Have you ever stared at a blank notebook, pen poised, unsure where to begin? Diaries are more than just places to record the day's events and reflections. They can be creative outlets, goal-setting powerhouses, or even havens for self-reflection. But with so many types of diaries, choosing the right direction for your thoughts can feel overwhelming. 

Today we are going to take a closer look at the top 10 diary types or styles, from the ever-popular bullet journal to the mood-boosting gratitude log. You'll only need to pick one (or all 10) that perfectly meets your unique writing needs!

Top 10 Types of Diaries for Every Purpose

•  Bullet Journals

One of the most popular types of diaries in recent years is the Bullet Journal. Created by Ryder Carroll, this minimalist approach to journaling combines organization with creativity. With its customizable layout and emphasis on rapid logging, Bullet Journals are perfect for those who prefer a dynamic and flexible system to capture thoughts, tasks, and events.

• Gratitude Logs

In a world often filled with hustle and bustle, maintaining a gratitude log can be a powerful antidote. This type of diary encourages individuals to reflect on the positive aspects of their lives, fostering a mindset of gratitude. Regularly jotting down things to be thankful for can lead to increased overall well-being and a more optimistic outlook.

• Travel Journals

For the avid wanderer, a travel journal is a cherished companion. Whether you're exploring exotic destinations or rediscovering local treasures, documenting your travel experiences in a dedicated diary allows you to relive those moments and create lasting memories. From ticket stubs to doodles, a travel journal becomes a tangible scrapbook of your adventures.

• Dream Diary

Dream diaries and journals provide a fascinating glimpse into the mysterious realm of the subconscious. By recording dreams upon waking, individuals can uncover patterns, symbols, and emotions that may be hidden in their daily lives. Over time, maintaining a dream journal can enhance self-awareness and even facilitate personal growth.

• Fitness Logs

For those on a fitness journey, a dedicated diary can be a game-changer. A fitness log allows you to track workouts, set goals, and monitor progress. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or a beginner, maintaining a detailed record of your fitness activities can provide motivation and insights into your physical well-being.

• Reflective Journals

Reflective journals provide a safe space for introspection and self-discovery. With prompts or free-form writing, this type of diary enables individuals to explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences on a deeper level. Regular reflection fosters personal growth and helps individuals make informed decisions.

• Recipe Journals

For culinary enthusiasts, a recipe journal is the perfect way to document and organize kitchen experiments. From family recipes passed down through generations to your own culinary creations, this diary becomes a treasured resource, showcasing your gastronomic journey and allowing you to refine and perfect your favorite dishes.

• Reading Logs

A reading log is an ideal companion for bookworms and avid readers. Documenting the books you read, along with your thoughts and impressions, creates a literary timeline of your intellectual exploration. This diary type can inspire future reading choices and serve as a valuable reference for recommendations.

• Art Journals

Art journals provide a canvas for creative expression, blending words with visual elements. Whether you're a professional artist or simply a beginner, this type of diary allows you to explore emotions, ideas, and inspirations through drawings, paintings, collages, and more. It becomes a personal gallery that reflects your artistic evolution.

• Career Development Journals

In the realm of professional development, a career journal can be a strategic asset. Tracking achievements, setting goals, and reflecting on challenges can contribute to a more focused and intentional career path. This type of diary serves as a roadmap, guiding individuals toward their professional aspirations.

Summing up...

Now that you've explored the diverse world of diaries, it's time to grab a pen and unleash your inner voice! Whether you crave organization, self-discovery, or simply a space to capture life's moments, there's a perfect diary waiting to be filled with your unique story. So, take a deep breath, open the first page, and embark on a beautiful journey of self-expression! And, keep in mind, that a sentence a day keeps the doctor away, stabilizing your mental well-being!

