounted these words cut
from an old book.
I rather wish I hadn't added the highlighter
to the word 'Art'...but it will do.
When I was looking for words to cut from
an old elementary school Health textbook,
one of the things it mentioned for the children
was being safe. I rather take that for granted.
But I really shouldn't. Not everyone feels
safe...even in their own homes. So
I decided it was a good reminder to
include on this page.
Once I go to bed, I usually sleep fairly
well. But I am notorious for staying up
late. I've discovered, though, that
many people don't feel as though they
get enough sleep. So again, I am fortunate.
Lastly, sign and date your page.
It's a helpful step in seeing
your art work progress and change
over time. Also, it's important
to have that signature to signify
your copyright of the work.
It's a good day when I finish
a blog post, and actually create
the tutorial that I had intended!
with Bleubeard and Elizabeth.
Join us for a beverage...
What makes a "Good Day" for you?
