“Out of the Box” Art Journal Process

What is the most unusual thing that you have ever used in your art journaling?  I am super intrigued to know, because i think that art journalers are some of the most creative people out there, and I love how as a community, we turn every day items or even trash into gorgeous art.  This week, I am using an Ethan Allen furniture magazine to create wildly inspirational rooms in my art journal.  It was such a fun and easy process, that I actually created to entries in one video.  Check out my channel for the process:

The process for these entries was relatively simple and straightforward, which is my favorite kind of art journaling.  I never want to have to think too hard or over complicate the process.  I just go with what feels good, relaxing, and inspiring at the time.  I think that is why I connect with art journaling so much.  When I am working in other paper crafts, there tend to be unsaid rules or guidelines that need to be followed.  Definitely not the case with art journaling!

 

Each of these entries utilized marbled paper direct from Italy!  My husband and I took a Florentine marbled paper class from a small shop owner in Florence, and it was so much fun!  I have been hoarding these pieces ever since we returned, but now I am determined to start using them in my creations.

I also utilized some new Brutus Monroe stamps in my first layout.  These gorgeous floral stamps are modern and versatile, and I know that I will be using them a lot in the future.  I worked with gray Staz-On ink and watercolors to give the florals a faded, loose look.  I also enjoyed using metallic watercolor to add another interesting twist to the “out of the box” wallpaper I was creating.  On the second entry, I used the Kingdom Alpha stamp set from By the Well 4 God with Versafine Onyx black ink.  The ink took a little longer than expected to dry, so I am thinking that perhaps Staz-On would have been a better choice for that particular paper.

 

The one issue I ran into when working on these layouts was when to use liquid adhesive and when to use my normal tape-runner.  When you are working with thicker cardstock, it is desirable to use liquid adhesive to make sure it stays securely attached to your art journal.  On the other hand, the thin magazine paper often warps when used with liquid adhesive, so I tended to stick to the tape runner for those pieces.  I recommend doing some experimenting with different adhesives and different elements to see what you prefer and what works best with your projects.

These pages are fun and quirky, and I sure do love how they came out.  I was left with a few furniture pictures, so I know that I will be continuing this series in my journal later this summer.  Such a fun twist on my normal art journal process!

Keep it creative,

-The Scrappy Wife

Supplies Used:

• Jane Davenport Art Journal
• Versafine Onyx Black Ink
• Staz-On Stone Gray Ink
• Brutus Monroe Floral Stamps
• Tombow Liquid adhesive
• Tombow Permanent tape runner