How to start an art journal in 2025 (and stick to it!)

[@DaisyMaeMoses]

I have the time since I retired 8 years ago and began art journaling. The moment I sit down to do some art journaling, I don’t get up the rest of the day and nothing else gets done. No cooking, no house cleaning, no shopping, no exercising, no appointment. I don’t even go outside to get the mail. I am annoyed at any interruption to my art journaling. I’m totally mesmerized and in a hypnotic art trance. I don’t think any of this is a bad thing.

[@lisasremnant]

The same thing happens with me. 😅

[@jhildebrand7447]

Same

[@nattie3x]

This is me as well. I sometimes even forget to eat lol.

[@debbiebreen6276]

OMG..I do the same as you, once I'm sitting comfy everything else going on in my house doesn't exist. The mail and the washing up can wait. It does put you into trance and it just relaxes me.

[@kinimon6136]

Time just melts away.

[@MsArtistwannabe]

When I started art journaling I discovered I liked to do it first thing in the morning. I started getting up much earlier in the morning to make the time. It’s fourteen years now.

[@marilynmccormick3731]

I think one helpful tip is occassionally do some prep work as your art time. Maybe gesso a few pages one day so they are "ready to use". Or go through a few magazines and tear out whole pages containing pictures you like from magazines for a collage. On another day, go through the selected pages and tear out the photos from the pages. These activities can be done while drinking coffee or tea, and when you have a bit more time to do art, you will be able to get to it more easily with step 1 already done.

[@pattimcclelland6635]

@@marilynmccormick3731 I like prepping beforehand. It also helps when I'm not in a full Mojo moment I just make a mess and create backgrounds

[@pathepburn9900]

I'm 70, and have just got hooked on journaling/ decoupage, and as you say, it looks like it can be expensive if you buy all the gizmo's. So, iv'e decided to mix and match. Lol.. Thanks for the info in your video, it has really helped me. 🙂💜💐🇬🇧

[@ChantelleArts]

I love that you're using a vintage book to journal, it's a great idea to start with a pretty base rather than a blank page! awesome tips 😊

[@sherylwickenheiser2582]

Love the bit about using what you have. Sometimes being limited makes you be more creative. Thanks. Happy New Year!

[@ChristyeHudson-d6o]

Your video is my favorite one I’ve watched about art journaling…. I’m 65 years old and I’ve worked with my artwork for years, but haven’t started a journal to keep for myself… and I’m ready to jump in….thanks for talking through your process and showing us your techniques ….Absolutely so fun to watch!!! Thank you

[@saltydinonuggies1841]

This is a great video! Regular journaling doesn’t work for me because I’ve had a lot of people go through my journals and use it against me. It seems this year I’m trying to take better care of myself and art is a massive passion so I may as well at least try and different way to journal! I’m drawing daily anyways.

[@MaAllen417]

When I art journal or mixed media journal I write first. Blank page you can scribble write, use a water color pencil etc.. then I use gesso and layer over or collage over so It isn't anyone's business what I wrote. One way I love is overwriting with large curly words start at the top and go over and over it. If you use water color pencils to journal then the gesso activates the watercolor and it makes for a non-white back ground.

[@DaisyMaeMoses]

I use pictures of birds and flowers to populate my journals. I never write in my journals unless it is to name the bird, animal or flower. I thought this through and I knew it would go against me if I wrote real thoughts and feelings so I stick with the fluff.

[@calvinguile1315]

Supplies can be cheap, I search dollar stores, junk mail, water colors, markers etc. the more you get into it, the more you’ll collect. It’s all about your creativity, I started out with collage❤

[@JenniferJadeKerr]

Thank you so much for this video! I'm planning a short solo trip this summer, and I decided to do a travel art journal as a way to document my trip, have some fun creative time, and also feel more comfortable/purposeful in moments when I'd be used to having someone with me to experience it with. I'm only going to have a small journal, small set of fine line markers, and a glue stick with me and then I'm looking forward to seeing what else I can find in my travels to use or incorporate into my journal. This video gave me some great things to think about and it was so enjoyable watching you play with your art!

[@judystrock3892]

What kind of glue

[@JenniferJadeKerr]

​@@judystrock3892... I've got a glue roller (kind of like a white out roller) and a white craft glue stick, which are both good

[@carmenortiz5294]

I am so glad I ran into this video. I volunteer in a small art center in the US. Started with one day, now two. I'm almost 77 done art on and off. I'm also donating money to add programs, the first one: Art Journaling for Senior Citizens. Taking into account the two girls who are actual employees are young enough to be my grand daughters, guess who was elected to give the class. I checked other sites and this is my favorite, simple and no need to be a expert. I'm be watching plenty of your videos now before my first class starts in three weeks. I do have plenty of items, I just buy not use. Which one next?