• March 29, 2024
• journaling

From Bullet Journals to Gratitude Logs: Top 10 Types of Diaries for Every Purpose

Have you ever stared at a blank notebook, pen poised, unsure where to begin? Diaries are more than just places to record the day's events and reflections. They can be creative outlets, goal-setting powerhouses, or even havens for self-reflection. But with so many types of diaries, choosing the right direction for your thoughts can feel overwhelming. 

Today we are going to take a closer look at the top 10 diary types or styles, from the ever-popular bullet journal to the mood-boosting gratitude log. You'll only need to pick one (or all 10) that perfectly meets your unique writing needs!

Top 10 Types of Diaries for Every Purpose

•  Bullet Journals

One of the most popular types of diaries in recent years is the Bullet Journal. Created by Ryder Carroll, this minimalist approach to journaling combines organization with creativity. With its customizable layout and emphasis on rapid logging, Bullet Journals are perfect for those who prefer a dynamic and flexible system to capture thoughts, tasks, and events.

• Gratitude Logs

In a world often filled with hustle and bustle, maintaining a gratitude log can be a powerful antidote. This type of diary encourages individuals to reflect on the positive aspects of their lives, fostering a mindset of gratitude. Regularly jotting down things to be thankful for can lead to increased overall well-being and a more optimistic outlook.

• Travel Journals

For the avid wanderer, a travel journal is a cherished companion. Whether you're exploring exotic destinations or rediscovering local treasures, documenting your travel experiences in a dedicated diary allows you to relive those moments and create lasting memories. From ticket stubs to doodles, a travel journal becomes a tangible scrapbook of your adventures.

• Dream Diary

Dream diaries and journals provide a fascinating glimpse into the mysterious realm of the subconscious. By recording dreams upon waking, individuals can uncover patterns, symbols, and emotions that may be hidden in their daily lives. Over time, maintaining a dream journal can enhance self-awareness and even facilitate personal growth.

• Fitness Logs

For those on a fitness journey, a dedicated diary can be a game-changer. A fitness log allows you to track workouts, set goals, and monitor progress. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or a beginner, maintaining a detailed record of your fitness activities can provide motivation and insights into your physical well-being.

• Reflective Journals

Reflective journals provide a safe space for introspection and self-discovery. With prompts or free-form writing, this type of diary enables individuals to explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences on a deeper level. Regular reflection fosters personal growth and helps individuals make informed decisions.

• Recipe Journals

For culinary enthusiasts, a recipe journal is the perfect way to document and organize kitchen experiments. From family recipes passed down through generations to your own culinary creations, this diary becomes a treasured resource, showcasing your gastronomic journey and allowing you to refine and perfect your favorite dishes.

• Reading Logs

A reading log is an ideal companion for bookworms and avid readers. Documenting the books you read, along with your thoughts and impressions, creates a literary timeline of your intellectual exploration. This diary type can inspire future reading choices and serve as a valuable reference for recommendations.

• Art Journals

Art journals provide a canvas for creative expression, blending words with visual elements. Whether you're a professional artist or simply a beginner, this type of diary allows you to explore emotions, ideas, and inspirations through drawings, paintings, collages, and more. It becomes a personal gallery that reflects your artistic evolution.

• Career Development Journals

In the realm of professional development, a career journal can be a strategic asset. Tracking achievements, setting goals, and reflecting on challenges can contribute to a more focused and intentional career path. This type of diary serves as a roadmap, guiding individuals toward their professional aspirations.

Summing up...

Now that you've explored the diverse world of diaries, it's time to grab a pen and unleash your inner voice! Whether you crave organization, self-discovery, or simply a space to capture life's moments, there's a perfect diary waiting to be filled with your unique story. So, take a deep breath, open the first page, and embark on a beautiful journey of self-expression! And, keep in mind, that a sentence a day keeps the doctor away, stabilizing your mental well-being!

Read more »

One of the best parts of journaling is customizing and designing your very own journals and diaries for entries! From working on original layouts and spreads to customizing little accents and other details that make your diary unique. Ah, how I love this part! 

