Creative Journaling, for Beginners

Creative Journaling is a process which allows for relaxation, stress relief and creative flow.  If you are unfamiliar with this form of art journaling, I have outlined some key points for the workshops I teach below.

First you will be given a prompt and then guided through the process of creating a page. The process of journaling is naturally stress- relieving, which releases endorphins, which makes you feel good.  

Start your page off by writing down some words or painting color on a page. During a workshop you will be continuously guided through the creation process but if you are on your own you can  listen to music, read a poem, or reflect on your day; you can use anything for inspiration.  Continue creating on your page, anything that comes to mind, follow what the page is trying to say to you.  Highlight any words that stand out from your writing, doodle around the page.  Add shadows with a charcoal pencil or outline with a black pen.  Above all, have fun.

Yolanda Nussdorfer is an artist and creative journaling mentor. She is also a member of East Valley Artisans.

Her website is www.kathartsis.com

5 word Art Journal Prompt

Today I played a little in the journal.  I took the first five words that popped into my head. Then, created a poem using the words or variations of those words.

The words were rolling, create, cold, fall, shine.  Here is what I wrote.

Falling from water
Rolling, creating waves
There it shined
in the coldness.

It was a fun little exercise and I enjoyed how 5 simple words led me to this piece.  I can't wait to try this one with students!

Yolanda Nussdorfer is a member of East Valley Artisans.  She is an artist and creative journaling instructor.  Her website is www.kathartsis.com

Exploring Watercolors

I have wanted to play with watercolor paints for awhile so, when Alisa Burke (one of my favorite artists) recommended the Koi Watercolor Field Sketch Set on her blog I placed it on my wish list and last month I finally bought it! I don't have any watercolor paper yet so, I made do with my current sketchbook for now just to play.

Watercolors have always intimidated me a bit because I love to work up lots of layers of paint and watercolor doesn't quite work that way. After my first session I am a little more comfortable. I feel like I used the paints in a very "acrylic" way but, part of that is probably do to my paper. So, the next time I am art supply shopping I will have to pick up some watercolor paper to further explore. For me, trying something new is always a welcome challenge.

Have you tried any new materials or techniques lately? Please share your experience or a link in the comments, I'd love to hear about your explorations!

Guest blogger Kristen Fagan of Creative Stash. Graphic Designer by day. Mother, wife, painter, jewelry artist, bookworm, cook and all around crafty gal by night. Contact her at krisfagan [at] cox [dot] com.

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