Art on Paper Archives - Art and Creative Living

How a Zine Swap Works

“Swaps” are where a certain number of people agree to swap… Well, something, usually handmade, and they’re usually multiple, identical (or nearly identical) items.

It’s a fun way of sharing art, usually through the mail, but sometimes in person.

Zine swaps

In this case, a “zine swap” is where you send a certain number of copies of just one issue of your zine, to the person hosting the swap.

You’ll also send the host either postage, money for postage, or a self-addressed, stamped envelope for shipping other participants’ zines to you.

The number of zines you’ll send is usually determined by the number of participants, including the host.

So, if six people, including you and the host, are swapping zines, you’ll send five copies of your zine (plus postage).

Each other participant does the same, and the host adds their own set of five zines to the collection.

Then the host sorts all the zines into piles, so each participant receives one from each of the other participants (including the host).

After that, the host mails the sets to each person in the swap, and keeps one set for themselves.

So, each person in that swap will receive five different zines, one from each of the other participants, including the host.

Visual explanation of how a zine swap works

I think very visually. Even writing that previous section, I was counting on my fingers to be sure I got the numbers right.

If you’re like me, this illustration may help explain how swaps work. Jane is both a participant and a host, so – as a participant – she’ll make five copies of her own zine and add them to the swap.

I hope that makes sense, and I hope you’ll participate in – or even organize – a zine swap.

A very basic, single-sheet zine layout or the expanded version of that page
A free, simple single-sheet zine (PDF)
Zine Layouts – lots of ideas, including the classic 16-page zine from a single sheet of paper
A free printable zine from 2010: The 24-Hour Zine Thing Zine

If you have questions or answers, post a comment below.

Artistamps are part of a larger art form called mailart. It’s been popular in different eras, most recently in the 1970s, then in the 1990s, and now – in the 21st century – it’s growing in popularity again.

WHAT IS MAILART?

Mailart (also called “mail art”) is art sent through the mail, and it’s visible on the outside of the postcard, envelope, or (less often) the package. That is, the visible part of what goes through the mail IS the art. There may or may not be art – or anything – inside.

The visible art – seen by those who handle the art (from sender to post office staff to recipient)- may be decorated with many things, including…

Artistamps
Artwork (hand-drawn or painted)
Collage art elements
Rubber stamps (hand-carved or commercial, used creatively)

Sometimes, the art is mass-produced, albeit on a small scale. That is, it’s printed in limited numbers and applied (or turned into) the postcard, envelope, or package.

In some cases, each piece of mailart is signed and numbered. (For example, “5/25” would mean the individual piece is #5 of a total of 25 created and mailed.)

Here are six of my mailart postcards, sent in 2023. Each recipient received a handcrafted postcard decorated with a one-of-a-kind torn paper collage on it.

WHAT ARE ARTISTAMPS?

Artistamps are art, in the form of a postage-type stamp. They’re also called faux postage, among other names that mean “fake postal stamps with art on them.” (Other terms for these faux stamps include postoids and cinderellas.)

Here’s one of my favorite artistamps. I created it using a photo from one of my visits to Avebury, England, where – unlike Stonehenge – you can actually touch the standing stones.

Some of us create our own fantasy countries, or perhaps mailing authorities, or both. Mine is Ballynafae, an imaginary island country just west of Ireland.

Some artists create a complete history, geography, and set of personalities related to their fantasy countries. They consider it part of the art.

And some mix fact and whimsy, as I did in my Kilmallock series, issued under my Ballynafae mailing authority.

This group of six stamps celebrates a real location – Kilmallock, Co. Limerick – using vintage photos from the mid-1990s… but I pretended that these were official stamps from Ballynafae.

Artistamps - faux postage stamps created by artists - Six by Aisling D'Art

Here are some of my Disney-themed artistamps. (NOTE: The original stamps’ images were crisper. These are slightly enlarged from my 2001 website post. I’ll replace the images when I find the original artistamp files.)

The “Tapestry” stamps are from photos I took in 2001 at the final performance of Walt Disney World’s “Tapestry” parade at EPCOT. (See video link at the foot of this post. Also, the lower “Walt Disney World 2001” stamp features family friend Jeremy Pace, when he was part of the parade’s finale.)

Here’s what a single set of artistamps can look like:

A little more info about artistamps…

Starting in the late 1990s, I was a member of the Electronic Collaboration Project (ECP), creating several artistamp series. And, in the Artists’ Mailing List (AML) group my issuing authority was AML-23.