[@megjournals]

Good luck with your classes!!

[@carmenortiz5294]

@@megjournals Thanks you I going to need all the good luck I can get. lol

[@flamingo.and.co.26]

I asked for a small watercolor pallette and a few brushes for Christmas. Things I am not sure I will use a lot nor buy for myself

[@cricutologist32820]

Great advice Meg! You are very inspiring! I’m So excited for Junk Journal January!!!! Thanks for sharing your page with us! It’s so beautiful!

[@siyonatheres]

I like using pressed flowers... So beautiful

[@cindywernert9309]

I have been scrapbooking for almost 20 yrs and been card making for 4 yrs so I have tons of formal paper, stickers, ephemera, machines and tools. I have loved the clean generally symmetrical look in my work but I have fallen in love with art journaling and the freedom it gives me to create without “my rules”. This is definitely my newest hobby/technique that I’m learning to incorporate into my time and my cards as well. Thank you for sharing your tips and knowledge with this “newbie”!

[@megjournals]

Wow, that's amazing! It's so inspiring to hear how you're embracing the freedom of art journaling. I love that you're incorporating it into your cards - that sounds like a beautiful blend of techniques. What are you finding most enjoyable so far?🤗

[@dorisandujar8277]

As a new subscriber and someone just entering into junk journaling I appreciate all of these tips. Thank you.

[@halloweengiraffe]

I haven't added to my art journal for a few weeks and this has definitely inspired me. Thank you!

[@lericamims]

I really love this Meg. I watched it twice I agree with you. I make it my intention to create art. It is my mindfulness. I create because it is very healing for me!

[@StephanieKennedy-w6p]

Your page is (as always) a work of art. You create so effortlessly!!! I simply can't wait to get started on Junk Journal July!!!

[@StephanieKennedy-w6p]

ughhhhh i meant Junk Journal JANUARY!!!! LOL!!!!

[@suev4143]

So many ideas, thank you for sharing so generously.

[@tonifrancis6945]

This is all such good advice, and very encouraging. Thank you.

[@nuvoclassic]

I'm not an AJ 'beginner' - but your video is inspirational and helpful for old geezers/journalers like me too! P.S. I LOVE 'the blank page' - my secrets are washi tape and stream of consciousness scribbling! I also start all of my journals on the last page and work back of journal to front! For store bought journals, I buy wire-bound books - and tie on 10 or more 7" skinny ribbons on each coil.... Then I can fondle the spine while I create pages. 🙂

[@tinasteinborner7786]

Love the tips! The only other tip os buying what you can afford. Sometimes buying cheaper to start, especially seeing what works for you means cheaper products. Buy the better quality when you can. A great spread

[@pyenygren2299]

1:52 Yes! Prepare a few things is important.

[@claudiaceva3025]

This was a great video to stumble upon because I'm planning on starting my art junk journal journey soon! If I may ask, what was the last set of things you were sticking on near the end? I tried to slow down the video to see the front of the booklet they came from, but all I was able to make out was the word "stickers."

[@Loretta_C]

Figure out why do you like what you like. I absolutely love this. My creative journey has been stifled by my recent move and I miss that part of my life. Your wonderful video and words came at the perfect time and I thank you with all my heart for that!

[@suev4143]

Please don't be discouraged. Grab a piece of copy paper or the back of an envelope, a pen or pencil, and play. I stopped being creative for similar reasons and regretted it, and finally re-found my creativity.

[@jeanneblondewomanstamping9788]

Beautiful page spread and lovely pep talk about sticking with an art journal. Thanks so much. ☺️☺️☺️

[@irenehook9722]

I love this Meg, great advice. Fantastic for mental health too, with no pressure. For me it has changed my life! I think your channel is so creative, informative, inspirational and friendly. I try to craft a little most days, like you say, I’ve collages a small corner on a page. Stopped gone back next time and the collage has changed into something else, with each little bit I add! I love it!

[@happyJan2516]

Hi Meg, new to art journaling and have watched a fair few channels on here but just love yours 😊👏🏻🤗✏️👩‍🎨📝. Subscribed and looking forward to learning a lot from you, so thank you, Jan 😊x

[@cdavis412]

Encouraging the process as you continue working is a super way to teach!

[@jessicasmith4532]

Like your reassuring videos re getting into creativity. It's really useful!

[@KonjikiKonjiki]

I am determined to get proficient at using my stash. I love working with colour, but find it exhausting to select and match them. Two references are really making a difference for me: Swatch This! book, and a small collection of Pantone chips of sets of four colours. I love making the most of a limited palette, both of those books are geared towards just that.

