Start with these 10 Simple Art Journal Supplies
Here is a list to start and I will go into more detail below on the specifics of the art supplies.
- Art journal or art pad
- Acrylic paints
- Watercolor
- Gesso
- Matte medium
- Glue
- Pencils
- Pens
- Mail, magazines, and catalogs
- Old books, ledgers, maps, and music
Art Journal
There are so many options to use for an art journal, from books you can purchase to books you can make. As a beginner, my suggestion is to purchase a small inexpensive journal with a heavy art paper to begin. Thin paper will work, but it can be frustrating if you plan to use paints or other wet media.
Here are a few suggestions to begin:
Strathmore Softcover Watercolor Art Journal
Canson Spiral Mixed Media Art Journal
There is an endless array of art journal options for beginners in a variety of price ranges. If nothing else, start with a plain spiral notebook.
My current obsession is journaling in a Composition Notebook. Here is a link to more about that:
10 Reasons to Use a Composition Notebook Junk Journal
The other option, and one of the most fun for those who are like myself, and have hoarded old scrapbook paper and other art papers, you can make your own art journal. This is a little more complex and I plan to put together a tutorial to make a journal at some point.
The final option is to use an old book and simply use the pages within the book to journal. As an art journaler, I can attest that getting creative with what you use as an art journal.
Watercolors
Gesso
Matte Medium
Want to use collage in an art journal (and why wouldn’t you want to use collage???) you will one hundred percent want a good quality matte medium to use.
Glue
Along with matte medium for collage, there is also a time for using glue in an art journal to add other elements.
I keep several glue sticks, tacky glue, and fabritac on hand for different applications.
The recommendation for a beginner is a good glue stick. One that I have been using for years is an Uhu glue stick. These are permanent and easy to use.
Aleene’s Tacky glue is easy to find at any discount store, such as your local big box and is very affordable.
Fabritac is a permanant adhesive that can be use for fabric. This a a great adhesive if you plan to make your own art journal; or if you are adding fabric to your pages.
Adhesive can be a personal choice so use what you like.
Pens and Pencils
Mail, Magazines and Catalogs
Old Books, Ledgers, Maps, and Music
Next time you are at a yard sale or thrift shop, don’t forget to check the book section for art journal material. I love using old book pages for collage. I also cut out words and phrases from books to use in my journal.
BEWARE: This can be a highly addictive endeavor when you begin looking for old books to use. It also opens up pandora’s box for book-making, which is a post for another day!