Whether you're a bullet journal enthusiast, a productivity guru, or simply someone who craves a touch of creativity in their daily routine, these apps empower you to design the perfect companion for your thoughts and plans. Here's a curated list of the top 10 free apps for crafting personalized journals and planners:

10 Best Free Apps for Designing Personalized Journals and Planners

• #1. Canva | Download Here ↴

Canva reigns supreme for its user-friendly interface and a vast library of design elements. It boasts a collection of pre-designed planner templates that can be easily customized with fonts, colors, and graphics. Create weekly or monthly spreads, habit trackers, and mood boards – all within the intuitive drag-and-drop interface. Canva also integrates with Google Drive, allowing seamless online storage and collaboration.

• #2. Notion | Download Here ↴

For the organizationally inclined, Notion stands out. This powerful app goes beyond basic journaling, offering features for task management, note-taking, and database building. Craft stunning custom planners with linked databases that automatically update across your pages. Notion's flexibility allows you to create intricate project trackers, budget planners, and even gamified goal-setting journals.

• #3. Google Slides | Download Here ↴

Don't underestimate the power of readily available tools! Google Slides, a familiar friend for presentations, doubles as a surprisingly effective planner builder. Design custom layouts with text boxes, tables, and images. Use the "Master Slides" feature to create consistent layouts across your entire planner. While not as feature-rich as dedicated design apps, Google Slides offers a free, accessible option for crafting basic yet functional planners.

• #4. Jot+ Planner | Download Here ↴

Jot+ caters specifically to digital journaling enthusiasts. It provides a plethora of customizable templates for bullet journals, habit trackers, mood trackers, and gratitude journals. Jot+ offers a variety of pen styles and highlighting options, allowing you to personalize your entries for a more traditional journaling experience. The app also includes password protection for added privacy.

• #5. Planner Bee | Download Here ↴

Planner Bee focuses on simplicity and aesthetics. Choose from a range of beautiful pre-designed planner templates, or create your own from scratch. Its intuitive interface allows for easy customization of colors, fonts, and stickers. Planner Bee includes features like password protection, cloud storage, and the ability to export your planner as a PDF for printing.

• #6. Microsoft OneNote | Download Here ↴

Another familiar app with surprising journaling potential is Microsoft OneNote. This free note-taking app allows you to create digital notebooks with unlimited pages. Use a combination of text, images, and handwritten notes to create a dynamic and visually appealing journal. OneNote excels at organizing information, letting you categorize entries with tags and sections for efficient information retrieval.

• #7. Noteshelf | Download Here ↴

For an app that truly mimics the pen-and-paper experience, look no further than Noteshelf. This app boasts a pressure-sensitive writing experience that feels incredibly natural. Import images, PDFs, and web clippings to enrich your journal entries. Utilize the audio recording feature to capture voice notes or interviews alongside your handwritten entries.

• #8. Papier | Download Here ↴

Papier stands out for its focus on social journaling. Create beautiful, interactive journals and share them with friends or keep them private. Use collaborative features like polls, quizzes, and drawings for a unique journaling experience with your loved ones. Papier offers a free tier with limited features, but premium subscriptions unlock additional customization options and collaborative tools.

• #9. GoodNotes | Download Here ↴

GoodNotes is a popular note-taking app that doubles as a powerful journaling tool. Import PDFs, images, and web clippings to create rich and informative entries. Utilize its annotation features to highlight text, add drawings, and insert sticky notes. GoodNotes offers excellent handwriting recognition, turning your scribbles into searchable text for improved organization.

• #10. Journey | Download Here ↴

Journey is a unique app that focuses on journaling as a self-discovery tool. It provides daily prompts and guided meditations to help you explore your thoughts and feelings. Track your mood, set goals, and reflect on your progress over time. Journey offers a free trial with limited features, but a premium subscription unlocks additional prompts, meditations, and customization options.

Concluding...

