Tag Archives: creative reuse

Creative Ways to Enhance Your Concertina Art Journal

Posted on by
Reply

I’ve been having a bit of fun and working in my concertina art journal also known as an accordion journal. The next four pages burst with layered whimsy and creative reuse. I started with collaged butterflies—each one crafted from stash papers I had previously made. Their wings are full of bright colors and lively movement, bringing a sense of flight across the spread.

To add a bit more charm, I included collaged pieces from an old book page and sketched in snippets of musical notes. They bring just the right touch of vintage whimsy. I also added gold pen accents that catch the light in such a lovely way, tying everything together with a gentle shimmer. One page has a leafy collage that helps ground the butterflies and adds a sweet little nod to nature.

On the far right page, I included a small pocket—just big enough to hold a hand drawn woven paper and a cut-down strip from a loose watercolor painting. It’s a little surprise tucked into the page, inviting interaction and a closer look.

This spread is all about play, texture, and transformation—breathing new life into forgotten bits and well-loved papers. I had so much fun watching it all come together, layer by layer.

I hope you enjoyed this little peek into my latest concertina journal pages! Do you have favorite treasures hiding in your stash that always inspire you? I’d love to hear what you’ve been making—feel free to share in the comments.

Thanks so much for stopping by, and I hope you have a wonderfully creative weekend ahead!

Share the Happy💖

Maximize Your Art Supplies: Creative Uses for Leftover Paint

Posted on by
Reply

Art supplies can be pricey, so I never like to waste any of them—especially paint. Instead of letting those last bits dry up on my palette, I use them to start a new journal page. It’s a simple but effective way to get the most out of your materials while keeping your creativity flowing. Even if you need to add a little more of certain colors, you’ll already have a great starting point without feeling like anything has gone to waste.

That’s exactly how I created this vibrant, abstract background. I applied the paint with a brush and also used my fingers to blend and add texture. There’s something so freeing about working with your hands—it creates a natural, organic feel that’s hard to replicate with a brush alone. Sometimes, I’ll wear a latex glove, depending on the medium, which helps keep my hands clean and prevents certain paints from staining.

Using up leftover paint like this isn’t just practical; it also sparks new ideas. A random splash of color can turn into an inspiring background for future layers—whether that’s collage, mark-making, or even a full painting. If you’ve ever hesitated before cleaning your brush or palette, try dabbing that extra paint onto a blank page instead. You might be surprised at the creative possibilities that unfold!

Do you have a favorite way to use up leftover paint? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear how you make the most of your supplies!

Thanks so much for stopping by! Wishing you a fantastic weekend filled with joy and creativity! 😊🎨✨

Share the Happy💖

P.S. I’m launching a new YouTube Channel where I’ll be sharing how-to and inspirational videos to ignite your creativity! If there’s something specific you’d love to see, let me know, and I’ll do my best to bring it to life. This is my very first upload—a short video as I get the hang of things—but stay tuned, because exciting content is on the way!