Sometimes, all it takes is a single sheet of paper to open the door to endless creativity. In this blog, I’m sharing my process of creating a richly layered, textured, and beautifully imperfect grungy art journal.
If you’re looking for a freeing, intuitive, and expressive project, this Mixed Media Grungy Art Journal is perfect for you. With just one A3 sheet, some found papers, and a whole lot of messy creativity, you can make a richly layered, beautifully textured mini journal that’s raw, real, and full of soul.
What Is a Mixed Media Grungy Art Journal?
A Mixed Media Grungy Art Journal is a small, handmade journal created using collage, paint, mark making, and found materials.
It embraces imperfection, celebrates texture, and invites you to express freely without overthinking.
This project combines everything I love: neutral tones, intuitive layers, grungy edges, and a whole lot of creative joy.
Materials You Will Need for Your Mixed Media Grungy Art Journal
One of the best things about creating a Mixed Media Grungy Art Journal is that you can use what you already have! Here’s a flexible list to guide you—feel free to substitute or improvise with materials from your own stash.
Base & Papers
One A3 sheet of paper (thicker is better, like mixed media or watercolor paper)
Old book pages
Magazine clippings
Brown paper bags
Used palette paper (leftovers from painting sessions)
Art book scraps or printed paper
Sewing pattern paper
Tissue paper (plain, patterned, or decoupage napkins)
Mark making tissue or tea bag paper
Adhesives
Glue stick, matte medium, or gel medium
Brush or old card for applying glue
Paint & Tools
Acrylic paints in neutral shades (like white, beige, raw umber, and black)
Palette knife (or an old card/spatula)
Brushes for mark making
Mark Making Tools (get creative!)
Corrugated cardboard
Tissue roll tubes
Bottle caps in different sizes
Sponges (makeup or dish)
Old toothbrush, forks, or anything textured
Binding & Finishing
Needle and thread (or a stapler or clip if stitching isn’t your thing)
Scissors or craft knife (optional—tearing by hand works great!)
Ruler (if you want cleaner folds or measurements—totally optional)
Remember: these are suggestions. Your Mixed Media Grungy Art Journal can be as wild, simple, or layered as you want it to be. Use what you love, and leave the rest.
If you enjoy experimenting with mixed media techniques like me, I have a collection of creative projects for you! From abstract mark making to textured collages and art journaling, explore a variety of tutorials that will spark your creativity.
My Process for Creating a Mixed Media Grungy Art Journal
1. Start With Collage on Both Sides
Begin with a single A3 sheet and cover both sides using collage. For the first layer, I used:
Old book pages
Magazine scraps
Brown paper bags
Sewing pattern paper
Old art book pages
Used palette paper (those beautiful leftovers from painting!)
This is your foundation layer—don’t think too much. Just tear, glue, and let go.
2. Build Translucent Collage Layers
Next, I added a second collage layer using translucent materials to bring in depth and softness:
Tissue paper
Mark making tissue paper
Decoupage napkins
Tea bag paper
More sewing pattern paper
These create a beautiful contrast with the heavier layers beneath, and they allow glimpses of what’s underneath—a signature quality of any good Mixed Media Grungy Art Journal.
3. Blend With Neutral Paint
Once the collage dried, I took out my palette knife and blended the layers using a mix of white and beige paint. I focused on:
Seams between papers
Edges that felt too harsh
Spots that needed unity
This technique ties all the elements together without covering them up completely.
4. Add Mark Making with Found Objects
This is where your Mixed Media Grungy Art Journal really starts to come alive. I used found tools to make bold, imperfect marks:
Corrugated cardboard (for lines and texture)
Tissue rolls and bottle caps (for rings in all sizes)
Sponges and brushes (for texture and expressive strokes)
I used black and raw umber paint for the majority of the marks, then added a few white ones for contrast once the darker paint dried.
Let yourself play here. This is about building personality through layers.
5. Tear, Fold & Stitch Your Pages
Once the surface work was done on both sides, I tore the A3 paper horizontally into three sections (no scissors—tear it for that raw edge). Each piece was then folded in half, stacked together, and stitched through the center to make the journal.
I intentionally let the edges stay uneven and messy. During the collage process, I allowed papers to extend beyond the edge of the A3 sheet so that when I tore it, the ends felt organic and wild—just how I like it.
Now, my Mixed Media Grungy Art Journal was ready!
Why This Project Feels So Freeing
There’s something magical about not planning. About ripping, gluing, and marking without a destination in mind. I was deeply inspired by Jenny Grant, whose imperfect, intuitive collage style encourages complete freedom.
This process reminded me that art doesn’t need to make sense. It just needs to feel good in the moment.
Creating a Mixed Media Grungy Art Journal is not about getting it “right.” It’s about letting go, making a mess, and finding beauty in the unexpected.
Extra Tips for Your Mixed Media Grungy Art Journal
Use scraps that speak to you—even packaging or receipts!
Let papers go past the edge—it adds character.
Stitch on bits of fabric or ribbon for added texture.
Try using washi tape, ink, or handwritten words for another layer of meaning.
Not into stitching? Bind with clips, brads, or even string.
There’s no right way—only your way.
Watch the Full Tutorial on YouTube:
Want to see the full process from start to finish? I’ve filmed this exact project and shared it on my YouTube channel. From layering and mark making to tearing and binding, it’s all there for you to follow along at your own pace.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. I’ve never made a Mixed Media Grungy Art Journal before. Is this beginner-friendly?
Yes! This process is perfect for beginners. It’s all about intuitive creativity, no rules, and embracing imperfection. You don’t need to have any prior art journaling experience—just gather some scraps, paint, and play.
2. What kind of paper should I use for the base?
I recommend using a single A3 sheet of mixed media or watercolor paper if you want durability. But honestly, any sturdy paper you have at home can work—even thick drawing paper or cardboard packaging.
3. Do I have to use stitching to bind the journal?
Not at all. If you’re not comfortable with stitching, try alternatives like:
A long-arm stapler
Binder clips or bulldog clips
Washi tape or string binding
The goal is to create something that feels raw and handmade, so loose edges and visible binding only add to the charm.
4. Can I make this without paint or mark making?
Absolutely. While paint and mark making add a lot of personality, you can still create a beautiful Mixed Media Grungy Art Journal using just collage layers. Or try using ink, stamps, or even colored pencils if you don’t want to use acrylics.
5. What if I don’t have palette paper or vintage tissue?
No problem! Use whatever papers you have:
Gift wrap, junk mail, receipts
Old notes, sketches, or used envelopes
Even paper towels or napkins with interesting texture
The more personal and unique your materials, the more soulful your journal will feel.
6. Can I use this technique to make a bigger journal?
Yes! Once you get the hang of it, you can scale this process up by using larger sheets, combining multiple folded pages, or even turning it into a full-on junk journal. This is just the starting point—let your creativity take over.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re new to mixed media or a seasoned artist, I hope this inspires you to grab what you have and create your own Mixed Media Grungy Art Journal. Let your hands lead the way. Let the mess be part of the magic. And above all—have fun.
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