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ajsvintagedesigns
13 minutes ago3 min read

Personalized Art Journals for Gift Giving on a Budget



AJ here! If you are looking for a creative and personalized gift to give to a loved one, neighbor or co-worker, then let me show you my latest Art Journals as some examples and inspiration. With just a little time and supplies, you will soon have a one-of-a-kind thoughtful gift created with someone special in mind. And you will have fun doing so!


Make one or make a dozen, just make sure to create one for yourself, too.


Project List:

  1. Art Journal Blanks. * I sourced these from Amazon and have found them to be ideal as the binding will lie flat no mater which page your recipient is using. https://amzn.to/3UWhOhP


  2. Paint, Sealer and Transfers I am using Dixie Belle Paint's Chalk Mineral Paint line and you can use whatever paint you have on hand. If you are looking to add Dixie Belle Paint Company products to your own supply, here is my Affiliate Link: https://dixiebellepaint.com/?aff=71


You can also add decoupage papers, stencils, waxes and more.


And that is it! So, gather your supplies and your Gift List and prepare to spend some relaxing time creating to your heart's content.


 

Here is a quick video showing you one I did with chalk mineral paint in Savanna Mist, Driftwood and Fluff, Satin Clear Coat and the Whispering Pines transfer.






I blended two of the paints with Savannah Mist on the outer areas and Driftwood in the center. After letting the paint dry over night, I added part of the Whispering Pines small transfer and sealed it all with Satin Clear Coat. But didn't you see the forecast? We are expecting snow so...


...I opened my jar of Fluff and with a little water and a stencil brush, I flicked the watery Fluff paint over the sky portion of the book. So now it looks like a snowy - or starry - night in the forest.


And did you notice? I only used one of the four sheets provided in a small transfer package so that gives me three more sheets to create with, either on Art Journals or other projects.


Bonus Tip:


Slide a paper towel in between the cover and first page to avoid your brush from accidentally depositing any paint onto the page edges or spine.


 

Now let's go over the details of the other two Art Journals. I used the same process of blending two colors on the cover and letting it dry overnight. The next day, I added pieces of the transfers and sealed with Satin Clear Coat. You can click on any of the photos below to shop, if needed. The color combinations are very easy to blend together. You can also use one color alone, if you prefer.


 

This cutie is a blend of Colonel Mustard and Buttercream. The Transfer is called "Country Pickin" and is a Mid Size transfer so it includes three sheets of transfer images. I choose these colors as they easily blend together to create a subtle, soft blend that compliments the tones in the transfer. I did the same process. Paint, Wait overnight, Add the Transfer and Seal with Satin Clear Coat. And I only used the apple basket image and some sunflowers, leaving me plenty more to create with.



 

Let's talk about these Holographic Waterslide Transfers. They are so fun and easy to quickly create a memorable gift with. In fact, you will want to make something for yourself, too! First, I softly blended English Ivy and Buttercream to create this glowy blend. You guessed it - I waited overnight to ensure my painted surface was nice and dry. Now onto the waterslide transfers. This one is called "Holiday Holigram". I picked out just a few images and applied them, let everything dry and then sealed with Satin.



 

If you enjoy making and giving gifts from the heart rather than fighting crowds, standing in lines or "adding to cart" for mass-produced items, then I hope you will join me this Holiday Season in creating #HandmadeFromTheHeart.


This blog contains Affiliate Links.


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