Crafting a personalized journal or planner isn't just about organization; it's about fostering creativity and expressing yourself. These free apps empower you to take control of your organization and journaling journey. Additionally, check out and download my digital junk journaling kits, so you can base your perfect journal on aesthetics, that inspired you. Happy journaling (and planning)!

• March 18, 2024
• journaling

Top 10 Best Free Apps for Designing Your Personalized Journals and Planners

One of the best parts of journaling is customizing and designing your very own journals and diaries for entries! From working on original layouts and spreads to customizing little accents and other details that make your diary unique. Ah, how I love this part! 

Whether you're a bullet journal enthusiast, a productivity guru, or simply someone who craves a touch of creativity in their daily routine, these apps empower you to design the perfect companion for your thoughts and plans. Here's a curated list of the top 10 free apps for crafting personalized journals and planners:

10 Best Free Apps for Designing Personalized Journals and Planners

• #1. Canva | Download Here ↴

Canva reigns supreme for its user-friendly interface and a vast library of design elements. It boasts a collection of pre-designed planner templates that can be easily customized with fonts, colors, and graphics. Create weekly or monthly spreads, habit trackers, and mood boards – all within the intuitive drag-and-drop interface. Canva also integrates with Google Drive, allowing seamless online storage and collaboration.

• #2. Notion | Download Here ↴

For the organizationally inclined, Notion stands out. This powerful app goes beyond basic journaling, offering features for task management, note-taking, and database building. Craft stunning custom planners with linked databases that automatically update across your pages. Notion's flexibility allows you to create intricate project trackers, budget planners, and even gamified goal-setting journals.

• #3. Google Slides | Download Here ↴

Don't underestimate the power of readily available tools! Google Slides, a familiar friend for presentations, doubles as a surprisingly effective planner builder. Design custom layouts with text boxes, tables, and images. Use the "Master Slides" feature to create consistent layouts across your entire planner. While not as feature-rich as dedicated design apps, Google Slides offers a free, accessible option for crafting basic yet functional planners.

• #4. Jot+ Planner | Download Here ↴

Jot+ caters specifically to digital journaling enthusiasts. It provides a plethora of customizable templates for bullet journals, habit trackers, mood trackers, and gratitude journals. Jot+ offers a variety of pen styles and highlighting options, allowing you to personalize your entries for a more traditional journaling experience. The app also includes password protection for added privacy.

• #5. Planner Bee | Download Here ↴

Planner Bee focuses on simplicity and aesthetics. Choose from a range of beautiful pre-designed planner templates, or create your own from scratch. Its intuitive interface allows for easy customization of colors, fonts, and stickers. Planner Bee includes features like password protection, cloud storage, and the ability to export your planner as a PDF for printing.

• #6. Microsoft OneNote | Download Here ↴

Another familiar app with surprising journaling potential is Microsoft OneNote. This free note-taking app allows you to create digital notebooks with unlimited pages. Use a combination of text, images, and handwritten notes to create a dynamic and visually appealing journal. OneNote excels at organizing information, letting you categorize entries with tags and sections for efficient information retrieval.

• #7. Noteshelf | Download Here ↴

For an app that truly mimics the pen-and-paper experience, look no further than Noteshelf. This app boasts a pressure-sensitive writing experience that feels incredibly natural. Import images, PDFs, and web clippings to enrich your journal entries. Utilize the audio recording feature to capture voice notes or interviews alongside your handwritten entries.

• #8. Papier | Download Here ↴

Papier stands out for its focus on social journaling. Create beautiful, interactive journals and share them with friends or keep them private. Use collaborative features like polls, quizzes, and drawings for a unique journaling experience with your loved ones. Papier offers a free tier with limited features, but premium subscriptions unlock additional customization options and collaborative tools.

• #9. GoodNotes | Download Here ↴

GoodNotes is a popular note-taking app that doubles as a powerful journaling tool. Import PDFs, images, and web clippings to create rich and informative entries. Utilize its annotation features to highlight text, add drawings, and insert sticky notes. GoodNotes offers excellent handwriting recognition, turning your scribbles into searchable text for improved organization.

