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Anastasiia Tysevych – Czech Republic
Tamara Morton – United Kingdom
Discover how to make a beautiful watercolor art journal that blends creativity, craftsmanship, and vintage charm. In this step-by-step DIY tutorial, Graphic 45 Brand Ambassador Kristine Woods will show you how to create a handmade traveler’s notebook-style journal using watercolor paper, chipboard sheets, and the stunning Typography – Keepsake. Perfect for mixed media artists, scrapbookers, and paper crafting enthusiasts, this project combines bookbinding techniques with artistic expression to create a one-of-a-kind watercolor journal. Whether you’re new to art journaling or an experienced crafter, this customizable journal is ideal for painting, sketching, and preserving your creative ideas.
I just love seeing the return of the older Graphic 45 collections as Keepsake Kits and the Typography collection did not disappoint. With the bold, dark colors and classic vintage images Graphic 45 is known for, this collection has plenty of possibilities. For me, I love the focus on creativity and imagination with some of the sentiments and images in the collection. They inspired me to create an art journal featuring the beautiful papers nestled among sheets of watercolor paper.
Graphic 45 Supplies
Other Supplies
Black Cardstock
Elastic Band
Charms and Beads (optional)
Wax thread (or similar for book binding) and needle
Basic craft supplies: adhesive, paper trimmer, scissors, ruler, bone folder, piercing tool
Creating the Watercolor Signatures
Depending on the size of the paper you use, this journal can be made in almost any size following the steps, but modifying for your paper dimensions. Simply fold your journal papers in half and measure the width and height to find your measurements.
For my journal, I chose a travelers notebook style with five signatures rather than the traditional three. Each signature has two folded watercolor papers and one paper from the Typography Keepsake Kit. Then, each signature is individually sewn with a simple pamphlet stitch. This allows the books to be removed from the travelers notebook cover, making them easier to use.
Creating the Travelers Notebook Journal Cover
My journal cover is made from heavy weight chipboard and cardstock. Once assembled, the elastic bands are added for the signatures and closure. Then, the fun begins – decorating the cover and adding the charms and beads! The video tutorial below walks viewers through the entire process, making this project easier to replicate.
Decorating with the Keepsake Kit Embellishments
Rather than having a plain watercolor journal, I wanted to spruce my pages up and give them a bit of color. I did this by adding strips of the paper as removable belly bands on the pages. These bands can slide off the end of the page while painting, and then added back on later, or used elsewhere.
The cut apart pages are an effortless way to add interest to the signature covers. I chose one image for each signature front, and then added one element to the inside of each signature. Since my journal will be given to someone in a swap, I only added a few images so the recipient can personalize the journal however she feels inspired to!
How to Make a Beautiful Watercolor Art Journal
I hope you have enjoyed watching this watercolor journal process unfold and come to life with elements from the lovely Typography Keepsake Kit. If you prefer larger style travelers notebooks but don’t have one of the retired Graphic 45 ones, I have a video on my YouTube channel showing how to make the larger size, too! We would love to see your take on this watercolor journal so don’t forget to post your photos on social media and tag Graphic 45. As always, happy crafting! ~Kristine
Now it’s your turn to bring this watercolor art journal to life! Gather your favorite Graphic 45 supplies, experiment with textures and techniques, and create a journal that reflects your personal style. Whether you’re crafting for yourself or making a thoughtful handmade gift, this project is a beautiful way to explore your creativity.
We’d love to see what you create—share your finished watercolor journals on social media and tag @Graphic45 to inspire our crafting community. Don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter for more DIY tutorials, scrapbooking ideas, and paper crafting inspiration delivered straight to your inbox. Happy crafting!
