Art Journaling Inspiration: A Creative Guide to Using Stamps

Art journaling is a fantastic way to express your creativity. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting out, I'll show you how to use your stamps to create a stunning art journal page and find inspiration for your other projects.

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Beyond the basics:

Remember, art journaling is all about personal expression. Don't be afraid to experiment and break the rules! Here are some additional tips to enhance your art journaling experience:

• Mix and match stamp sets to create unique designs.

• Use stencils and masks for more precise stamping.

• Incorporate hand-drawn elements for a personalized touch.

• Add embellishments like glitter, sequins, or fabric scraps.

• Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the creative process!

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Why Art Journaling is a Secret Weapon for Cardmakers

Okay, my finished project appears in a journal but as you can see, it's been layered on to black card before being added to my journal. This black layer, could easily be a card base! Art journaling can be your "try out design" book and doesn't always have to be about the finished page! I love art journals, so naturally went down that route but I appreciate not all of us do. One of the things I am always asked is how do you begin from a blank page. 

I began with one of my layered, mixed media backgrounds from the Shady Designs Make A Start Card Kit. Next, I used the A Bit On The Side stamp set to create the main tag design.

Using the same stamp, I stamped the tag onto another peice of mixed media card cutting out the tag shape and bubbles. This was added to the background with gel medium.

Why gel medium rather than glue? The gel medium allows me to add height to my design where as a glue would stick the design down flat.

Then the fun began! I looked through all my different Shady Designs stamp sets for all the additional decorative pieces I wanted to add: Make Your Own Bit, Frame It With Flowers & Remember That stamp sets.

All elements have been coloured again using my Ecoline brush pens. Once dry, I cut all the different images out and began layering them on to my tag design, again using gel medium. 

I finished by adding the quote stapling the different pieces together. A little doodling with a micron pen to stop the tag from just floating in mid air and the page is finished.

Now I have stuck this page into a journal BUT it would work being stuck on to a card base becoming the perfect mixed media style card. The choice is yours.

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I hope this post shows you how to overcome that 'blank page' fear and find inspiration in your art journal. Don't be afraid to experiment with your stamps and a variety of materials. As you can see, the versatility of these stamps means they can help you create meaningful and visually captivating art journal pages or cards. So, grab your stamps, open your journal, and let your creativity flow!

Until next time, take care,

Lou

xxx

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