This week on Show Me How, Gloria Bastos is joined by Kim Geyser of K Craft. She introduces us to the new and exciting trend of art journaling. She’ll teach us various techniques such as inking, creating texture, how to mix different colours, ghosting, stamping, doodling and so much more. Don’t miss Show Me How, only on The Home Channel.
Art Journaling
By Kim Geyser
K Craft
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Requirements
- A blank paper journal (Should you work with paint, ink, marking pens or heavy medium, you will need paper that is heavier – 260 -300 gram – or paper that is waterproof.)
- Gesso & Modge Podge
- Stencils and stamps
- Acrylic paint
- Ink pads and spray inks in a variety of colours
- Pens, pencils, paint brushes
- Printed pictures, paper serviettes etc.
Instructions
An art journal is a diary or record of your thoughts, experiences, and observations expressed in images. You can illustrate your thoughts, experiences, inspirations and observations with colour, patterns, design, doodles pictures and sketches. You can do this daily or whenever you have the urge. There are no rules when it comes to art journaling, you can do whatever you like and if you don’t like your page you can just apply a nice layer of Gesso and start again. It’s as simple as that.
- Step 1: Words and theme
- Think about what it is you want to Journal about. You can make notes, keep your inspiration bits, prompts, quotes etc. handy so that you can get going.
- Step 2: Prepare page
- Strengthen page by gluing pages together if they are not thick enough to handle the mediums. Covering the page with Gesso is a good basis to work from. You can also modge podge paper pieces to your page. A thin layer of Gesso over your modge podge will remove the stickiness.
- Step 3: Background
- You can use various mediums to cover your background. Ink and paint work well. Acrylic paint can be mixed with acrylic glaze and water for lighter coverage. Add 2nd colour of paint or ink around edge or blend different colours together.
- Step 4: Add texture – visual and tactile
- Layers of colour, shapes and textures are what make a page interesting. Stencil over your background with ink or paint. Add stamped patterns and text randomly to create interest. Texture paste can be added to bring in interest. Strips of paper, scrapbooking paper, text paper from books and washi tape can all be used to create additional texture and interest. Torn strips of paper can be integrated into page with some paint or ink.
- Step 5: Add features on you page
- If you are able to paint and draw you can add your designs to the page. There are loads of places to find great images. This can be a sentiment, decoupage picture, stamped image. The internet will provide you with digital images and loads of inspiration. Magazines are a constant source of great images and you can find lovely lettering and words in magazines. Serviettes have lovely images to decoupage and add a lovely translucent feel.
- Step 6: Finishing off
- Doodling around your page, over elements makes it your own. Even simple doodle designs can be very effective. Shading and highlights give a depth to your work and emphasise certain features. Adding your own handwritten sentiment or comment is a fabulous finishing touch. A border is the ideal way to complete your project.