Last year, Plaid Content Manager Jessie Jennings introduced us to the Let’s Paint Art Journal Series, and since its debut, we've witnessed a beautiful transformation. What began as a creative prompt has grown into a powerful movement of self-expression, connection, and inner healing.
Art journaling has emerged not just as a creative outlet but as a meaningful way to slow down, tune in, and care for ourselves in a world that often moves too fast. It's become a quiet rebellion against burnout, a personal sanctuary where paint meets purpose. This simple act of creating your art journal has opened doors to deeper mindfulness, emotional clarity, and the joy of creating just for the sake of it. It’s a beautiful exercise in self-reflection.
We’re encouraging everyone to take some time this month to reflect and rediscover your voice, and we think art journaling is a great place to start.
Don’t know where to begin? While there’s no clear path to creating your own journal, here are a few of our favorite techniques to help:
Mixed Media
This is all about combining different materials: paint, paper, fabric, ink, whatever you’ve got. It keeps things interesting and lets you experiment without any rules.
Layering
Layering adds depth to your pages. You can stack colors, textures, or even ideas; just keep building until it feels right.
Stenciling
Stencils make it easy to add cool shapes or patterns without needing to draw them by hand. Great for backgrounds or adding a little structure.
Writing and Doodling
Jot down thoughts, quotes, or just scribble whatever’s on your mind. Add some doodles in the margins, this part is all about being personal and real.
Painting
Whether you're using watercolors, acrylics, or just a bit of color here and there, painting helps set the mood. You don’t have to be a pro, just go with what feels fun.
Art journaling has emerged not just as a creative outlet but as a meaningful way to slow down, tune in, and care for ourselves in a world that often moves too fast. It's become a quiet rebellion against burnout, a personal sanctuary where paint meets purpose. This simple act of creating your art journal has opened doors to deeper mindfulness, emotional clarity, and the joy of creating just for the sake of it. It’s a beautiful exercise in self-reflection.
We’re encouraging everyone to take some time this month to reflect and rediscover your voice, and we think art journaling is a great place to start.
Techniques
Don’t know where to begin? While there’s no clear path to creating your own journal, here are a few of our favorite techniques to help:
Mixed Media
This is all about combining different materials: paint, paper, fabric, ink, whatever you’ve got. It keeps things interesting and lets you experiment without any rules.
Layering
Layering adds depth to your pages. You can stack colors, textures, or even ideas; just keep building until it feels right.
Stenciling
Stencils make it easy to add cool shapes or patterns without needing to draw them by hand. Great for backgrounds or adding a little structure.
Writing and Doodling
Jot down thoughts, quotes, or just scribble whatever’s on your mind. Add some doodles in the margins, this part is all about being personal and real.
Painting
Whether you're using watercolors, acrylics, or just a bit of color here and there, painting helps set the mood. You don’t have to be a pro, just go with what feels fun.
Tools and Supplies
Creative Prompts
It’s said that it takes three weeks to form a habit! Here’s a collection of 21 creative prompts to kickstart your journaling journey:
- Mood of the Day – Use colors to reflect how you're feeling over the next three weeks.
- Today in Three Words – Pick 3 words and illustrate or decorate around them.
- What I’m Grateful For – A gratitude list or a visual expression of thanks.
- Self-Portrait Without a Face– Use symbols, colors, or objects that represent you.
- Found Words – Cut out random words from magazines and create a poem or story.
- This Week in Doodles – Summarize your week with little sketches.
- Vision Board Page – Clip, draw, or write what you’re working toward.
- Color of the Day – Pick one color and create an entire page around it.
- What I Need Right Now – Be honest. Use words, textures, or symbols.
- How I Recharge – Show what helps you rest and reset.
- A Moment I Loved – A memory that makes you smile, big or small.
- If I Were Weather – Create your "emotional forecast" for the day.
- What's in My Bag/Pocket – Document the little things you carry every day.
- Word of the Day – Choose a word that feels right today and explore it.
- A Day in the Life – Pick a typical day and break it down visually.
- My Safe Space – Real or imagined, where do you feel the most like yourself?
- Random Scribble Challenge – Make a random scribble, then turn it into something.
- Recipe for Joy – What are the ingredients for your happiness?
- Then vs. Now – A look at how you’ve changed, visually or in words.
- If My Life Were a Book – What would the title and cover look like?
- Reflection Page – What did you learn about yourself this month?
Share with Your Community
As you continue your creative journey, don’t hesitate to share your art journal with family, friends, and even us! We’d love to see your unique expressions and connect with your artistic vision. Remember, every page tells a story, and yours deserves to be shared. Tag us in your posts at PlaidCrafts or by using #PlaidCrafts, and join our community of fellow art enthusiasts. Let’s inspire each other and celebrate the beauty of creativity together!
Happy Crafting!
