What Do You Need to Journal?
I started art journaling with a small, leather-bound notebook. I have also used drawing pads and canvases.
I use items purchased from art stores, dollar stores and my local hardware store. Most of my supplies include:
- Acrylic paints
- Stamps
- Bakers twine
- Jute string
- Burlap pieces
- Foam brushes
- Paint brushes
- Label maker
- Tissue paper
- Stickers
- Bubble wrap
- Stencils
- Markers
- Tin cans
- Old books
- Cereal boxes
I use anything I think I can repurpose as an “objet d’art.” I’m not fussy or a snob about my art. Free, recycled or purchased — I like it all.
Finding Inspiration is Easy
Use Google or social media to help guide you. Look under keywords and hashtags that include:
- Creative journal
- Art journal
- Bullet journal
- Daily planner
- Fauxbonichi
- Bible journal
All Journaling Uses Prompts
Prompts are a list of topics you can choose to follow daily, weekly, monthly or at your leisure. Inspiration topics can also come from photo challenges, bucket lists or anything that’s on your mind.
My favorite group is called The Reset Girl’s Listers Gotta List Challenge. A list of topics are issued monthly; I pick and choose from the list and tweak topics however I like.
The Facebook group provides inspiration with other members sharing stories and entries. Find a style of journaling that suits you!
I did invest in a few items that make art journaling easier and fun. A good glue gun will save you lots of headaches trying to adhere heavier media.
I enjoy being able to download and print images or quotes and create text on my PC and printer. Once the text or image is printed I either cut it out by hand or use my cutting machine.
Chronic illness tip: I use a Silhouette Cameo cutting machine and it saves your hands when trying to cut images or stickers. Trust me on this one!
Art journaling can help fibro sufferers. Get online, join a few groups, and play with paint — it beats isolation and gives you a mental break from your illness.
It leaves you feeling like a weight has been lifted and frees you from your burdening thoughts. It helps you feel like you have accomplished something in a day when maybe that’s all you could accomplish.
There are no rules and you can work at your own pace. Be creative and enjoy the journey!
