Today’s post is a Dreamtastic Creative Journals? post.? Dreamtastic is an ongoing (free!) e-course about using your art journal as a tool for transformation, healing and dream-growing.
Art Journal Supplies List
Just use what you want to use.
Thinking that you need the right journal, the right markers, the right paints? these are all excuses that keep you from getting started. (More here about how to get started with your Creative Dream Journal)
- Start with what you have.? Even if it’s just a pen and a sheet of paper.
- Grow your creative supply stash however and whenever you’re inspired to grow it.
You can paint, draw, collage, scrapbook… it’s about being in the energy of WILD CREATIVE ABANDON and PLAYING with this stuff, it is NOT about learning how to use it “properly”.
Play play play play play play play play play play.
Everything is a toy.? Use the toys that you’re inspired to use.
If you have NO art journal supplies at all and do not know how to start – go to the grocery store or the dollar store.
Get whatever looks fun in the kids school supplies section.? That stuff is cheap and fun so you can experiment to find what kinds of things you like playing with.
The only rule is to be somewhat aware of what kinds of paper work with the media that you want to use.? If you want to use paints or thick markers, a cheap journal with thin paper isn’t going to hold up very well.? Strathmore makes a line of affordable mixed-media and watercolour sketchbooks which are great for when you want to get messier with art journal supplies.
How does your creative spirit want to express itself?
Some ideas for things to play with:
- glitter pens/markers
- crayons
- oil pastels
- chalk pastels
- acrylic paints
- pencil crayons
- collage (old magazines, books, ephemera)
- scrapbooking supplies
- stamps
- stencils
Should I limit the amount of materials/colours I’m using at once?
No!? Listen to your creative spirit and do what it says.
This isn’t about making great art (though really, all art is great!), this is about being present with your inner process.?
As you do this, you’re learning how to listen to your creative impulse and act on it.
This is the art of bringing dreams to life: listening to your creative impulse and acting on it. ?The art of letting go of what other people think and what you’re supposed to do and following the rules.? The art of making up your own rules.? The art of honouring your intuition.
That’s where the magic is – it’s NOT in having the “right” art journal supplies.
