January Art Journaling- New Beginnings

It seems the start of each new year gives many of us a sense of renewal, a time rid ourselves of the unwanted, reorganize, reevaluate, and start something new. 

Here at Practical Scrappers we thought we'd also take the opportunity to start 2014 with a new feature. Each month, we'll be introducing a new prompt or idea for art journaling, and featuring the work of our designers here to get you inspired.  Let's think of it as our own little art journaling club. We really hope that if mixed media or art journaling is something that you've wanted to try, or just resolved to do more of, that you'll join us on the journey to filling our canvases and pages. 

If you are new to art journaling, you don't really need much to start. Something to "art journal" in- a sketch book, ledger, old dictionary, anything you get inspired by really. If the pages are unsuitable for the media you choose, that's where gesso (an acrylic primer) comes in. 

You can grab some magazines and a glue stick and go the collage route, or get messy with inks and paints, precise with stamps ans markers...anything really, as long as you are keeping some sort of record or "journal" that includes art. 

You know how they always say there are no rules in scrapbooking? (They lie) 

There really are no rules in Art journaling!

 

Practical Scrapper Lanette created this page that reads "She decided to start living the life she imagined" using a mix of mist, ink and art anthology products.

Practical Scrapper Alison had fun creating this page with lots of texture and movement. The beginning of a new year always seems full of hope and possibilities - Alison wanted to represent that with sunshine and new life. Adding stash items in too was just a perfect way to start a new year!

Welcome new Practical Scrapper Bobbi Smith, who approached the idea of new beginnings with hopes for spring (she said she's tired of all the snow). In Bobbi's words: "The birds come back and everything is new, fresh and full of  bright vibrant color."

Practical Scrapper Erin chose to highlight a quote and a word to carry her into the New Year. The quick aspects of collage, deliberateness of her brush stokes, and permanence of India Ink all lead to the idea of being bold and courageous. The bright colours to be sure she is PRESENT and seen.

You can join us, by linking your mixed media or art journaling project reflecting New Beginnings below this post. It's the perfect time!