• #10. Journey | Download Here ↴

Journey is a unique app that focuses on journaling as a self-discovery tool. It provides daily prompts and guided meditations to help you explore your thoughts and feelings. Track your mood, set goals, and reflect on your progress over time. Journey offers a free trial with limited features, but a premium subscription unlocks additional prompts, meditations, and customization options.

Concluding...

Crafting a personalized journal or planner isn't just about organization; it's about fostering creativity and expressing yourself. These free apps empower you to take control of your organization and journaling journey. Additionally, check out and download my digital junk journaling kits, so you can base your perfect journal on aesthetics, that inspired you. Happy journaling (and planning)!

Read more »

Is your sketchbook feeling a bit...tame? Ready to ditch the pencil and embrace a creative explosion? Then dive into the world of mixed media art!  This isn't your average sketchbook adventure. We're talking coffee-stained landscapes, embroidered portraits, and fantastical creatures built from found treasures.  Forget the limitations of traditional art supplies – we're venturing beyond the expected to create truly inspiring works of art with these 10 fresh ideas!

Top 10 Inspiring Mixed Media Sketchbook Ideas to Spark Your Creativity

 

      

 1. Timeless Beauty

Our world is filled with impermanent beauty – a fallen leaf's vibrant hues, the fleeting patterns of morning mist, or the intricate details of a weathered wall. Embrace the ephemeral by incorporating found objects directly into your sketchbook. Press fallen leaves between pages, letting their textures imprint onto the paper. Trace the delicate lines of cobwebs with ink, or use coffee grounds to depict the swirling patterns of morning fog.

Photo: cynkowepoletko

2. Sensory Overload

Engage all your senses in this captivating prompt. Head outdoors on a scavenger hunt, collecting unusual materials and items that evoke specific sensory experiences. Find something rough and textured, something smooth and cool, something with a strong scent. Back in your studio, use these objects as inspiration for mixed media creations. Texture rubbing with crayons can capture the roughness of the bark, while a cool metal object pressed onto the paint can leave a unique imprint. 

Photo: roxanne stout

3. Blindfolded Chaos

This twist on the classic blind contour drawing injects a dose of collaborative chaos into your sketchbook. Grab a partner and two sketchbooks. With one person blindfolded, the other guides their hand, creating a blind contour drawing on their sketchbook page. Once complete, switch roles. Now comes the mixed media twist. 

Without peeking at the original blind contours, use them as a foundation for a collaborative mixed media piece. One person might fill the shapes with vibrant watercolors, while the other adds tactile elements with fabric scraps or textured modeling paste. The unexpected results will spark conversation and laughter, fostering a unique creative bond.

4. Altered Book

Pre-loved books are brimming with potential for mixed media transformations. Find a book at a thrift store or garage sale, choosing one with interesting visuals or textures. Carefully cut out shapes from the pages, creating windows into the underlying narrative. 

Use these windows as a starting point for your mixed media creations. Layer tissue paper, collage vintage photographs, and printed patterns, or even write snippets of your own story within the revealed sections. This altered book will be transformed into a new canvas for your personal narrative, a fascinating blend of the old and the new.

5. Doodling

Dreams offer a portal to the subconscious, a realm brimming with bizarre imagery and vivid emotions. Keep a dream journal by your bedside, jotting down any fragments you remember upon waking. The next day, translate these dreamscapes into mixed media creations within your sketchbook. 

Experiment with unusual color combinations, dreamlike textures, and distorted perspectives to capture the essence of your dreams. Don't be afraid to be abstract and embrace the nonsensical – after all, dreams themselves defy logic.

Photo: Lari Washburn

6. Soundscape

Sound is a powerful force that can evoke a range of emotions and imagery. Close your eyes and focus on a specific sound, whether it's the crashing waves on a beach, the bustling energy of a city street, or the calming melody of your favorite song. Translate this soundscape into a visual symphony within your sketchbook. Use rhythmic lines, splatters of paint, or even musical notation to capture the essence of the sound. 

