Step #574: Create Journal Fodder

“This is a work of fiction. All the characters in it, human and otherwise,
are imaginary, excepting only certain of the fairy folk,
whom it might be unwise to offend
by casting doubts on their existence. Or lack thereof."
~ Neil Gaiman

a peek inside the manufacturing catalog I'm altering...

strips from abstract art and art journal pages used in collage

the white writing on pink background is from this art journal page i cut up

Creating or searching for journal fodder is a way to re-purpose or re-cycle items that you find at at discount bookstores, in your unused scrapbooking supplies, unfinished projects, thrift shops, flea markets, your junk drawer, your office supplies, your aunt's sewing box. It's also a fantastic way to Get More "You" Into Your Art Journals. Exploring my dad's attic, I found a children's math textbook from the 1930s, maps, skeleton keys, brass fasteners, photographs, ledger paper, 35mm slides... he was thrilled they could be of use!

Ideas for things to create or find for your art journal, with links to how-to's and examples:

1. collect used postage stamps
2. attach ribbon, metal fasteners, beads, jewels
3. draw and paint doodles
4. use lists: handwritten to-do lists, grocery lists, typed lists
5. carve eraser stamps for one-of-a-kind backgrounds
6. stamp acrylic paint with found stamps like cookie cutters, wine corks & lids
7. create backgrounds with an inked brayer
8. stamp with bubble wrap
9. create psychedelic batik cardstock to use in art journal collages
10. search out cool quotes and stamp the quotes or write the quotes on your pages
11. attach movie ticket stubs, metro tickets, raffle tickets, lottery tickets
12. find vintage postcards, magazines and papers at flea markets or in attics
13. search for vintage photographs in digital copyright-free collections
14. use swatches of cotton fabric stamped with handmade FIMO stamps or eraser stamps
15. use your own photographs, or photo transfers
16. stitch a photograph onto your journal page
17. use photographs of your art in your art
18. doodle & sketch abstract symbols and imagery
19. cut up your abstract watercolor or acrylic art
20. use maps, telephone directories, accounting documents, sheet music, receipts, diagrams
21. include your kids' art
22. let your kids create your backgrounds
23. re-purpose | recycle | re-use scraps; Weaving Paper + Using Scrap Cardstock

Here's more in the step-by-step art journaling series.

Comments

[martha]

I look forward every day to see what you have put up on your blog. You are such an inspiration and are sooo talented.

[Emma]

I really love your blog! I'm always excited when there's a new post! :)

Now that my blog is up and running again (and totally art focussed), I'm hoping to participate in your prompts and projects!

[Julie]

I just started art journaling. I've been doing smashbooks which led me to this new passion. I can't tellyou how helpful your site has been to me. I've looked at other art journaling sites but none of them contain the information, content, and examples that yours does. You are so talented too. I'm looking forward to more from your blog. Thank you!

[sanny]

I have been art journaling for a year, and am constantly looking for inspiration. This website has helped me so much! Thank you!! :)

[chrisb]

Love your site! Been looking for ways to organize fodder - mine is piling up in shoe boxes, baskets and files. Any ideas for a good system?

[Susan]

I LOVE your site, you are so inspirational, thank you for sharing.