Getting Started Part II: Supplies!

Last week we discussed some basic supplies for Art Journaling:  Paper (Art Journals) and Writing Instruments (Pencils, Pens and Markers).  If you missed that post be sure to check it out here.

Now some might think that you need to have a lot of supplies to Art Journal.  As we discussed last week, that is just not true!  All you really need to Art Journal is Paper (Journal) and a Writing Instrument.  That being said...one of the fun things about Art Journaling is playing with all the supplies!  So let's take a minute to talk about some of the most commonly used supplies for Art Journaling.

Paint: 

Watercolors

• Watercolors from a pan, palette or tube
• Water soluble crayons
• Watercolor pencils

Watercolors are wonderful for creating soft backgrounds.  You can always start with an inexpensive set of watercolors such as the kid's Crayola set to see how you like them.  The Michael's brand Artist's Loft has a basic set for around $5.  My absolute favorite water soluble crayons are the Neocolor II's from Caran 'd Ache but I started out with just a basic set of watercolor crayons from Staedler with 8 colors.  You can also find a small set of watercolor pencils fairly inexpensively.  Watercolor crayons and pencils allow more control for details than regular watercolors.

Acrylic Paint

• Craft Paint
• Heavy Body Acrylic Paint
• Fluid or Soft Body Acrylics

Basic Craft Paint works great in your Art Journal!  It's cheap and easy to find.  You may want to invest in some better paints if you eventually plan to sell your artwork.  Heavy Body Acrylic Paint are thicker and come in Student and Artist grades while the Fluid or Soft Body Acrylic paint is thinner but should have the same heavy pigmentation of the Heavy Body Paints.  Start with cheap set or buy just a few to play with first.  Choose Primary colors, white and black to mix.

Ink:

Sprays/Mists

You can use sprays or mists to quickly apply color to a page in your art journal.  There are many available on the market or you can make your own using paint or fluid inks.  I especially like the vibrant colors of the Dylusions Spray Inks.  Though I plan on trying to make some of my own within the next couple of months.

Ink Stamp Pads

Apply the ink pad directly onto your Art Journal page for bold color or use a blending tool or cosmetic sponge to achieve a more subtle color.  Ink pad are also the ideal way to apply a variety of stamped images to your page.  Staz-On Ink would be a way to start as it is permanent and waterproof.  I love Ranger's line of Distress Inks.

Fluid Acrylic Inks

Thinner than Acrylic Paint and the colors appear more saturated or deeper.  Very fun to drip over your page!  You can also use the ink to Draw or Write in your art Journal.

Other inks you may want to try include India Ink (Drawing Ink) and Alcohol Inks which are permanent ink used to make shiny metallic backgrounds.  Great for making interesting patterns.
 

Stencils:

 

One of the most useful tools in Art Journal are Stencils, Masks and Templates!  Use your stencils to build up layers on your page with paints, inks, or markers and/or outline stenciled images with pens or markers!

You can find a variety of stencils not only at Arts & Craft Stores but often at Office Supply Stores or Discount Stores.  While the Crafter's Workshop stencils are wonderful, you can also use kids craft stencils or stencils for home decor or drafting and design.  In fact-one of my most often used stencils is a drafting stencil with a bunch of circles! You can also make your own stencils by using the negative images of diecuts or punches or by handcutting them from transparencies or stencil sheets.

Stamps:

 

Whether you prefer acrylic, cling or block versions-stamps are a great way to add interest to your Ar Journal.  I'd encourage you to invest in stamps that are more generic or basic and thus versatile.  Things like pattens, shapes, letters & numbers or even simple images that can be re-used. 

Tools:

 

Beyond the obvious supporting tools such as paintbrushes for paint and acrylic blocks for acrylic and cling stamps I have a few suggestions of tools you may want.  

• Plastic cards (old gift or credit cards) - to spread paint & ink
• Brayer - to spread paint & ink
• Cosmetic Sponges or Wedges
• Pencil Sharpener and Eraser
• A heat gun or hair dryer to speed up the drying process. 
• Scissors and a Craft or X-acto Knife
• Cup or Jar for Water
• Spray Bottles
• Tape(s), Staples/Stapler, Binder Clips
• Adhesive(s)-Glue Stick, Tacky Glue, Mod Podge/Soft Gel or Matte Medium
• Gesso or White Craft Paint
• Acrylic Glazing Medium - to thin acrylic paint
• Fixative or Sealant

I'd also like to mention some things you can easily find around the house to use on your pages to create texture or visual interest: toilet paper roll, toothbrush, pencil eraser head (dot stamp), plastic fork, bubble wrap, piece of corrugated cardboard, drinking straw, a wine cork.

Ephemera/Embellishments:

 

This is a broad category but it would include anything to decorate or add interest to your Art Journal pages!  Ephemera usually refers to vintage "stuff" such as old photographs, maps, sheet music or book paper, playing cards or items from your daily life like receipts, ticket stubs, post cards, grocery lists and so on.

Embellishments are things like patterned (scrapbook) paper, diecuts, threads, ribbon, fibers, flowers, rhinestones, pearls, buttons.

This list is not meant to be inclusive-there are many other supplies you can use on your Art Journal but these suggestions should help you get started.  Remember to shop your stash before buying any new supplies.  It's possible that you can find some supplies from your home office or your kids' rooms!  And If you must buy some supplies start out slow.  Pick and choose what you want to try out and get a basic or student set before upgrading to the expensive stuff!
 

Next week I will continue the February FeatureJournaling with the next step-Time to Art Journal!