7. Emotional Palette

Emotions are often intangible, yet they profoundly impact our lives. Dedicate a series of sketchbook pages to exploring the connection between emotions and color. Choose an emotion – joy, anger, sadness, or anything in between – and create a mixed media piece that embodies that feeling. 

Use color theory to inform your choices – warm colors for emotions like joy and excitement, cooler tones for feelings of sadness or loneliness. You can also incorporate textures that evoke emotions – soft and fluffy for comfort, sharp and edgy for anger. This exercise allows you to explore the language of color and its connection to the human experience.

8. Found Object 

Who needs traditional supplies for creative journaling, when there are so many lost objects in the world? Look for discarded treasures during walks – a rusty bolt, a colorful feather, a pressed leaf – each with a story waiting to be told. Incorporate these objects directly into your sketchbook pages or use them as creative tools. 

For example, you can create whimsical creatures by using a rusty bolt as a mechanical claw or a feather as a fantastical wing. Let the found object be the starting point for your future artwork. 

Photo: boundbyhand

9.  Embroidery 

A needle and a thread can be powerful tools in a mixed media sketchbook.  Instead of just drawing figures, try stitching their outlines or details. You can create textured backgrounds with embroidery floss, or use different stitch patterns to represent different textures like fur, feathers, or scales. This technique adds a tactile dimension to your art and allows for incredible detail and delicate lines.

10. Abstract Alchemy

Mixed media isn't just about combining different materials – it's about exploring how they interact with each other.  Embrace the unexpected with a touch of scientific wonder by experimenting with chemical reactions in your sketchbook. 

Try using household items like bleach or rubbing alcohol to create unique effects on watercolor washes. For a more controlled approach, explore the fascinating world of rust printing. Dip screws, nails, or other metal objects in vinegar and salt, then place them on watercolor paper.  Just make sure to protect your skin, eyes, and surfaces when using aggressive chemicals.

Concluding...

There you have it, ten unique mixed media ideas to transform your sketchbook into a playground of artistic exploration! Don't treat your mixed media sketchbook as a treasure, allow your art to be chaotic, and experimental... Believe me, you'll enjoy it so much more and will get so much inspiration!

• March 13, 2024
• journaling

Top 10 Inspiring Mixed Media Sketchbook Ideas to Spark Your Creativity (with Images!)

Is your sketchbook feeling a bit...tame? Ready to ditch the pencil and embrace a creative explosion? Then dive into the world of mixed media art!  This isn't your average sketchbook adventure. We're talking coffee-stained landscapes, embroidered portraits, and fantastical creatures built from found treasures.  Forget the limitations of traditional art supplies – we're venturing beyond the expected to create truly inspiring works of art with these 10 fresh ideas!

Top 10 Inspiring Mixed Media Sketchbook Ideas to Spark Your Creativity

 

      

 1. Timeless Beauty

Our world is filled with impermanent beauty – a fallen leaf's vibrant hues, the fleeting patterns of morning mist, or the intricate details of a weathered wall. Embrace the ephemeral by incorporating found objects directly into your sketchbook. Press fallen leaves between pages, letting their textures imprint onto the paper. Trace the delicate lines of cobwebs with ink, or use coffee grounds to depict the swirling patterns of morning fog.

Photo: cynkowepoletko

2. Sensory Overload

Engage all your senses in this captivating prompt. Head outdoors on a scavenger hunt, collecting unusual materials and items that evoke specific sensory experiences. Find something rough and textured, something smooth and cool, something with a strong scent. Back in your studio, use these objects as inspiration for mixed media creations. Texture rubbing with crayons can capture the roughness of the bark, while a cool metal object pressed onto the paint can leave a unique imprint. 

Photo: roxanne stout

3. Blindfolded Chaos

This twist on the classic blind contour drawing injects a dose of collaborative chaos into your sketchbook. Grab a partner and two sketchbooks. With one person blindfolded, the other guides their hand, creating a blind contour drawing on their sketchbook page. Once complete, switch roles. Now comes the mixed media twist. 

