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When "Finished" isn't quite finished: My art journal page evolution!

Hey everyone! You know how sometimes you create something, you think it's done, you even share it with the world... and then you look at it later and think, "Hmm, it could really use a little more spark?" Well, that's exactly what happened with one of my recent art journal pages!


Split image showing an art journal page before and after adding colour with pencils. The top half is a bland-looking version with stamped patterns and butterflies. The bottom half shows the same page vibrant with added orange, teal, and yellow colouring, along with the text 'Giving my art journal page a 2nd chance & why you should too!

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I did a blog post featuring a new art journal page - see here. It was meant to showcase some fun stamping techniques, using just one colour and at the time, I thought it was okay. The post also talks about how art journaling can be a starting point for card making too. I even shared it! The content of the post, I'm sort of happy with but honestly, looking back at the art journal page, it now ... well it feels a little... bland. Like a really good foundation, but without the vibrant personality I often love to inject into my work. 

Photo below showing the page and click HERE to see the post ..

So, instead of just letting it sit there, I decided to revisit it. You might think an art journal page, once shared, is "finished," but for me, art journaling is truly a journey, not always a destination (one of my favourite quotes). It's a space for exploration, for adding layers, and for allowing your creative voice to evolve over time. If a page calls for more, why not answer that call?

I videoed myself making those changes and have edited the video down to a short YouTube video. You can watch it HERE or click thumbnail below ...


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This time, I reached for my trusty coloured pencils. Why pencils, you ask? Because for me, they force a wonderful slowdown. There's something meditative about the process of layering colour with pencils that gives me time to truly think about what I want to do next, where I want to add depth, and how I want the colours to interact. It's a fantastic way to reconnect with your creative flow when things feel a bit flat. Also by slowing down, you are giving yourself creative me time and also the time to fully enjoy that time - I hope that makes sense?

Close-up detail of an art journal page showing layered pencil coloring over stamped floral and butterfly designs in blue, green, orange, and red hues.

The stamps I originally used on this page were designs that I created (you might have seen them in my previous blog post where this page first featured). I absolutely loved designing them, and I hope seeing how I've brought this page to a new level inspires those of you who also have these designs in your stash! It just goes to show that your supplies, no matter where they came from, are always ready for new life and new layers.

Close-up of a vintage postal stamp element on an art journal page, surrounded by colorful stamped patterns and subtle pencil shading.

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The only thing it now needs is a powerful quote or sentiment. I've thought of a few that I think fit both the page, the changes, and how art journaling is what we want it to be:

  • "Art is never finished, only abandoned." (A famous quote by Leonardo da Vinci)
  • "Your art journal is a story told in layers, ever-evolving." (speaks directly to why the changes)
  • "Embrace the process, not just the destination." (am I truly finished with this page?)
  • "Growth is the best part of the creative journey." (too much of a cliché?)
  • "Sometimes, the magic happens in the 'after'." (again, too much of a cliché?)

I simply couldn't resist! Before you look at the photo below, I had to go and play in my photo editing program and chose one quote in particular that truly sang to me for this page. Can you guess which one it might be? Does it work? Let me know your thoughts in the comments! Sometimes we are too emotionally invested in our work to think of other ideas.

Completed art journal page with vibrant pink, orange, green, and blue colours, intricate stamped patterns, butterflies, and floral elements. The quote 'Art is NEVER finished, only abandoned.' is prominently displayed on the page, with 'Project ideas by Lou Sims' in the corner.

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And there you have it – proof that 'finished' truly isn't always the end, and sometimes, a little extra love is all a creative piece needs to truly shine. This page's transformation feels so symbolic of my own journey recently – learning to revisit, refine, and embrace what feels authentic.

I hope seeing this process inspires you to look at your own 'unfinished' or 'not-quite-right' pieces with fresh eyes. Don't be afraid to pick them back up, add new layers, and give them (and yourself!) a second chance.

Want to see the magic happen? Watch the full transformation unfold in my latest YouTube video HERE or click on thumbnail below ...


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I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below: Have you ever revisited a finished piece and given it a second chance? What did you discover?

Happy creating, and remember, your art is never truly abandoned – just waiting for its next evolution!"

Until next time, take care,

Lou
xxx

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