Let’s Start a Journal

June 10, 2026

My Second Wednesday Workshops are announced in Altenew’s Newsletter. Those who sign up within the first two weeks of the announcement receive a 20% discount on supplies used in class. Register by emailing me at grammy2bo@gmail.com.

The idea of creating a journal has always intrigued me. I eagerly opened my first diary and stared at the empty page. At the age of 10 there just wasn’t much to write about.

The release of Altenew’s Sketch Books has motivated me to start a journal that has no requirements. It might include some favorite quotations, first drafts with new Altenew supplies, reminiscing with old favorites, recording favorite Altenew sentiments or color palette, maybe a sketch of a layout. It’s also a great place to save the cards I make in the many classes I take.

Vicky Papaioannou has been my favorite resource for art journaling. She has many YouTube videos of journal pages that have been my inspiration. Her blog is www.clipsandcuts. Added benefits are her beautiful voice and Greek accent.

Getting started is the hardest part, right? So I’ll help by creating that hardest first page and give you lots of ideas for more pages. As we chat through this workshop I’m hoping you will offer your ideas of how you intend to use your journal.

Supplies: (Don’t be discouraged by the supply list. Make this as simple or as detailed as you wish using supplies you already have).

A5 Luxe Watercolor Sketch Book (it has great paper capable of handling mixed media and the book lays flat).

Satin Tape

Coffee Break and Sweet Dreams cardstock (or white cardstock ink blended with Coffee Break and Sweet Dreams)

Brushed Gold Metallic Cardstock

Coffee Break and Sweet Dreams Fresh Dye Ink Pads

Enchanted Gold and Galactic Stream Shimmer Relief Paste

Mixed Media Palette knife Set

Mini Blending Brushes Must Have Gel Pen Set

Paper Echos Stencil

CYL Garden Whispers

Garden Bouquet Complete Bundle (Only used for the sentiment)

Plate from a Stamp Wheel or large acrylic block

Die Cutting Machine

Glue

Vellum for the feather

Here are two more sample of pages in my Art Journal:

This page includes Cherry Blossom CAF, Sweet Garden Bird Layering Dies and Mighty Alphabet Die Set.

Products used include: Fairy Tale Rose stamp and stencils, Calligraphy Alpha Die Set, Squiggly Lines Stencil, Kind Confetti Stamp Set. (Page inspired by Vicky Papaioannou).

These is my last Second Wednesday class until October. We escape the heat in Tucson for a couple months each summer. I’ll be in the mountains crafting and planning for my Fall workshops.

You can always reach me at grammy2bo@gmail.com