Art Journal Project - What You Need

I have been pulling together some notes for the Art Journal we'll be making and thought I'd share some ideas, a basic supply list and share a bit about my game plan.

Since we started the week off here in the US with a holiday I thought it would be best to wait until next Monday to get things started.   We'll be working on one or two spreads a week.  I think that will keep things moving but still give everyone time enough to work on their pages as they have time. 

The theme for our book will be "Discovery" - This means discovering more about yourself, more about the life you're living right now in 2011, discovering different techniques, mediums or ways to use what you have.    The purpose of our journal will be to document something we very rarely give much though - YOURSELF!!!  I think we could all learn to set life's obstacles aside and love ourselves a little bit more - I know I sure could and I'll bet I'm not the only one!  I also think this will be a great book for generations to come to get a glimpse of your life, our lives in 2011.  What I wouldn't give to have a book about a relative from generations past.

We'll be working with a variety of easily found materials ~ hopefully most of these items are things you'll already have in your crafty stash or can be found around your home.  I don't want this to be one of those expensive journals that you have to purchase something new each week just to be able to play.  I want this journal to be something that you'll feel comfortable starting from the beginning, picking it up sometime in the future or something you can complete whenever. 

Basic Supplies:

Journal - Book/paper - 

O.k... we'll be working with LOTS of different mediums, techniques, etc. so if you decide to start off with a bound journal you'll want to be sure this book has paper that will stand up to paint, glues, water, etc.  I'm not sure exactly all the techniques we'll be playing with but I want you to start off with something sturdy enough to last.       If after you begin working in your journal and find the pages aren't substantial enough you can always glue 2 or more pages together to make a more suitable work surface.

I believe I am going to actually work on loose pages of various materials and bind it at a later date.  For example I may choose to use watercolor paper; cardboard (cereal box type); chipboard; game boards; hard book covers; flash cards; canvas; leather; Grungeboard; etc.   I'm thinking I may make my pages different sizes as well to give my finished journal a scattered, jumble feel because after all, life isn't nice and clean cut....right? 

No matter what you decide be sure there is room for at least 20-25 page spreads.  I think that will make a nice sized journal don't you.  If you have more room when we finish that's just incentive to keep going.  Shoot...if there is enough interest and I can think of more ideas we can keep going if you'd like.

Photos:

I want to incorporate photos into our journals so if possible it would be great if you could dig some old photos of yourself out and make copies now.  I don't want you to use originals.  Also I have a couple ideas in mind where taking photos on the day will be part of the assignment.  If you don't have that ability we'll figure out something at the time.

Ephemera:

Be on the look out for ephemera (bits and pieces of paper) from your daily life.  We'll be using lots of this as this book is about You and celebrating your life TODAY!  :)  You know how much I love my ephemera so start collecting now so you'll have it when we need it.  What types of things should you collect?  Junk Mail, envelopes, package materials from your favorite tea, candy bar, receipts, magazines, ticket stubs, etc.  anything you might come in contact with in your daily life.

Mediums & Glues:

We'll be working with basic crafty supplies....acrylic paints; ink; stamps; markers; colored pencils; crayons; gesso; and most importantly....GLUE!!!  Be sure to pick up a bit of your favorite adhesives/glues - liquid and dry.    I have some favorites that I use all the time....  Dry Adhesive - ATG gun; Glue - Aleene's Thick & Tacky Glue (for most items), Glossy Accents (for glittery or where I need a nice clear finish);  Collage Adhesive - Duncan's Collage Pague or Multi-Medium from Ranger.

So, it's time to decide on your journal format, start gathering supplies and bits of ephemera cause next Monday (9-12) we'll jump in and start in on our mission to Discover all about ourselves!