Turn a Brown Paper bag into an Artjournal

Want to make your own art Journal? Do you like to repurpose things?


This video combines both!

In this video, I’ll show you how to deconstruct, paint, fold, and assemble a paper bag into a unique journal for all your creative adventures.


This process isn’t about perfection but enjoying the journey and creating something uniquely yours. Whether you leave some pages as they are or fill every inch with your creativity, this journal is all about your style.


👉 Share your creations with me on Instagram: @annabvl_official. I’d love to see what you make!


Music by Ivan Ohanezov from Pixabay


Materials

  • Brown Paper Bag
  • Scissors and/or and a cutter
  • Rage of paints, markers etc.
  • Range of brushes, palette knives, but credit cards, bubblewrap is also great
  • Glue
  • Extra piece of paper. this can be something you made yourself or just from the recycling bin or an old roadmap

Instructions

  • Deconstruct the bag until you have flat rectangle piece of paper. I used the outside with lettering but a plain version is fine as well
  • Cover the surface with your paints and art materials. Vary in shape, size and tone. Make sure you don't leave any large open spots because you don't know which part will be on what page.
  • Just have fun, experiment en make a mess
  • Fold the paper in threes lengthwise (if you want larger pages, folding it in twos is fine too
  • Fold the paper in half in the opposite direction (short side)
  • Fold the ends towards the center fold so you have 4 columns
  • Fold again so you have 8 columns. If you want to have landscape pages, just stick with 4.
  • Cut along the lower fold (lengthwise) until the last column
  • Repeat that for the upper fold, but in the opposite direction (!)
  • Fold the pages. Font to front and back to back until all pages are folded.
  • Glue the backsides together
  • If wanted, trim the edge of the book
  • Find a piece of paper you like for the cover
  • Glue one side and flip the book when you glue the other side. If you just lay the book flat when you add the cover the cover will be to short and the journal won't close.
  • Start your art journey: Your journal is ready to fill with collage, sketches, paint, or anything your heart desires.