Art journaling is a wonderfully free form of self-expression.
The very definition of “journal” – a daily record of personal experiences – seems to bring with it the permission to create whatever you feel like creating at that moment in time – not the perfect piece of art designed to please others for all time.
Art journaling is also a fun way to build kids’ confidence in using mixed-media. It might even inspire writing!
When I art journal alongside my kids, my role is to offer exposure to new ideas, techniques and sources of inspiration.
We might look at books, artwork and websites together and chat about them as we work. But their work is their own. I respect my children’s process, and I would never say anything about their artwork that I wouldn’t say to a friend. {All pages here are shared with their permission.}
How we started art journaling
We began art journaling by following the simple process described at Notes on Paper. Since then, C(9) has created many pages in a similar way.
J(8) had never art journaled before this week. When he said he’d like to try it, I was intrigued to observe his process. I just knew it would be different from mine and C(9)’s. {It certainly was – see Art Journaling for Boys below.}
Supplies
* Notebook – any size, any kind. Ours are A4 (letter size) and cost under £3. Or use loose paper and collect in a binder
* Paint, paintbrushes
* Coloured pens eg gel pens, sharpies
* Scissors & glue
* Scraps of coloured paper
* Old magazines or pamphlets
* Stickers
* Optional – gesso, corrector ribbon, date stamper, old books to tear pages from
Art journaling for girls (C(9)’s page)
Art journaling for boys (J(8)’s page)
C(9) and I spent a happy hour or so chatting over our pages as we worked. J(8), meanwhile, enjoyed himself thoroughly and was done within ten minutes.
Have you ever noticed how scissors and gel pens are completely different tools in a boy’s hands?
Art journaling for mammas
Of course I had to have a go too. Here’s how I made my page:
Have you ever tried art journaling with your children?
I love how each of the Homeschool Help ladies has interpreted this week’s “journaling” subject differently:
Julie at Highhill Homeschool – Journals: Inspiring Children to Write
Savannah at Hammock Tracks – Homeschool Mother’s Journal – My Other Brain
Nicole at One Magnificent Obsession – Road Trip Journalling!
Bernadette at Barefoot Hippie Girl – To Journal or Not to Journal
Chareen at Every Bed of Roses – Journals in Homeschool
I’m appreciatively linking up here:
Educational and Entertaining – Highhill Homeschool
Collage Friday – Homegrown Learners
Weekly Wrap-Up – Weird Unsocialized Homeschoolers
TGIF #94 – 123 Homeschool 4 Me
Friendship Friday – Living and Learning with Our New Normal
Share It Saturday – Teach Beside Me
Homeschool Mother’s Journal – So You Call Yourself a Homeschooler?
Virtual Refridgerator – Angels of Heart
All About the Boy – Let’s Hear it for the Boy
