How to Create a Collage Journal

by
Lael Johnson

Creating a collage journal is a unique and fun way to personalize and enrich your journal. Making a collage journal is something that everyone can enjoy. If you are a visual artist, photographer, writer or just someone who wants to enhance your written journal, then creating a collage journal can be quite an adventure.

FIRST: Find a journal with a ring binding. This will allow you to open the journal flat with two blank pages facing up.  If this is your first collage, I recommend that you work create only one collage. (Note: Make sure to use a thicker strength to create a multi-dimensional collage.

SECOND: Look for unusual words, pictures, images and other materials for your collage. Don’t forget your basic office supplies such as:  transparent tape, glue, scissors, stickers, glitter, paper punches as well as artistic paper, and small pieces of fabric or yarn.

THEME: Take a second look at your collage pieces collection. Choose one picture that represents your theme.  For example, an airplane ticket, could represent someone with a travel bug, a honeymoon plans or a future home. Remember to place your main picture at the center of your page, or  wherever it fits in your overall theme.

LAYERING YOUR WORK:  Glue the main picture to the page.  Choose from other words and images that will complement your theme. Have fun, experiment and continue your page. This is your time to shine !!!  (Note: Please reread the second point for a full list of materials to layer on to your collage.)

FINAL TOUCHES: When putting the final touches on your collage, make sure to check through the page for any spot that may need a quick fix. Finally, take a quick look at your completed creation and smile. Turn your collage over and write a sentence summarizing your collage journaling experience.

(Note: OPTIONAL STEP:  Feel free to share your collage with one of your neighbors and vice versa.)

Congratulations on creating your first collage!  Feel free to repeat these steps again to create a future collage!

 

Lael Johnson, owner of Writer's Eye Advisory Service, offers creativity coaching services and additional writing resources.This article may be reprinted as long as the text is unchanged, the resource box is included  and the author is notified placing the title of the article in the subject line.(c) 2005, Lael Johnson Writer's Eye Advisory Service. All rights reserved.