[@Nyffs_]

You have a cool mindset for journaling :) and I'm so in love with your old book used as art journal.

[@aletabartimmo1611]

Thank you, this video was both helpful and fun to watch. Is the first of yours I've seen and the idea of using a pre-existing book is wonderful! I have an old math reference book I think I'll be doing this with for the feel I want❤❤

[@PhoebesWorldProductions]

*nods*. This is a GREAT video. I agree with pretty much everything you were saying. 😃👍 Except, that I personally find it harder to create if the page already has something on it.... The Blank Page is better for me. But I still agree with the things you were saying for those who DO "Fear the blank page".

[@wendywraight5788]

Your work is fabulous and your presentation style is soooooooo refreshing. Thank you!

[@nancyfoley8198]

Hi Meg. I enjoy your videos and books. Have you ever thought of authoring a book using the dialogs and photos from each of your videos? It would be fun to "pull you off" my shelf!!

[@megjournals]

Maybe one day!🤗

[@cynthiaakacyndsmith6539]

I see a blank page and it gets me excited, I can hardly wait to do something with it.

[@poppykrause5857]

I can't wait for junk journal January to begin! 😊

[@sandrawheeler2295]

This was so inspiring. Every time I go on holiday, I have great intentions to do this, but I always end up with the collected ephemera stuffed in a journal with the intention of "doing it later". We are off to France in three weeks and I WILL MAKE A TRAVEL JOURNAL!!! You make it look so easy and so achievable...who knew envelopes and serviettes could be so damn handy!! Cannot wait to see the flip through!! 🤗😊

[@megjournals]

Thank you!!! Enjoy your trip. You might enjoy another creator here - Jane the crazy, she does lots of travel stuff 🥰

[@sandrawheeler2295]

@@megjournals Oh dear, I'm a little embarrassed because my comments were meant for another channel I subscribe to. I really do appreciate your kind response, given that you probably have no idea what I was talking about 😅Fortunately, my mistake lead me to discovering your channel, which I've subscribed to and now have lots of inspiring new videos to watch. Winning! 🤗💖

[@seriouslycarla]

Oufffff loved every second of this video ❤❤❤

[@taniasmith9135]

Wow I love the page you have done. I'm from New Zealand 🇳🇿 and wanting to get started with this sort of thing

[@CathSheard]

Hi fellow Kiwi

[@emilyrogers3271]

Loved this video! I hope to find a bit of time to participate in your Jan challenge. Tfs.

[@lucyfanning7496]

Great advice. Love your page. I will be participating in junk journal January.

[@rhodarapp3795]

Love the advice. New to making journals.

[@nomadamarina4050]

I do mu journal imperfect. I do what i want, if its not cute, i dont care, just writing or drawing relax my soul everyday uwu

[@DanielleBatog]

Wonderful encouragement and very helpful tips👍❤️

[@mykidsm0m]

First time on, loving the content and points youve made. Yiu have a new subscriber.❤

[@takyiwah2022]

This was lovely! Thank you!

[@cjalto1265]

Where did you get the rub-ons?

[@LizChadertonArt]

Such a positive film!

[@PixieKDesigns]

Such good advice and tips. Thanks Meg ❤️

[@judystrock3892]

Where did you get the book of decals

[@allieeverett9017]

Wonderfully encouraging! Beautiful work...thank you.

[@labgirlreed]

Love the idea of monthly topics😊

[@stacikspencer]

Do you do daily prompts for other months besides January and July for those of us who need a daily prompt every day of the year?

[@megjournals]

I'm afraid not! But there are lots of fab ones out there :)

[@willareeneacealbertini975]

Sounds great on my phone.

[@ChristinasPaperCreations]

Thanks for the video. Definitely does help

[@ExiArts_HristoHvoynev]

Your journaling is pretty! ❤❤❤❤

[@sofie3154]

This was such an inspiring video. Thanks for sharing.

[@amydillardGypsySoul]

So pretty, Meg. I can't wait for the challenge in January!

[@jillymck51]

Great video. Im new to all this and your myth busting was everything I needed. Thank you. Just subscribed!❤

[@AzaleaLala]

Is it just me or is the sound really low on this video. I've turned everything up and I'm on a PC with a headset. I wanted to let you know in case you need to fix it. Love your videos.

[@megjournals]

It seems ok for me!

[@annharper8342]

Was fine for me , maybe you have a head jack connection issue❤

[@moonlampje79]

Fine for me too

[@pixelzebra8440]

I literally just turned up my sound before I read this. They might just need to turn up the sound in editing

[@naureenscreativecorner7354]

Fine with my headphones as well

[@millennialscribbles]

These are great tips thanks for sharing 💚

[@glendadyar8975]

Fabulous artist!

