New to Journaling?
Here is a step-by-step guide to get you started…
Art journaling is an incredibly personal and creative way to explore thoughts, emotions and ideas, blending writing and art into something uniquely your own.
1. Pick Your Journal
First, choose a journal that speaks to you. It could be a blank sketchbook, an old notebook, or anything that feels right.
Something with thicker pages can be better for paint or glue, but don’t overthink it – just pick something you’ll enjoy using.
2. Gather Supplies
Grab whatever art supplies you have on hand. This could be markers, coloured pencils, paint, washi tape, stickers or magazine clippings.
You don’t need anything fancy – it’s really not about the pens!
3. Set a Theme or Intention
Before you begin, consider setting an intention for your page.
Do you want to express a mood, capture a memory, or just play with colours and textures?
Themes give your creativity some direction but feel free to go abstract if you’re just feeling playful.
For prompts and ideas, join the Facebook group Maternal Journal Yorkshire.
4. Let Go of Perfection
There’s no right or wrong way to art journal. Your pages don’t need to look “pretty” or polished.
In fact, the messier, the more authentic. Let your instincts guide you.
5. Start Creating
Add layers – maybe start with a base of colour, then add doodles, scribbles or words.
Play around! More is more!
Combine journaling with visuals. Write a quote, a list or even random thoughts that come up as you create.
6. Reflect
Once you finish a page, take a moment to reflect.
What does it feel like? What do you see? Sometimes your art will reveal things you weren’t even aware of.
Keep the journal open on the page and leave it somewhere around the house – so you can reflect on it in the days afterwards. Sometimes meanings to our pages change over time.
Art journaling is about the process, not the outcome. Just have fun and let it be a space for you!
Get started with me
There are many reasons why people come to my online Maternal Journal sessions – some come to gain ideas for their journal, some come to gather with others to share or listen to stories, and some come to get over the hurdle of what to write on that first blank page.
Whatever your reason, you are welcome to join my online Maternal Journal session which take place on Zoom.
Each Maternal Journal session starts with a 10 minute introduction and then I’ll lead a grounding activity to help you leave the before and the after outside the session.
Next, I’ll give you a list of prompts and invite you to take part in a guided journaling activity which could be linked to nature, the moon, the seasons or even my internal thoughts.
There will be time to chat and there will be time to work in silence.
Towards the end of the session, you’ll have an opportunity to share what you have done, but if you don’t want to share that’s OK, there’s no expectation.
I’d love to hear from you
If you have any questions or would like to find out more about Maternal Journal, I’d love to hear from you.
You can email me at mail@sallygolightly.co.uk