Mixed Media Art Journal Page Project

Thick sketchbook or mixed media paper (needs to handle paint and glue)

Acrylic paint

Glue stick and white glue

Magazine clippings, old book pages, and paper ephemera

Markers, pens, and colored pencils

Fabric scraps, washi tape, or masking tape

Stencils (optional)

Choose a theme, feeling, or memory for the page. It could be "things that make me happy" or "my dream adventure" or just a color mood.

Build the background layer first. Paint a loose wash of color, glue down torn book pages, or sponge texture across the whole page. Cover everything.

Add a collage layer. Glue down magazine images, patterned paper scraps, fabric, washi tape, or ticket stubs that connect to your theme.

Create a focal point — draw or paint one central image that anchors the page. A face, a symbol, an object, or a word in large lettering.

Layer text into the composition. Write thoughts directly on the page, stamp words, or cut phrases from magazines and glue them in. Text adds meaning and a personal voice.

Fill remaining spaces with drawn details — borders, doodles, small patterns, dots, and lines. These connecting elements unify the page.

Step back and evaluate. Where does the page feel empty or heavy? Add one more element for balance.

Date the page. Over time, a collection of these pages becomes a powerful creative diary.

There are no rules in mixed media journaling. If it sticks to the page, it belongs. Paper, fabric, paint, tape — everything is fair game.

Work in layers and let each dry before adding the next. This prevents smearing and allows each layer to show through.

The beauty of mixed media is the depth from layering. Peek-through text and partially covered images add richness.

Art journaling is used by professional artists, writers, and designers. Starting this habit now builds a lifelong creative practice.