Hello friends!
Starting November 11th, Laura Rahel Crosby and I are hosting a Seven Days of Gratitude Art Journal Challenge! From Sunday, November 11th through Saturday, November 17th, we will create Art Journaling pages based off of prompts relating to gratitude, and share them on Instagram using the hashtag #gratitudeartjournal . This is a chance for us all to creatively practice gratitude before heading into the chaos of the holidays.
If you are new to Art Journaling, fear not! Every day, Laura and I will be sharing process videos on Youtube that showcase the techniques, styles, and products we use to create our pages. We hope that experienced Art Journalers and newbies alike will find inspiration to make their own layouts. You can subscribe to Laura’s Youtube Channel here, and my Youtube Channel here.
To get ready for the challenge, I’m here to share two videos of my preparation process, the challenge prompts, and free printable die cuts for you to use on your pages!
First, the prompts!
As you can see, the prompts are pretty open-ended! Each prompt has so many possibilities for you to create with, and I hope that each one inspires you to think about the things you are grateful for. The “details” prompt is meant to get you to think about the little things: your favorite Fall drink at Starbucks, that kind note your coworker left on your desk, a new song that speaks to you, etc. Get creative, and let the prompts inspire your art!
Building a Kit from my Stash
Sometimes, sitting down to create is overwhelming. You have to get out all the supplies you want to use, pull out more as you go, and then put them all away at the end (or, more likely, let them clutter your desk for a few days). To prevent overwhelm, I built a “kit” for this challenge using supplies I already own. Starting with a color palette inspired by papers from the November Extravagant Hope Collection by Brandi Kincaid, I went through my stash and grabbed a bunch of fun products to use throughout the week.
Want to know the supplies I’ll be using for the #gratitudeartjournal challenge? Watch this video!
Making my Art Journal
Because this challenge is only seven days long, I knew I wanted to create a little journal that would give me space to focus on this project. Once I fill this whole journal up, I know it will be so fun to look back through! I used a variety of paper types to make this more of a “junk journal” style, while still including plain white paper for complete freedom. I decided to make this journal a personal size, at 3.75″x6.75″ closed. However, a larger journal would be fun too!
See how I created by DIY Gratitude Art Journal in this video!
Last but not least, the Free Printable Die Cuts!
As a special treat to my subscribers, I am offering this Free Printable Die Cut sheet to use for the Seven Days of Gratitude Art Journal Challenge (and beyond!). With lettered titles for each prompt, fashion illustrations (inspired by Laura and myself!), word strips, and fall-related die cuts, this printable is a fun addition to your challenge supplies.
Once you sign up for BrightMail, you’ll receive a link and password to the WBT Library where you’ll find this printable and many others!
Already a subscriber? You’ll find the printable in the WBT Library – simply enter the passcode and download! I will also be sending out the printable in a BrightMail edition coming on Friday, November 9th.
I also have similar printables in my Etsy Shop – Whatever Bright Things Shop, so be sure to check that out too if you’re looking for more printables!
Join Us!
Friends, I sincerely hope your will join Laura and I for this Gratitude Art Journal Challenge. It is going to be so much fun to create, express gratitude, and share our work together. Follow the #gratitudeartjournal hashtag on Instagram to keep up with the challenge, and if you participate, be sure to share the prompt graphic, tag @laurarahel and @haleympettit, and use the hashtag. We are so excited to see what you create!
Wishing you a week of creativity and gratitude!
