One of my favourite things about mixed media art journaling is that there are no rules. Some pages become fully finished works of art, while others remain backgrounds waiting patiently for inspiration to strike.
Today I'm sharing a miniature art journal created to fit inside the Elizabeth Craft Designs Mini Art Journal folder.
The journal measures approximately 9cm x 12.5cm (3.5" x 4.9"), making it the perfect size for experimenting with techniques, colour combinations and composition ideas without feeling overwhelmed by a large page.
Creating the Journal
For the pages I used the Sizzix Bigz XL Lynda Kanase 663627 Travellers Notebook Pages & Pockets die to cut the signatures before assembling the journal.
The backgrounds were created using layers of acrylic paint, applied in a loose and intuitive way. Rather than working towards a specific design, I allowed the colours to build naturally through printing, scraping, stencilling and stamping.
Throughout the journal I repeatedly returned to a palette of:
- Soft pinks
- Fresh greens
- Warm yellows
- White texture paste
- Black stamping
These colours helped create a cohesive look from page to page while still allowing each spread to develop its own personality.
Texture, Layers and Details
Many of the pages feature:
- Stencilled texture paste
- Script stamping
- Honeycomb patterns
- White splatter
- Bees, butterflies and dragonflies
- Die-cut embellishments
- Vintage-inspired quotes
Some spreads are highly decorated focal pages, while others remain simple backgrounds ready for future embellishment.
I actually enjoy having a mixture of finished and unfinished pages in my journals. It reminds me that creativity is a journey rather than a destination.
A Theme Emerges
Although I didn't begin with a specific theme in mind, as the journal developed I noticed recurring ideas appearing throughout the pages:
- New beginnings
- Creativity
- Growth
- Transformation
- Taking your time
- Finding joy
The butterflies, dragonflies, clocks and inspirational sentiments all seemed to weave themselves into the same visual story.
Why I Love Mini Art Journals
Mini journals are perfect for:
- Testing new techniques
- Using scraps from larger projects
- Building confidence
- Exploring colour palettes
- Creating quick creative sessions
- Taking art journaling on the go
Because the pages are small, even 15 minutes at a craft desk can result in a completed spread.
Final Thoughts
Some of these pages are finished.
Some are still waiting for their final layer.
And honestly, I think that's what makes art journals so special.
They grow alongside us, collecting ideas, experiments, successes and happy accidents along the way.
After all...
"Every story has an end, but in life every ending is just a new beginning."
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