Let's explore the of Beginner Paper Crafting: A Comprehensive Guide on some common types and genres of crafting with papers and stickers - which one is your favourite?
If you're new to paper crafting, you might be wondering about the various types of paper-based art forms and which ones might suit your interests. In this blog post, we'll explore several popular paper crafting methods, including art journaling, bullet journaling, card making, collage, creative journaling, junk journaling, and scrapbooking. Each of these forms offers unique opportunities for creativity and self-expression, making them perfect for beginners. Let's dive into the world of paper crafting!
What is Art Journaling?
Art journaling is exactly what it sounds like – a blend of art and journaling. It's a highly creative practice that involves using various mediums like paints, inks, and pastes to create visually striking journal pages. Unlike traditional journaling, which focuses primarily on written entries, art journaling is about making each page a piece of art. It's a tactile experience that allows you to express yourself artistically, often resulting in beautiful, one-of-a-kind creations. Art journaling has surged in popularity over the past few years, making it a fantastic choice for those who enjoy working with different media and artistic techniques.
Check out these heavily pigmented watercolour crayons - called Scribble Sticks! From the popular US Brand Dina Wakley.
What is Bullet Journaling?
Bullet journaling, created in 2015, is a versatile system that combines planning, goal-setting, and creative expression. Initially designed as a more flexible alternative to traditional planners, bullet journaling allows you to organize your life in a way that suits your needs. It can include everything from to-do lists and calendars to goal trackers and habit logs. Over time, bullet journaling has evolved to incorporate more artistic elements, with many enthusiasts adding hand-drawn illustrations, stickers, and decorative papers. This blend of functionality and creativity makes bullet journaling a perfect match for those who enjoy planning and crafting.
Stickers are a key element to my own style of Bullet Journaling - and they are my best selling collection of products online! Check out The Turtle Journal Butterfly Stickers here - any journaling layout is made better with butterflies!
What is Card Making?
Card making is a delightful form of paper crafting where you create handmade cards for various occasions. Unlike other types of paper crafts, the primary purpose of card making is to give your creations away, bringing joy to others. This makes it a particularly rewarding hobby. For beginners, card making is less overwhelming because it involves working on a smaller canvas compared to scrapbooking or journaling. It's a great way to start your paper crafting journey, as it allows you to experiment with different techniques and materials without the pressure of filling large pages.
What is Collage?
Collage is a versatile technique used in various types of paper crafting, including scrapbooking, art journaling, and more. It involves layering different pieces of paper, photographs, and other materials to create a cohesive and visually appealing composition. The term "collage" is French! This technique has been around for centuries. In modern paper crafting, collage allows you to blend various elements seamlessly, adding depth and interest to your projects. If you enjoy experimenting with textures and layers, collage is a technique you'll love.
These A5 Vintage Patterned Paper packs have a great mix of background elements and some illustrations to fussy cut and layer on your next project. All of them have a warm and cosy feel :) Check them out here.
What is Creative Journaling?
Creative journaling has become a popular evolution of bullet journaling. In fact, crafters who are discovering paper crafting for the first time are beginning to describe themselves as "Creative Journalers" - the popularity of this form of crafting is not hard to see! It is a truly freeform style of journaling that combines practical planning with artistic expression. In creative journaling, you can include anything that inspires you – from illustrations and photographs to poetry and music. It's a highly personal and flexible form of journaling that allows you to document your thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a visually engaging way. This makes it an excellent choice for those who want to combine creativity with everyday life planning.
What is Junk Journaling?
Junk journaling is a favourite among those who love collecting and repurposing bits and pieces from everyday life. This form of journaling involves incorporating ephemera like receipts, ticket stubs, and other found objects into your journal pages. The result is a tactile, earthy project that feels authentic and raw. Junk journals are not meant to be perfect or polished; their beauty lies in their realness and the personal stories they tell. If you enjoy recycling and creating with found materials, junk journaling is a fantastic way to preserve memories and express your creativity.
This mixed bundle of stickers, papers and ephemera was the very first Turtle Journal product when I launched! It remains today a popular choice to bulk out your bits'n'pieces collection to rummage through some treasures when putting together your next Junk Journal layout! Check it out here.
What is Scrapbooking?
Scrapbooking is a well-known and beloved form of paper crafting that focuses on preserving precious memories through creative layouts. It often involves creating pages that include photographs, memorabilia, and decorative elements related to a particular theme or event. Scrapbooking became widely popular in the early 2000s and continues to be a cherished hobby for many. Each scrapbook layout tells a story, making it a wonderful way to document life’s special moments. Whether you’re creating a baby album, a travel journal, or a family history book, scrapbooking allows you to combine storytelling with artistic expression.
Have I missed one?
Leave a comment below if your favourite :)
Paper crafting offers a diverse range of activities, each with its own unique appeal.
As a beginner, don’t be afraid to explore different types of paper crafting to find the ones that resonate most with you.
Happy crafting!
