10 Art Journaling Supplies to Get Started Art Journaling

Ready to get started art journaling? Here are ten of my favorite art journaling supplies to use when art journaling. Artwork pictured is by Mary Brack.

Journal – You need a basic journal to get started. If you are going to be doing a lot of layering and using heavy art media, get a thick sketchbook or a journal that contains watercolor paper. Moleskines are a popular type of journal. The  Watercolor Moleskine or Moleskine Sketchbook are good options for thicker paper. Handmade journals are good if you want something more unique. Look on Etsy for handmade journals such as the ones in my shop, Move the Needle. 

Old books also make good journals. If you want to make an altered book, you can find an old book with words or photos. Illustrated books are also good for finding pictures to use in journal entries.

Paint and Paintbrushes – Paint is a great way to add color to your journal. Watercolor paint is my favorite to use in art journaling because you can layer it easily. Acrylic paint is also a good option. Don't forget to get paint brushes that come in a variety of sizes. You can use paint brushes for paint or to add adhesive or glue to items you want to add to your journal.

Gesso - Gesso can be used as a base for art journaling entries. It is a good to use as a base for acrylic paint. You can also use the gesso on its own to create texture and patterns.

Writing Tools – Get basic writing tools like pencils, pens and markers so you can write down your thoughts. Art pencils are good for sketching. You can get professional art markers or just use whatever you have around.

Decorative Paper or Fabric – I like using decorative paper to collage in my art journal. It also is nice to use in the background. Another option is to use fabric. If you're worried about the fabric being too thick for your page, start with adding a little bit at a time. Cut small shapes out of fabric such as hearts and stars or use it like decorative paper.



Colored Pencils – You can use basic colored pencils or more professional ones. I also like water colored pencils because you can add water to change the look so they kind of work like watercolor paint.

Crayons or Pastels – Pastels are nice to have. You can draw with pastels or use them in different layers of art journaling. Crayons are a cheaper option.

Ink – Ink comes in a variety of colors. Use it to write or stamp with.

Stamps and Stencils – Stamps and stencils can add interesting designs to your journal pages. You can also make your own stamps and stencils using found objects such as lace or orange peels.

Photographs – Personal photos are nice to put in your journal. You can use film photographs or print out photos from your computer on photo pa

Glitter and Other Embellishments – Basic craft glitter is great to add a little sparkle to your journal entries. Use it on journal entries while they are still wet. You can also mix the glitter with adhesive and paint it on your entries. Other embellishments include ribbon and lace.

Found Objects – Be on the look out for fun items to stick in your journal entries. You can use any material that you can lay flat or can fit in your journal. Some examples of found objects are
envelopes, postcards, stickers, bubble wrap, paper clips, receipts, graph paper and file
folders. Go through old issues of magazines and newspaper and save articles, words and images you like. Natural objects, such as dried herbs and autumn leaves, are also good to add to your art journal pages.

Wax Paper – Wax paper will make sure that art journal pages dry without sticking together. Put wax paper that is slightly larger than your journal page size in between pages while they are drying. I also like to put wax paper underneath my art journal when working on pages. You can find wax paper at the grocery store.

Scissors or Paper Cutter – Don't forget the basics. You can invest in good quality scissors if you want, but any scissors you already have will work.A paper cutter is also good for cutting straight lines or cutting a lot of paper at once.

Adhesive - Good quality PVA glue will help your art journaling pages last longer. Mod Podge is another good option that is good for using when you collage because you can also use the glue as a sealer. Another option for adhesive is gel medium, which can also be used to thin acrylic paint.

Box or Art Bin  – Use a box, art bin or drawer to store all your art journaling supplies. You might
want to keep a separate box or bin for found objects and items you may want to include in your journal. Save any left over materials you have to reuse later. Pull from the found objects box whenever you want to create an art journal page, but don't know where to start.

Go to the craft store or look around to find more art supplies and items you can use in
your journal.

See my previous entry to learn more about art journaling.

What are your favorite art journaling supplies?