Revisiting the Past: An Art Journaling Journey sharing when things go wrong!

I recently stumbled upon an art journal page I created over a year ago. I was initially quite pleased with it – I'd used some vibrant colours, experimented with a new technique, and overall, I felt it had a good energy.

Do I love this page, in a word "NO" and I do still think it definitely needs something else - possibly another colour as still too much white.

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Normally we share projects that we feel are either finished or we are chuffed to share. However, I think it's also important to share projects that haven't turned out as we would have liked them to turn out. This page is one of those. I love the layout but not how it feel disjointed.

However, upon revisiting it, something felt…off. It seemed a little flat, lacking a certain depth. I decided to revisit the page and add some extra layers. I started by adding a few splashes of white & yellow paint to create a sense of movement and energy. Then, I incorporated a quote that resonated with me: "Happiness held is the seed, happiness shared is the flower."

Finally, I added a few more hearts by doodling through a stencil using a black & white micron pen. Even with these additions, something still felt amiss. I pondered for a while and realised that perhaps the colour palette needed a slight adjustment. I felt the page needed a touch more warmth. I'm slightly happier with the page but still not 100% happy.

I now think it needs another colour added as a contrast and also because there is simply still too much white! For now, I am walking away and will revisit it again on another day.

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This experience reminded me that art journaling is a journey, not a destination. Sometimes, our initial vision doesn't quite translate to the page, and that's okay! And that's the beauty of art journaling, isn't it? It's a journey of exploration and discovery. Not every page will turn out exactly as we envisioned, and today, I am okay with that. In fact, I think it's important to share our "naff" projects as well as our successes. It reminds us that the process is just as important as the outcome.

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Have you ever revisited an old art journal page and found yourself wanting to make changes? I'd love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!

For now, I'm going to put this page away and revisit it again another day. Perhaps a new idea will spark, or maybe I'll simply feel inspired to add that final touch of colour.

I hope this post inspires you to embrace the process and enjoy the journey of art journaling!

Until next time, take care,

Lou
xxx

Supplies:

Shady Designs Floral Frames stamp set

Shady Designs Boxed In stencil

Shady Designs Today's Bit stamp set

Personal Impressions Woodless Watercolour Pencils 

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