Time for another art journal layout!
Today I am happy to guest design for Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft blog and here is a sneak peek of what you will see there.
Make sure to click HERE so you can can see more photos, watch the how-to video and leave me some blog love 😉 You will find a detailed list of all the supplies used together with links on online shops below the video on my YouTube channel.
Recommendations
And since you are here I have some books to recommend that you might enjoy if you are into mixed media and also I will talk about my art journal sketchbook!
My art journal
 I get TONS of questions about my sketchbook. So the art journal I am using is a large Moleskine Sketchbook. I love the size of it since it isn’t too big but not as small as a standard card either. The size is perfect if you are a cardmaker and you already have a ton of stamps. You can use them in this size as they will not get lost. See how I used the hot-air balloons today? If you are wondering each page is 5 1/8 x 8 1/8 inches. What’s great about this size is that you can throw it on your bag and have it with you when traveling or go out to have a cup of coffee with your artsy friends. I also love the size because I can take it with me on CHA or workshops easily. I love showing it to people and crafty friends and I am happy to have all my work packed in a convenient sized “portfolio”.
The pages are yellowish and smooth. It takes gesso, acrylics, gelatos, distress paints/inks/stains and so much more perfectly. The pages are not too thick and might curl up a bit if you apply juicy paints without applying gesso first. But there is a workaround. I always glue two pages together. I wouldn’t recommend this type of sketchbook if you want to do a lot of watercoloring. There are many sketchbooks out there with pages made for watercoloring.
And since I like adding some bulk on my pages (e.g small buttons, chipboard letters, paperclips etc) the sketchbook became a bit thick. So when it’s finished, I plan to perform a “spine surgery” and let it breath a little. I will share the process with you when it’s time.
Current favorite books about art journaling:
- “Collage Couture” by Julie Nutting: This is a book I recommended a few months ago, it will teach you how to draw girls and you will love it if you love paper piecing and collages!
- “Art Journal Freedom” by Dina Wakley: See who wrote the book? Do I need to say more? Tons of inspiration!
- “Surface Treatment Workshop: Explore 45 Mixed-Media Techniques” by Darlene Olivia McElroy: Get this book and you will never stack again before you start a background. All the background techniques that you can think of are in this book.
I love watching what other artists do, I read their books, watch their videos, read their blogs. This is how you can get tons of inspiration even if you wouldn’t express your self through the same style. I love watching “messy” art journals for example although I don’t do that style. But you can learn so many information about media, how to achieve a look, how to mix different products etc. I admire all forms of art! Then you can use all this knowledge, make it your own and create something that is pleasing to your eyes.
OK, that’s it from me today. Make sure to join me tomorrow since I am featuring Paper Smooches stamps. Daily videos and a giveaway are waiting for you for a week full of fun and inspiration.
Thanks for visiting!
bonjour vicky merci pour vos jolie création elle son superbe et me donne beaucoup d’idées 🙂 bonne journée
Thank you for taking the time to share all that information about art journaling, Vicky – so sweet of you! I just finished watching your video and this hot air balloon page is amazing! LOVE IT!!! ♥
Thanks so much for sharing what journal you use! I really want to get one and create with my kiddos! Fabulous layout and great video!
Love the work in the journals, so many nice techniques that actually make sense to me…thanks!
LOVE your Journal page….I watched your video several times.
Thanks for demonstrating the Faber Castell products. I’ve purchased the gelatos, gesso, etc. Saving to get the big pens. They are so much fun…but I wouldn’t know all they can do if you didn’t make your videos. Thank You!!!!
Hi Vicky
I actually found great prices on Amazon.com Market Place and purchased 2 or 3 of the large Moleskine Red Sketchbooks. I also purchase, for a great prices too, two of their Large Moleskine Black Watercolor books. I haven’t used them yet. I still have some more supplies I need, but have to wait….I keep saying that lol, but I want to be prepared with my supplies when I start. I can’t wait. So much to learn still…… 🙂
I know I always say this, too, but I love watching your Art Journal video’s. They are so inspiring. I’m also collecting many quotes so that when I start my Art Journal, I have additional inspiration to works with. You really inspire me, Vicky, and you’re so sweet with us fans. I guess that’s why we draw to your site. I can’t get enough of your Art Journals. Thank you so very much for making them and sharing them with us. 🙂
Sorry, hit submit without thinking if I was finished or not w/what I wanted to say….lol…
What I wanted to say was that I only have the last book you recommended to buy, which is the Art Journal Freedom. It is #1 on my list of books to buy. I love the other two books and they are very helpful to me. I’m making a Sweet 16 B-day card using the Collage Couture. I’m not finished yet but hopefully will be soon. thanks for the recommendations. eu
Hello Vicky, thank you so much for your video.
First sorry for my bad english (i’m from France)…I really like your art journal pages and it gives me the wish to start my own journal since last month. So, thank you because i’m verry happy when i make a page…
Hello Vicky,
I have found your videos just this week, and am very impressed with both your work and the quality of the videos. Thank you for sharing – I imagine Faber-Casteel and any other company whose products you demonstrate are vey pleased with your skilled use of them. I have a few Gelatos and have just bought the set this morning. What a difference it makes to see someone using them creatively.
Thanks again,
Ros.
in Australia.
Have you performed the “spine surgery” yet? I’m curious how that worked out. My Moleskine is starting to feel the strain of many worked-on pages itself and I imagine readjusting its spine at some point may be necessary.