Art Journal Layer by Layer: Collage, mixed media, stencils, and embellishing

Today I show how to build this art journal page layer by layer, using gesso, paint, stencils, shadowing, and collage.
If you would like to receive the illustrations I used in this layout as free, high-res scans, please subscribe to my online newsletter and they will just show up in your inbox. Join here at my website:
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To see a longer video on using soft chalk pastels as a watersoluble, go here:
• How to Use Soft Chalk ...
Please SUBSCRIBE to my KZbin channel if you like altered art, art journal pages, and collage.
Please let me know if you have any comments or questions about the techniques or materials used, or on what videos you would like to see in the future.
Have a creative week!
Kelly
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[@hilarymerola11]

I loved your step by step clear explanations, but the real treasure for me was how you do the stenciling. Mine never turned out well before , but using the makeup sponge is a wonderful technique. I’m thrilled with how well this works!

[@BuzzyStreet]

It's really helpful to hear how/why you choose certain elements and resolve design issues. What a great channel.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Why thank you! And welcome. It took me ages to figure out that to explain collage basics is to explain what you don't see. Hmmm. Collage as metaphysics?

[@nabbyr8112]

I learn such a lot when you video your layouts and talk through your process, not to mention how fascinating I find such videos. I’m an unabashed technique junkie, and that stenciling over wet paint is joining my little repetoire, along with the gesso-and-credit-card technique. Many thanks.

[@BookandPaperArts]

This is such good feedback and info, Nabby. I, too, love that gesso on acrylic although it is messy as all get out. But the best techniques are, no???

[@dianemillar3331]

Wow, I have just found you, I am addicted! Your work is unique and that you are sharing so much is very generous and much appreciated. Hugs from Australia xxxxx

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hello and welcome, Diane. Thank you so much for reaching out. You have made my day! Hugs from windy Wales. Kelly

[@ochervelvet9687]

Beautiful spread! Your trick of incorporating the photo fragment (left page) by extending the line of arches is genius. It fools the eye into thinking it’s looking at layers of transparency. I’m going to try that. 💜

[@BookandPaperArts]

I do stuff in my art journal I might not do in an altered book. The art journal is really where I just mess around trying new stuff out and seeing where it goes. If it works THEN I can try it in some fancier pages. I love my art journal so.

[@gabrieljacobs2]

Fascinating following the creative process.

[@nitajohnston8266]

I started binge watching your videos! Love your channel!

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hello and welcome, Nita. Thank you so much. It means a lot to me. 😺

[@dorotheafinan2419]

Your spread is as usual full of character. I see no others quite like it. You integrate black and white very harmoniously. But what really makes your tutorials special is the commentary where you analyse your process and explain your choices. Greatly appreciated.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Why Dorothea, thank you so much. You have really made my day. I agree that my style kind of falls into a hard to describe category but I think it is starting to get out there. I feel very protective of it. It is inspiring to work in blacks, whites, and greys. Thank you again! Kelly

[@lynnparise9841]

Kelly, I really enjoyed this recent video! Loved the way it turned out and greatly enjoyed all the discussion as to what's inside your head, when you do, what you do to create these pages. Very informative! Loved the far left deep purple color and the stencil arches, as well as the juicy deep purple grapes on the right side! Thank you for this wonderful share. It's really amazing!

[@BookandPaperArts]

Thanks bunches, Lynn. Like I said, it is a lot of page but just making it focused my mind.

[@tulamagoola]

I really enjoyed watching you do this. Thanks!

[@BookandPaperArts]

Why thank you, Sheila. Making art journal pages is such a treat - all rules are off and it is just making and layering and mess making until something reveals itself. Wishing you a peaceful and creative holiday. Kelly

[@TimelessTreasuresByV]

Wow, this is just an amazing tutorial on layout and deciding what to put wear. It has really flipped the 'on switch' in my brain to help me with deciding what goes where. I loved your technique of pulling the arches out onto the page in the left bottom corner. What a transformation! Just brilliant! Thank you.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Thank you for touching base with this lovely comment. It really does make my day as I spend a lot of time on getting these right (as right as I can) as kind of digital messages in virtual bottles. It means a lot when I hear from someone who found one and gets the message. What does the V stand for?

[@TimelessTreasuresByV]

Veronica... but my friends call me V@@BookandPaperArts

[@annepayne890]

This is wonderful and so unique! I am enjoying you tutorials. Love how you blend your art with printed material. You have inspired me!

[@BookandPaperArts]

Why thank you, Anne. Your message makes me happy.🙂

[@donnacarlson9499]

Love the way you show us and talk about your image choices, and then how to integrate them to give a united page.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Thanks Donna! It is my real pleasure. Hope you are having a creative weekend. 🌻🌻

[@kristinluvsdogs]

I love that fresco look and will definitely be giving that a try!! Love this page!! Thanks Kelly!

