Best Supplies for Art Journals

My family jokes that I collect supplies. Well...maybe its true. I love art supplies of all kinds and when I started art journaling, I had to try all the latest art media products. I came away with a few must have products that I would definitely recommend as I'm always reaching for these favorites every time I sit down to journal. I'm sure that I will be expanding this list over time because there will be new products out there that I just have to try.

Photo by Gayle Dowell

Without a journal that I love to create in, I wouldn't be journaling at all. If the journal folds up on itself, or if I have to wrestle it to keep it open, I loose interest. Also it needs to have good paper. No wimpy paper allowed in my journal as I like to use paint and other water media. It also has to be CHEAP. I mean, not expensive. Paying a lot of money on a journal intimidates me, and I will want to save it for my best work...that just never comes. So an inexpensive journal frees me to play and experiment.

Another art journal supply that I reach for is Gesso. I use gesso as a foundation or primer on my paper, both the white and the black depending on what technique I am using. I also use clear gesso as a finish coat as it takes pen easily and creates a protective layer that keeps my pages from sticking together. A gesso foundation allows me to wipe off paint when added on top of the gesso, giving me great textural affects.

See these tutorials on using gesso for texture.

Textured Gesso

Gesso Stenciling

For vivid color that can be easily blended and manipulated on a gesso covered page, I love the Derwent Inktense blocks and pencils. See review of Derwent Inktense Blocks. Derwent Inktense blocks are one of the most versatile media that I've worked with. They can be used like watercolor paints and applied like oil pastels.

I've tried many ink pens and markers, but I've found none better than the Sharpie Fine Point Pens. These are not to be confused with the markers which are also good but tend to bleed when used on certain papers. I like the fine tip that keeps its shape. It writes smoothly on my textured surfaces without skipping. The ink is acid free, water resistant, and smear proof. I find that I use them more than for writing, such as outlining my work and adding color to my art. They are relatively inexpensive and last a long time.

I love using stamps, but I love making them even more. I don't like to use store bought stamps as I want my work to be "MY work". Making my own stamps gives me the ability to create a one-of-a-kind stamp that will give my work a unique look. I like the ease of using stamps in my art journal and making my own gives me creative control.

I use stamps with paint, gesso, and the traditional ink pads. I mostly use stamps for background texture.

I use a lot of acrylic matte medium in my art journals. I use it to "glue" my collage to a journal page as well as seal the top of the collage. I then use a coat of clear gesso as a final coat as clear gesso keeps my pages from sticking together.

I find that having a big collection of different papers to use as backgrounds or highlights in my work has a way of keeping me inspired. Start with a pack of color coordinating paper.