School-aged kids will learn about creating an art journal entry in this fun project. This basic technique can easily be used at home or in the classroom.
Art Journaling: What is it, and why make One?
Art journaling is simply an extension of a regular daily journal entry. Artists may choose to create many different types of art journal entries. Entries can be about something the artist has seen that day, an activity they did, something they ate or wore, simply practicing new techniques, and so on!
While there are no official rules for art journaling, the entries I request of my students do have 3 requirements: a drawing, the date, and a note about what they drew (based on the ability of the child). I encourage my students to create these entries daily to further develop their drawing skills and to create a daily habit of drawing. Personally, I enjoy creating entries in this way because it gives me a chance to look back on life through my own drawings. I’ve been able to watch my art and style develop, as well as reminisce on moments from the past.
Related: Create your own accordion sketchbook for your daily journal project!
Supplies Needed to Make an Art Journal Project
- Sketchbook – any style or size. I recommend using one that is easy to carry throughout your day.
- Drawing Supplies – choose any supplies such as pencils, pens, crayons, paints, etc!
Ideas to Start Your Art Journaling habit
First, know that there are no rules associated to art journaling. Create what you want, when you want, and however you want. This article simply includes a few ideas that I have enjoyed using over the years.
Idea 1
Art journaling entries can consist of the most basic subjects and sketches. Don’t worry about the end results, this habit is more about getting you to use your sketchbook each day.
Idea 2
Pass time while you wait by drawing in your sketchbook. Entries can be as basic or detailed as time and supplies allow.
Idea 3
Another great way to add art journaling into your day is through studying nature, also known as Nature Journaling. Take time to slow down, enjoy nature, observe the details, and smell the roses!
Idea 4
You can also use your art journal to practice new techniques and medium combinations.
Idea 5
You can also use your art journal to press flowers, add mementos, or tape in more pages.
Finished Art journaling Projects
I absolutely love creating art journals! Since these projects are made within sketchbooks, they can easily be displayed on a table, stored on a shelf, or viewed often as a memento.
Our Experience Making this Art Journaling Project
Art journaling is one of my favorite ways to sneak in art during the day. When it comes to my day-to-day sketchbook, I am not seeking perfection, but striving for a daily art commitment. If you looked within the pages of my art journal you would not only find art, but also scores to games played on family vacations, garden plans, notes from classes, scribbles made my toddler, and so on. I find that having my journal close by makes it easier to create these daily entries about my life and inspire myself and my kids to put down our devices and get creative!
Prep Time
5 minutes
Active Time
15 minutes
Total Time
20 minutes
Difficulty
Medium
Estimated Cost
$5
Materials
- Sketchbook – any style or size. I recommend using one that is easy to carry throughout your day.
Tools
- Drawing Supplies – choose any supplies such as pencils, pens, crayons, paints, etc!
Instructions
First, know that there are no rules associated to art journaling. Create what you want, when you want, and however you want. This list simply includes a few ideas that I have enjoyed using over the years.
- Art journaling entries can consist of the most basic subjects and sketches. Don’t worry about the end results, this habit is more about getting you to use your sketchbook each day.
- Pass time while you wait by drawing in your sketchbook. Entries can be as basic or detailed as time and supplies allow.
- Another great way to add art journaling into your day is through studying nature, also known as Nature Journaling. Take time to slow down, enjoy nature, observe the details, and smell the roses!
- Use your art journal to practice new techniques and medium combinations.
- Use your art journal to press flowers, add mementos, or tape in more pages.
Notes
Art Journaling Variations
- Explore various types of journals and mediums to find your favorites to use.
- Keep multiple journals going at once where you always have one within reach.
- If you find that a journal or medium isn’t working for you, set it aside and try another type. You may find that your needs and preferences change over time, allowing you to complete that sketchbook later.
Art Journaling Variations
- Explore various types of journals and mediums to find your favorites to use.
- Keep multiple journals going at once where you always have one within reach.
- If you find that a journal or medium isn’t working for you, set it aside and try another type. You may find that your needs and preferences change over time, allowing you to complete that sketchbook later.
Other Fun Art Journaling Projects from Kids Activities Blog
- Explore our gratitude prompts that Kids and Adults can add to their art journals.
- Fill your art journal with the meditative art of Zentangle.
- Begin Healing With Art through the pages of your journal.
- Use your journal to learn about the Art of Practice.
- There are many ways to create your own journal, including this one!
Did your kids enjoy creating an art journal entry about a moment in their day? What was the subject of their entry and what supplies did they use?
