Creating a collage journal is a unique and fun way to personalize and enrich your journal. Making a collage journal is something that everyone can enjoy. If you are a visual artist, photographer, writer or just someone who wants to enhance your written journal, then creating a collage journal can be quite an adventure.

CHOOSE A PAPER FOUNDATION: Find a journal with a ring binding. This will allow you to open the journal flat with two blank pages facing up. If this is your first collage, I recommend that you work create only one collage. (Note: Make sure to use a thicker strength to create a multi-dimensional collage.

LOOKING FOR SPECIFIC MATERIALS: Look for unusual words, pictures, images and other materials for your collage. Don't forget your basic office supplies such as: transparent tape, glue, scissors, stickers, glitter, paper punches as well as artistic paper, and small pieces of fabric or yarn.

CHOOSING A THEME: Take a second look at your collage pieces collection. Choose one picture that represents your theme. For example, an airplane ticket, could represent someone with a travel bug, a honeymoon plans or a future home. Remember to place your main picture at the center of your page, or wherever it fits in your overall theme.

LAYER YOUR WORK: Glue the main picture to the page. Choose from other words and images that will complement your theme. Have fun, experiment and continue your page. This is your time to shine !!! (Note: Please reread the second point for a full list of materials to layer on to your collage.)

FINAL TOUCHES: When putting the final touches on your collage, make sure to check through the page for any area that doesn't look quite right. Fix any areas that you notice. Finally, take a quick look at your completed creation and smile. Turn your collage over and write a sentence summarizing your collage journaling experience. (Note: Feel free to share your collage with one of your neighbors and vice versa.)

Congratulations on creating first page of your collage journal! Feel free to create more collage pages in your collage journal.

Copyright 2005 Writer's Eye Advisory Service

Lael Johnson, owner of Writer's Eye Advisory Service, offers creativity coaching services and additional writing resources. For more information please visit http://www.writerseye.com