In this lesson, we’ll create a one-of-a-kind zine journal from one sheet of paper, starting with intuitive journaling, followed by layers of vintage ephemera, delicate translucent papers, and expressive mark-making using acrylics and watercolors.
You’ll explore texture with fabric, lace, and stitching, crafting a soulful, tactile piece infused with meaning. This journey is about embracing creativity without fear—allowing art to reveal hidden messages.
By the end, you’ll have a beautifully bound journal that reflects your inner magic. Are you ready to discover it?
MATERIALS YOU NEED
- A3 Sheet: Use a sturdy A3 paper (watercolor/mixed-media)as your base.
- Acrylic Paints & Brushes: A variety of colors and different brush sizes to create backgrounds and add texture (i used sap green & buurnt sienna)
- Watercolors – Basic watercolor set
- Adhesives: A glue stick or liquid glue to affix collage elements.
- Scissors: For cutting your paper, images, and other materials into desired shapes.
- Collage Materials: Vintage ephemeras, Old magazines, printed images, or textured papers to bring in visual interest.
- Translucent collage materials – tissue paper, teabag paper, doilies, or rice paper.
- Markers/Pens: For journaling, doodling, and adding fine details.
- Embellishment – Fabrics, texture paper, threads for stitching
- Optional Embellishments: Items like washi tape, stickers, or stencils to further personalize your journal.
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.
1. Preparing the Foundation: Setting the Intention
Every magical creation begins with intention. By starting with a blank sheet, you’re creating space for possibilities, ready to hold your thoughts, feelings, and artistic vision.
- Choose A3 paper for a larger, more expansive journal.
- Prepare the surface with a thin layer of gesso, symbolizing a fresh start—a blank canvas for magic to emerge.
2. Journaling: Calling Forth the Magic
Words have power; they hold our dreams, emotions, and inner truths. Writing on the base layer creates an energetic foundation for your art, infusing it with personal meaning.
Write freely across the page with prompts like:
- What inspires my creative spirit?
- Where do I find magic in my daily life?
- What is one thing I want to let go of as I create this journal?
- How can I invite more magic into my life?
- What part of myself do I want to explore in this journal?
- What does art mean to me?
Let the words be visible, whispering through the layers to remind you of your intention.
3. Collage: Weaving the Threads of Time
Collage represents connection—the blending of the past (vintage papers, ephemera) with the present. It symbolizes how life’s fragments come together to create something whole and beautiful.
- Use vintage papers, old book pages, music sheets, or handwritten letters to layer meaning.
- Overlap and layer to symbolize depth and complexity.
- Think of this as weaving your story into the fabric of your art.
Vintage Papers
Begin with vintage ephemera—old book pages, letters, or sheet music. These represent the blending of the past, grounding our journal in history, memory, and the stories that have shaped us. This is the foundation, connecting us to the richness of our past and human history.
Translucent Papers:
Next we will add a layer of thin, delicate papers like tissue paper, teabag paper, doilies, or rice paper. These light layers symbolize the intangible aspects of our inner magic—the fleeting moments of inspiration, the whispers of intuition, and the delicate emotions that are often felt but hard to put into words.
Meaning of Overlap:
The way these lighter layers overlap and interact with the vintage papers creates depth and complexity, but in a way that feels soft and luminous. This can represent how light shines through our experiences and memories, bringing clarity, hope, and perspective.
4. Acrylic Paints: Infusing Color and Energy
Color brings life, energy, and emotion to our creation. It’s where the magic starts to become visible.
- Apply loose, intuitive washes of paint to evoke emotion.
- Use soft, dreamy tones like pastels or muted shades to create an ethereal, magical vibe.
Experiment with tools like palette knives or credit cards for bold, textural strokes.
5. Watercolors: Breathing Life into the Layers
Water symbolizes flow, emotion, and intuition. Adding watercolor allows for movement, blending, and unexpected beauty—reminding us to trust the process.
- Drip, splash, or layer watercolor over your piece, letting it flow naturally.
- Focus on transparency, symbolizing lightness and openness to discovery.
6. Mark-Making: Discovering Hidden Symbols
Marks and symbols connect you to your inner magic and the language of your soul. They represent the unique imprints you leave behind.
- Scribble with pencils, pens, or tools like skewers or brushes.
- Add symbols like spirals (growth), stars (light), or botanical motifs (renewal).
- Let your marks reflect your intuition—each one becomes a secret message.
7. Folding and Assembly - Transforming the Whole into Something Magical
Folding transforms the flat sheet into a multidimensional object—your zine journal. It symbolizes how intention and effort bring ideas to life.
- Fold the A3 sheet into your desired structure, like an accordion or booklet.
- Allow folds to create pockets and layers, inviting surprise and discovery.
- Incorporate intentional spaces like fold-over flaps or sewn edges to create unique pockets. These could house the tags or tiny notes.
8. Embellishing: Personalizing the Magic
This is where your personal touch shines through. Adding tags, fabrics, or meaningful phrases turns your journal into a true treasure.
- Add scraps of fabric, lace, or ribbons for texture and dimension.
- Add meaningful phrases, quotes, or stamped words to tie the theme together.
- Use twine, washi tape, or eyelets to add texture and movement.
9. Final Touches: Releasing the Magic
As you complete your journal, step back and celebrate the journey. Each layer, fold, and mark holds meaning, reflecting your unique creative magic.
Add any final accents, such as twine to tie the journal or a handwritten note on the cover.
Title your zine, giving it a name that represents the magic you’ve captured.
10. Wrapping with lace - A Gentle Embrace
The addition of the lace wrap and ribbon tie symbolizes bringing all the layers and stories together and acknowledging the beauty and value of what we have created, wrapping it in softness and love.
Use it as a closure detail by attaching it to the lace or fabric ribbon, perhaps threading the ribbon through the button’s holes and tying a small bow.
The vintage paper button is a symbol for completion—like a seal, tying together all the layers of creativity and emotion.
Conclusion: The Beauty of Zines
Creating a mixed media zine journal is a beautiful way to embrace creativity, self-expression, and storytelling. Each page becomes a reflection of your artistic journey.
So, let go of perfection, trust your instincts, and enjoy the magic of making something uniquely yours.
Now that you understand this process, you can create as many zine journals as you like, each one filled with your own stories, emotions, and artistic expression. Approach each journal with intention, letting it become a space for creativity and self-discovery.
I would love to see what you create, so please share your zine journals with me—I can’t wait to witness the magic you bring to life!