Without peeking at the original blind contours, use them as a foundation for a collaborative mixed media piece. One person might fill the shapes with vibrant watercolors, while the other adds tactile elements with fabric scraps or textured modeling paste. The unexpected results will spark conversation and laughter, fostering a unique creative bond.

4. Altered Book

Pre-loved books are brimming with potential for mixed media transformations. Find a book at a thrift store or garage sale, choosing one with interesting visuals or textures. Carefully cut out shapes from the pages, creating windows into the underlying narrative. 

Use these windows as a starting point for your mixed media creations. Layer tissue paper, collage vintage photographs, and printed patterns, or even write snippets of your own story within the revealed sections. This altered book will be transformed into a new canvas for your personal narrative, a fascinating blend of the old and the new.

5. Doodling

Dreams offer a portal to the subconscious, a realm brimming with bizarre imagery and vivid emotions. Keep a dream journal by your bedside, jotting down any fragments you remember upon waking. The next day, translate these dreamscapes into mixed media creations within your sketchbook. 

Experiment with unusual color combinations, dreamlike textures, and distorted perspectives to capture the essence of your dreams. Don't be afraid to be abstract and embrace the nonsensical – after all, dreams themselves defy logic.

Photo: Lari Washburn

6. Soundscape

Sound is a powerful force that can evoke a range of emotions and imagery. Close your eyes and focus on a specific sound, whether it's the crashing waves on a beach, the bustling energy of a city street, or the calming melody of your favorite song. Translate this soundscape into a visual symphony within your sketchbook. Use rhythmic lines, splatters of paint, or even musical notation to capture the essence of the sound. 

7. Emotional Palette

Emotions are often intangible, yet they profoundly impact our lives. Dedicate a series of sketchbook pages to exploring the connection between emotions and color. Choose an emotion – joy, anger, sadness, or anything in between – and create a mixed media piece that embodies that feeling. 

Use color theory to inform your choices – warm colors for emotions like joy and excitement, cooler tones for feelings of sadness or loneliness. You can also incorporate textures that evoke emotions – soft and fluffy for comfort, sharp and edgy for anger. This exercise allows you to explore the language of color and its connection to the human experience.

8. Found Object 

Who needs traditional supplies for creative journaling, when there are so many lost objects in the world? Look for discarded treasures during walks – a rusty bolt, a colorful feather, a pressed leaf – each with a story waiting to be told. Incorporate these objects directly into your sketchbook pages or use them as creative tools. 

For example, you can create whimsical creatures by using a rusty bolt as a mechanical claw or a feather as a fantastical wing. Let the found object be the starting point for your future artwork. 

Photo: boundbyhand

9.  Embroidery 

A needle and a thread can be powerful tools in a mixed media sketchbook.  Instead of just drawing figures, try stitching their outlines or details. You can create textured backgrounds with embroidery floss, or use different stitch patterns to represent different textures like fur, feathers, or scales. This technique adds a tactile dimension to your art and allows for incredible detail and delicate lines.

10. Abstract Alchemy

Mixed media isn't just about combining different materials – it's about exploring how they interact with each other.  Embrace the unexpected with a touch of scientific wonder by experimenting with chemical reactions in your sketchbook. 

Try using household items like bleach or rubbing alcohol to create unique effects on watercolor washes. For a more controlled approach, explore the fascinating world of rust printing. Dip screws, nails, or other metal objects in vinegar and salt, then place them on watercolor paper.  Just make sure to protect your skin, eyes, and surfaces when using aggressive chemicals.

Concluding...

There you have it, ten unique mixed media ideas to transform your sketchbook into a playground of artistic exploration! Don't treat your mixed media sketchbook as a treasure, allow your art to be chaotic, and experimental... Believe me, you'll enjoy it so much more and will get so much inspiration!

Read more »