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How to Create Layers Using Ink Blending
Creating in a journal is a great self-care practice but it can be challenging to add layers and dimension to a page. Today we will discuss how to create layers using ink blending in your creative projects. Layering Inks Layering inks is a great way of creating dimension in your projects. There are several things to consider when you are creating layers with your inks: Color Values In my last article I shared about how to use color values when creating a monochromatic project. By using a variety of color values this creates different shades and intensity of color, which adds dimension to your project. Type of Ink Certain types…
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Monochromatic Art Journal Project
Have you ever tried using a color wheel when designing an art journal layout? This week we will be learning how to create a monochromatic art journal project and talk about the color theory behind this concept. What Does Monochromatic Mean? Monochromatic means “containing or using only one color.” When applying this to an artistic application, it is choosing one color as the basis of our project. It can be challenging only using one color in a project, but by understanding how color values work, we can create a very dynamic layout using only one color. What are Color Values? Color values refers to the lightness or darkness…
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How to Use a Traveler’s Notebook
Have you ever used a traveler’s notebook as part of your creative practice? Today we will be discussing how to use a traveler’s notebook to elevate your creative practice. What is a Traveler’s Notebook? The Midori style traveler notebook that kicked off the craze started in 2005, but the concept of a traveler’s notebook or journal has been around for a long time. They were used for taking notes and observations when people were traveling. A traveler’s journal includes a notebook cover that has an elastic strung through the middle to hold a notebook, or notebooks in place. The covers can be made of a variety of materials, including leather,…
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How to Paint a Night Sky
This week we will be learning how to paint a night sky using watercolor paint. This is one of my favorite self-care exercises as it is simple and so relaxing. What makes learning how to paint a night sky so fun is this technique can be used with other colors and other applications. This provides practice and an understanding on what colors you can create from blending watercolor paints. The Inspiration The inspiration for this project was thinking about the warm summer days when I can get out of the city and see the stars. I love the night sky, there is something about the expanse of it that is…
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Valentines Art Journal Page
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, so today I will be sharing a Valentines art journal page using watercolor. Valentine’s Day can be an interesting holiday, but for many of us, it can bring some mixed feelings. Some of us really enjoy the celebration of love and connection. But Valentine’s Day can also have feelings of pressure to have the perfect experience or life. Instead of focusing on Valentine’s Day specifically in this journal page, we will be discussing the topic of love. Thinking About Love When we think about love, what is love truly about? Love can sometimes feel like the forced display of affection on Valentine’s Day…
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Altering Paper on a Journal Page
Have you ever had paper that you wanted to use in an art journaling project but were uncertain how to add it to your page? In this week’s project, we will be altering paper on a journal page. We will be focusing on two different ways that you can use a piece of paper on one journal page. For this week’s project I wanted to share with you one of my new favorite paper lines by Wild Whisper Designs called Carefree. I love this paper because it is so bright and cheery. In my city, we are experiencing a typical Canadian winter. With the snow and gray days, I often…
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Mixed Media Art Journal Project “Grow”
Do you ever struggle with bringing different mixed media products together on a page? In this week’s tutorial I will be demonstrating how to do so in this mixed media art journal project “Grow”. In this project we will be using watercolor, Brusho Crystal Colours and pastes through stencils to make a colorful and dynamic art journal page. The Intention I usually start every art journal project with an intention for the project. Sometimes, it is something as simple as trying out a new art product or image. Other times it is a thought, word, or idea to work through as I create. Sometimes it is hard to know where…
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How to use Pan Pastels
Today I wanted to show you how to use Pan Pastels. Pan Pastels are a new addition to my mixed media work, and I have enjoyed using them to enhance my art. If you have never heard of Pan Pastels, these are a fun and versatile medium. So what are Pan Pastels? Pan Pastels are a soft, highly pigmented pastel that is in a pan form. These are not oil based but instead have a chalk-like feel. One of the benefits of using pan pastels is that you can apply color quickly and easily. They blend well, are highly pigmented and are created to produce very little dust. I enjoy…
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Painting with Ink: An Art Journal Project
Have you ever tried painting with ink? In this week’s art journal project, I wanted to show you a way that you can use your stamp re-inkers to create beautiful images. So why Try Painting with Ink? I have re-inkers for all my stamp pads, because without them a stamp pad does not have a very long life. The nice thing about re-inkers is that they are concentrated ink so you can use very little of it to get a great result. But this could work with any water-soluble ink you have. Why not Use Watercolor? I love my watercolor paints and use them on so many projects. But…
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How Grid Drawing Can Improve Composition
As it is the month of Inktober, I wanted to share with you about how grid drawing can improve composition. I have spent a considerable amount of time this year working on my drawing and painting skills. One realization that I have had is how much I rely on grid drawing in my compositions for drawing and painting. Learning to Draw As I have been learning to draw this year, I realize that sometimes I struggle with good composition and perspective in my drawing. I used to believe that I was really observant. The more I draw, the more I realize how my eyes sometimes play tricks on me.…
The Art of Self-Care
