FAQ

What pen do you use?

Ah, pens. It’s so hard to find the perfect pen, and every art journaler has his or her own preference. Here are the pens I use the most:

Water-based Poster-Paint Sharpie…also known as the “shaky” pen.” I generally buy the extra-fine point. You have to shake this pen well and “burp” it to keep the ink flowing (burping means pressing the nib into the pen). I love this pen because it will write on almost anything, and the paint inside the pen is very opaque and dark. Note that the paint inside the white pen tends to separate, so you have to shake it a good long time to get a nice, opaque white. Disadvantages of this pen: seem to run out quickly, nibs can be problematic, sometimes can spit onto your work.

Faber-Castell Pitt Pens. Super dark, great pen.

Regular Sharpies. I actually prefer the “Extra Fine Point” over the “Ultra Fine Point.” The line is stronger and the tip lasts longer. I buy the Extra Fines at Office Max (sold only in boxes of 12).

 

What Journal Do You Use?

When I first started art journaling, I would buy wire-bound scrapbooks at JoAnn’s. They cost about $10 and were filled with a heavy-weight cardstock that could stand up to all the painting & inking. Then…suddenly…they were discontinued and impossible to find.

When I was teaching in Holland, I went into a lovely bookstore in Veghel and found an amazing journal (the pages below were done in the “Holland” journal). I filled it up rapidly…I decided that I love, love, love working in a journal with nice watercolor paper! I just adore it…the watercolor pages have deckle edge and high cotton content…it was a true pleasure to work in.

 

So, I scoured the US for a similar book…I wasn’t able to find the same size journal that I bought in Holland. I did find some similar journals, though.

I have filled two huge journals (11″x15.5″) made by Global Art (see one below, opened up the dimensions are 24″ x 15.5″….it’s big). I bought them from from MisterArt.com, but they do have a several smaller versions. NOTE: This journals can also be purchased in the art department at Hobby Lobby. They’re cheaper there, and you can use a coupon. The disadvantage to these journal is they are poorly made. Honestly, mine fall apart by the time I’ve half-filled them, which is frustrating. I often have to use waxed linen bookbinders thread to sew the signatures back into the book.

I’ve also used tried these , also by Global Art. (I have the small square one & use it as my grunge journal)…the paper is decently heavy. I would definitely buy one again.

Other options if you want a journal with watercolor paper: Moleskin Watercolor books, Holbein watercolor books, buying a Bind-it-all and binding your own, or binding your own using bookmaking skills. 🙂 Of course, literally anything can be a journal…old books, you name it. I’m just giving you a few options if you’re interested in using a journal like mine.

 

Will You Come and Teach at My Store/Event?

Yes! I love to teach. Just email me (dinawakley(@)q.com) and we can work out contract, details, etc.

 

What is Your Favorite Spray Ink?

I always say I am an equal-opportunity spray ink lover. Each type of spray ink is different and is good for various applications.

Adirondack Color Wash by Ranger is my absolute favorite ink. Frankly, I’m a slave to it. This ink is really a deeply-pigmented dye. It reacts with water and has lifting properties (in other words there are many art techniques you an do with it). It is permanent when heat set.

Maya Mist sprays like a dream and has fabulous coverage (great for raw chipboard). More initially permanent than the Adirondack ink (i.e. you can’t do lifting technqiues). Great on fabric, permanent when heat set. New colors are added all the time. I’ve recently become addicted to the silver color…it gives you a glitter look without the glitter work.

Studio Calico Mister Huey inks spray wonderfully and come in great colors. They have an opaque white ink that is so, so cool. Like “you need one now” cool.

Tattered Angels Glimmer Mists have lovely shimmer. I’ve gone through many bottles of their Jazz Blue color (it’s just the perfect blue). Their educational dept/team does a great job with tutorials and videos, be sure to check out their website for tips and ideas.

 

Do you have a question for me? Email me (link is on the left).