[@annwoleben5439]

Very helpful - thank you!

[@lericamims]

I love your work!

[@Jax52reg]

I have been scrapbooking for over 10 years. I thought I’d try junk journaling but I have a huge problem…..I’m too organized. I love the boho, messy, out of the lines effect but I’m a neat freak. I want to do chaos. How do I let go of wanting it perfect?

[@AllisonS82]

Love this !!!!!!!

[@amybunner1158]

I love your kitty mug!!! Where did you get it from?

[@megjournals]

Thank you! It's from B&M if you're in the UK☺️

[@debzehr3244]

Thank you. 💖💖💖

[@mom2triplets04]

What are you storing your rub ons in? Is it a 4 x 6 photo thing? I so need to get mine organized as they are all over the place.

[@megjournals]

Yes pretty much! It’s by MU but a photo album would do the same job! 😊

[@emilyhird2332]

Fab video thank you ❤Louise and Emily

[@maryannwahba8015]

What was the white marker/pen that you circled with? Thank you!

[@megjournals]

A paint pen :)

[@mom2triplets04]

Are you using a regular pen to rub on the images or is that a special tool? I'm always misplacing the popsicle stick.

[@megjournals]

Yeah just the end of a pen lol, nothing fancy! 🤣

[@cynthiaakacyndsmith6539]

This isn so very amazing and informative.

[@CristinaLaiASMR]

This is amazing

[@yasmingeorge5173]

It stressed me out watching you stick things in that nice old book 😲

[@megjournals]

Sorry!

[@irenehook9722]

@@megjournalsthe way I see it, is that you’re giving it another life. I get my old books from the charity shops. Most charities have loads of books and after a certain period of time if they are not sold they are taken to landfill. So it’s better to give it another life than to see it go to the rubbish tip!

[@starlasell5698]

Beautiful ❤

[@420MILEHIGHCLUB-bw5lb]

Cool!!

[@carrissaoliver7766]

What are those sticker like things that you rubbed onto the page called?

[@megjournals]

They’re called rub ons! I like the brand MU but there are lots out there :)

[@eileenhoney6426]

No sound issues on my iPad

[@Idagramos]

I love your video but I could hardly hear you even when I raised the volume on my laptop to the max and the video itself. Perhaps you could speak closer into your mic. Thanks!

[@mariepemberton6750]

Hello New to this

[@megjournals]

Yay, thanks for stopping by! Hope you have fun with the challenge :)

[@smf1104]

What book are you journaling in? I love the size!!

[@amyb82941]

💜💜💜

[@maikeannamohr2119]

😍😍😍

[@peteruk65]

I’ve done this with mash, baked beans and red sauce…looked a mess too, but at least it tasted great - no idea what he/she is trying to achieve?

[@megjournals]

I don’t think you’ve got the right video! 😅

[@sgist7824]

Lol I certainly hope it's another video

[@carolbeeding4270]

😍❤️

[@CathSheard]

Great tips, but oh my, your brushes are so clean; mine are a great deal less well cared for 🙄

[@megjournals]

It’s because they’re new! 😅🤭

[@julesm9081]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@janearthur5934]

I am on tablet wiith sound full blast and i have no headphones

[@أمخشم-ت3س]

It's not a library journal from a beautiful fantasy world

[@janearthur5934]

Its nnot you I can barely hear her either.

[@Mallari2012]

Боюсь, что для меня это не выглядит творчеством. Уничтожение книги перечёркивает весть потенциальный психотерапевтический эффект от разрывания и хаотичного наклеивания бумажек😅.

[@heatherhoward2513]

What a waste òf a useful book

[@theresetaylor7207]

I reckon this book was well loved and read before it was used, I think this adds to the journal 😊

[@heatherhoward2513]

@theresetaylor7207 it's clearly a reference book for plants, which don't exactly change much , and that is why I called it a waste.

[@megjournals]

I don't think it's a waste :) It was second-hand and not in the best condition, but also it's mass produced.

[@jerrygill4828]

I don’t see what the point is, glueing stuff together. Maybe it’s just not for me.

[@demycrafts]

What's the point in anything in life?

[@myheartincollage]

I loved this simplistic approach! Also please tell me where you got the adorable cat mug, @megjournals ❤

[@megjournals]

Thank you!! If you're in the UK it's nothing fancy, just B&M! I found the listing here: www.bmstores.co.uk/products/cat-person-mug-3901801

[@tonifrancis6945]

This is all such good advice, and very encouraging. Thank you.

[@tripletgirl2484]

Very helpful, thanks!