10 Step-by-Step Tutorials for Stunning Art Journal Pages
Resources:
Art Journal Starter Kit – Everything you need to begin your journey into art journaling.
Acrylic Paint Set – High-quality paint for vibrant and lasting results in your journal.
Mixed Media Paper – Durable and thick paper perfect for layering, painting, and more.
Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase. I only recommend products I truly love and use. Thank you for supporting my blog!
10 Step-by-Step Tutorials for Stunning Art Journal Pages
Art journaling is one of the most therapeutic and expressive forms of creativity I know. Each page is a chance to experiment, make mistakes, and learn. But sometimes, getting started can feel overwhelming. If you've ever stared at a blank page, unsure of where to begin, you're not alone!
When I first started art journaling, I was full of ideas but lacked the confidence to execute them. Over time, I developed a few techniques and approaches that helped me push through that initial hesitation. And now, I’m excited to share 10 step-by-step tutorials that will inspire and guide you through creating stunning art journal pages. Whether you’re a beginner or more advanced, these tutorials will give you the tools and confidence to create something beautiful!
1. Acrylic Paint + Stencil Flowers
One of my favorite ways to add texture and dimension to my pages is by using stencils. Stencils are like a shortcut to creating intricate designs, and when combined with acrylic paint, they bring life to any page.
Steps:
Photo by Birmingham Museums Trust on Unsplash
Begin by painting your background with a light wash of acrylic paint.
Once it’s dry, place a flower stencil on the page.
Use a contrasting color of acrylic paint to fill in the stencil.
After it dries, use a pen to add details and shading to the flowers for a more dynamic look.
The result? A vibrant, layered floral design that will instantly elevate your page.
2. Watercolor Wash + Collage
If you're looking for something soft and calming, a watercolor wash combined with collage is a great choice. This technique allows you to play with colors and imagery in a way that feels spontaneous and fun.
Steps:
Apply a watercolor wash to your page, creating soft gradients of color.
While the wash is drying, cut out images from magazines or old books.
Arrange the images on your page and glue them down.
Use a fine-tip pen to add any extra details like doodles or journaling.
I love the feeling of a quiet, serene watercolor wash with a pop of collage imagery. It’s both peaceful and playful.
3. Ink and Salt Texture Landscape
This technique is a fun way to create textured landscapes. It’s a little messy, but the results are worth it.
Steps:
Create an ink wash for your background, using either black ink or watercolor ink.
While the ink is still wet, sprinkle salt on the surface. Watch as it creates magical textures.
Once the page is dry, use a brush to add mountains or trees with acrylic paint.
Add fine details with pens or pencils to bring the landscape to life.
This technique adds a sense of depth and unpredictability, which makes each landscape unique.
4. Hand Lettering + Abstract Background
If you love combining words with art, this tutorial will speak to you. Hand lettering paired with a bold abstract background creates a striking, eye-catching page.
Steps:
Photo by No Revisions on Unsplash
Start by applying a base layer of acrylic paint in your favorite color. Let it dry.
Use masking tape or washi tape to create interesting shapes on the page.
Paint over the tape with contrasting colors.
Once the paint is dry, remove the tape and use a black pen to add hand-lettered quotes, phrases, or words.
This tutorial is perfect for expressing a meaningful quote or thought in a visually striking way.
5. Textured Paste + Watercolor
Texture paste is one of my all-time favorite materials for adding dimension to a page. When combined with watercolor, it creates an amazing contrast of smooth and raised textures.
Steps:
Spread a thin layer of texture paste on your page. Use a palette knife for a more defined texture.
Allow the paste to dry completely.
Once dry, paint over the texture paste with watercolor.
Add a few details with pens or colored pencils to highlight the raised areas.
The combination of watercolor’s softness and the texture paste’s roughness creates a stunning, multidimensional effect.
6. Photo Transfer + Acrylic Wash
This technique allows you to incorporate photos into your art journal, adding a personal touch. It’s perfect for memory-keeping or storytelling.
Steps:
Print out a black-and-white photo on regular paper (laser prints work best).
Apply a thin layer of gel medium to the photo and place it face down on your journal page.
Let it dry completely.
Once dry, dampen the paper with a wet cloth and gently rub away the paper to reveal the transferred image.
Add an acrylic wash over the photo to blend it into the page.
You’ll love how the photo becomes a part of the page, as if it’s part of the texture itself.
7. Stamping + Watercolor Flowers
Stamps are an easy way to add intricate designs to your pages, and when paired with watercolor, they create a light and airy effect.
Steps:
Stamp floral images onto your journal page using waterproof ink.
Once the ink is dry, paint the stamped flowers with watercolor.
Add additional layers of watercolor to create depth and dimension.
Use a fine-tip pen to outline the flowers and add details.
The stamped images create structure, while the watercolor brings softness and fluidity to the page.
Photo by Elena Mozhvilo on Unsplash
8. Gelatos + Collage for a Colorful Spread
Gelatos are creamy, vibrant, and perfect for blending. When paired with collage elements, they create a playful, colorful spread.
Steps:
Start by applying gelatos to your page in various colors. Blend them with your fingers or a wet cloth to create a smooth wash.
Once the background is dry, cut out collage elements from magazines.
Glue the images onto your page.
Use a pen to add doodles or journaling.
Gelatos are perfect for adding rich, creamy color that’s easy to work with and blend.
9. Stencil + Watercolor Drips
This technique creates a stunning, dynamic page that’s full of energy and movement.
Steps:
Apply a thin layer of gesso to your page to prepare it for watercolor.
Once the gesso is dry, place a stencil on your page and apply watercolor over it.
Let the watercolor drip and run off the edges of the stencil.
Remove the stencil, and allow the page to dry completely.
The result is a beautiful combination of stenciled images and colorful drips that make the page feel alive.
10. Mixed Media Texture + Inspirational Quote
Photo by Laura Chouette on Unsplash
This final tutorial is for when you want to combine multiple mixed media techniques into one powerful, inspiring page.
Steps:
Create a textured base using modeling paste or tissue paper.
Once the texture is dry, apply a wash of watercolor or acrylic paint.
Once dry, add a handwritten inspirational quote or phrase.
Finally, add some details like doodles or embellishments to make the page truly your own.
This tutorial combines texture, color, and meaningful words, making it one of the most impactful pages you can create.
Resources:
Art Journal Supplies – Get everything you need to start your next project.
Gelato Sticks – These vibrant gelatos will take your pages to the next level.
Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my blog!
I hope these 10 tutorials inspire you to get started or try something new in your art journal. Whether you’re combining watercolor with texture, creating stunning collages, or incorporating photos into your pages, there’s no wrong way to art journal. The most important part is that you’re expressing yourself in your own authentic way. So grab your supplies and let your creativity flow—your art journal is waiting!
