When you have taken time away from creating, it can feel pretty intimidating to jump back in. That is the exact position I found myself in after basically taking 3.5 weeks off from art journaling. I wasn’t sure where to start or what direction I wanted my page to go in, so I decided to just put on some great music (thank you, Hamilton soundtrack!) and start grabbing supplies and going for it. Sometimes the pages without the plans come out the coolest!
To begin, I knew there were a few supplies that I was anxious to play with and try out. One of those included a brand new set of Midline Highlighters that I picked up from Target. What can I say? Even as a 36 year old woman, I am a sucker for new school supplies. Truthfully, I hope I never lose that rush I get from opening a new pack of markers or pens. School supplies are the best!
To ease myself in to the whole art journaling process, I tested all my highlighters by making diagonal lines across one side of the spread. This gave me a chance to see how these highlighters worked and test colors while also relaxing me through the repetitiveness of the activity. Perfect start! Once that was finished, things started to get a little crazy. I pulled out a variety of masking stencils that I have picked up over the summer and some Jane Davenport navy blue acrylic paint and WENT TO TOWN! Seriously, I had so much fun adding stenciling to sections on the right side of the spread, that I organically started moving to the left side. I never intended to even deal with the left side of the spread, but once you are in the groove art journaling, it is hard to pull in the reigns.
Once I finished the stenciling, it was evident that I needed to now address the left side of this spread. I opted to add a gorgeous Jane Davenport girl, using one of the stencils that is included in her acrylic paint sets. The girl ended up with gorgeous, golden hair, a pale complexion, and a bit too much blush. Oh well, can’t win them all. The left side also took shape with the addition of texture paste through a number stencil to add dimension and interest. I added touches of the highlighter colors that I loved as well as more navy blue paint to tie the two sides together.
The finishing touch to the entry came from a white Signo Gel pen. These pens are FABULOUS for art journaling and pair wonderfully with Jane Davenport’s flat acrylic paint. I used my white gel paint to add the title “I am a beautiful mess” along with lots of other details doodles and words. I was even so wrapped up in my journaling that I didn’t realize my camera stopped recording part way through! Totally lost in the process and loving every second!
What’s the longest amount of time you have ever stepped away from creating? Did you find it hard to jump back in? Are you in the midst of one of those times now? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below!
Keep it creative,
-The Scrappy Wife
Supplies Used: (Some of these links are affiliate links that help support this blog!)
- Arteza Watercolor Journal
- Midline Highlighters
- Various stencils from my stash
- Jane Davenport Acrylic Paint
- Ranger Texture Paste
- Uniball White Signo Gel Pen
Any chance you are coming to the Atlanta area anytime soon?