[@danzorig2086]

Your Art looks very European. I love visiting Europe and studying European Artists While in College! Thank You so much for sharing. I wish I had the funds to order your beautiful art boxes! 💕💕💕

[@BookandPaperArts]

Why thank you. That is lovely to hear and your words make me happy. Also, have you seen the free scans I have on my website? I put them there so that anyone can use them to create, funds or no funds. So see what you think. Happy making! bookandpaperarts.com/free-scans/

[@rpetrie9197]

Amazing! So beautiful! Thank you!

[@BookandPaperArts]

It is my very real pleasure!

[@j.rebekah8605]

You illicit so many ideas. I have these amazing sticker pages that I just realized I should photocopy before I use, so I have more images, and dont lament these use of a one time sticker so much. These are cool botanical antique style stickers. Also, it'll look different than a glossy sticker so that'll be cool. (Your butterflies here made me think of that)

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Rebekah. Boy do I hear you. It took me way too long to figure out and remember to scan or copy anything I love. I use originals but if you have the copies as back-ups you can use them in other ways or share them. Thanks for comparing notes! Kelly

[@aliceevans70]

Kelly, thanks for another inspirational video. I too have nearly ruined a printer that way! 😆

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Alice. Glad someone knew what I was talking about. My confidence/bravado sometimes gets the better of my common sense so I didn't believe when I was told not to try it. I BELIEVE NOW!!!

[@fifidubois708]

Absolutely lovely... I'm going to watch again in the morning while in bed with a cup of tea.. beautiful, beautiful art. Thank you for sharing 💕

[@BookandPaperArts]

Thank you so so much. Enjoy that tea!

[@fifidubois708]

Book and Paper Arts i have.. on my second cup.. have a lovely weekend 💕

[@helenecaron7725]

It is captivating to witness this whole process of creation. We stand on the end of our chair to see the rest. Impressive result! I love!

[@BookandPaperArts]

Merci, Hélene. Moi aussi ! J'attend aussi a voire ou le page aller. 😁😁

[@charlottesiracusa1043]

I like religious art at one time I made rosary beads to donate I like working with inspiration words angels pictures of churches butterflies birds etc I love your work

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Charlotte. I also like religious art and even though I am not Catholic I work in the Catholic iconography a lot. I also collect (and sell) vintage French rosaries. How cool to make your own rosary beads!

[@theresapalmer7892]

Excellent explanation of thw why and where if placement for balance

[@BookandPaperArts]

Thanks bunches, Theresa. It is tricky to explain so from time to time I just talk through what gets used - and what doesn't - and why. 😎Kelly

[@MissDaisyParsley]

Beautiful! I really enjoy seeing each step along with the how and why! Very inspiring!

[@BookandPaperArts]

Thank you, Susan. It is so much easier when you can see it broken up into baby steps!

[@UrbanGrrl69]

Lovely layout Kelly, I love how much the water pulls the pastels much more into the page. Some great tips and techniques.

[@NolaTheAlamoChiliQueen]

Thanks for sharing your creative process, the layout is beautiful. You peaked my curiosity with the creature you said might be a pangolin. I thought it was an armadillo based on the visible pointed ears and it appeared to be banded instead of scaly. I've never seen a pangolin in person, but having grown up in rural Texas, I've encountered many an armadillo. I'm not an expert but my guess is that the critter is an armadillo.

[@lynnparise9841]

I agree with Nola, an Armadillo ;)

[@marbel6970]

Thanks for such a clear explanation of each step of the process. Really enjoyed this. Subscribed.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Thank you, Marthese. Hope you have a creative weekend!

[@CatherineSunnysideJournals]

I'm only 1:26 into this and I had to say -- I have lists for my lists too!!

[@BookandPaperArts]

Why am I not surprised, fellow creative traveller???😁😁😺😺

[@nicolaj3294]

Thanks Kelly, really enjoyed watching the process, would love to see more of these videos. Thanks for the digitals and I'm a list for lists person too ha ha. Have a good week😊

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hiya, Nicola, thank you for the feedback on the videos. It really helps me plan the direction of future ones and the channel. (Although this week is going to be a flip through rather than a proper tutorial - I kind of rotate through them.)😉😉

[@paulag-IG-1bigbadwolfe]

Kelly, loved the video and your composition. Do you seal the pastels when you are “finished?”

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Paula. If it is for me and I am smudging, I either don't seal (or I do using hairspray, yes really). If it is for sale, I seal with a proper art fixative. But FYI, if you do use the wet technique, it is fixed when it dries. Make sense?

[@paulag-IG-1bigbadwolfe]

@@BookandPaperArts makes sense! Thanks.