John Held, Jr. has compiled a book, Small Scale Subversion: Mail Art & Artistamps. (I have no idea if my own artstamps, etc., are in it, but that book has earned good reviews.)

Art Journaling Ideas – Complex and Detailed (Video)

Looking for some fresh ideas to add depth to your art journaling projects?

This video – by another artist, not me – will inspire you. It includes lots… and lots… and LOTS of art journaling ideas!

Color. Texture. Paper, tapes, ribbons, and more. Wheeee!

Yes, this kind of mixed-media art can seem overwhelming to a beginner.

Even for an experienced artist, this many art journaling ideas can feel like too much.

My advice…?

Don’t try to do everything.

Watch and see what appeals to you the most.

Maybe just one or two things.

And then do that.

Just that. But – of course – with your own creative “voice” and style.

After all, visual journaling is about your creative expression.

Video URL: https://youtu.be/5PlbplSnuoQ

Want more art journaling ideas?

Ask me! I’ll make videos to answer your questions.

Leave a comment. Let me know what kind of materials, journals, topics, etc. interest you.

Art Journaling? Resist! A Sneaky Way to Add Excitement

Are you looking for easy, clever ways to add more excitement to your art journaling?

The answer may be: RESIST!

In art journaling, “resist” is a way to keep paint – and some other products – from sticking to the page. Other terms for this include: mask, masking fluid, and frisket. (You’ll see many different products at Amazon.com.)

Some resist techniques are simple, like using a white crayon on a white page. Watercolors, acrylic paint, most (not all) rubber stamp inks, and so on… they usually won’t stick to any area where the crayon wax is.

One short video showed one way to use white crayon as a resist. (The video was made private, so I can’t link to it. Just know that there maybe more videos about using crayons as paint resist elements.)

Here’s another short video with some good suggestions if you’re using a white crayon as a way to keep part of your page white:

Remember that once the wax crayon has been applied, that area on your artist’s journal page won’t accept water-based media, ever. Even if you try to wipe the crayon lines off… the paint (or rubber stamp ink, etc.) probably won’t stick.

White Glue Mask/Resist

In this video, you’ll see one of Traci Bautista’s products mentioned. It’s a decoupage product, Collage Pauge, that can be uses as a resist. However, as the video explains, you can use white glue for the same purpose.

Alcohol Resist

Other resists aren’t necessarily as waterproof as crayon. Alcohol is an example. Though it can be 100% resistant to water-based pigment, sometimes it isn’t. Also, it can be harder to control than white glue, white crayon, or products designed for use as resists, masks, and friskets.

Embossing Resist (with Heat)

If you have embossing supplies, this is an innovative way to use them in your art journal, as a resist.

Resist with Adhesive Letters or Decorations

This is a fun, kind of reverse-resist approach to art journaling. First, you paint a colorful layer. Then, you add the adhesive-backed letters or shapes. (I’d use inexpensive letters, and don’t push them down too firmly.) Then you paint over the whole thing with white (or a color), and then you peel off the letters/shapes you’d stuck onto the page.

I think these ideas are kind of wonderful. I already knew a few, but – watching these videos – I’m inspired to revisit them, and try the new resist techniques, too.

Art Journaling Inspiration – Vintage Diaries (Video)

Sometimes, we can find inspiration in old, vintage, and antique books.

That’s especially true about old diaries. They may not be art journaling examples, but you’ll see fascinating ways people have documented their daily lives, sometimes just with words, and sometimes with illustrations.

This 25-minute video shows a variety of old-fashioned diaries. Delicious inspiration!

https://youtu.be/iBwmCMbDyjU

Guerilla Art Kit and Other Journaling Ideas – Keri Smith

Keri Smith broke the mold when she first published her “Wreck This Journal” journals.

She’s still a great inspiration, whether you’re a beginner or a long-time fan of art journaling and scrapbooking.

If you’re not familiar with Keri’s art & philosophy, this video may be a good place to start. It’s about 3 minutes long.

https://youtu.be/EQpoDWSHby0

If you like her message, you’ll find more,related videos at YouTube.

Also, even if you don’t speak Spanish, this 3-minute video is fascinating. Multiple artists demonstrate how they “wrecked” a Wreck This Journal (Destroza Este Diario). They’re some intriguing art journaling examples.

https://youtu.be/uQko6xa3whE

Art Journaling – Making the Everyday Different

Would you like to sketch in your art journal or scrapbook, but need art journaling ideas?

This short (under two minutes) video is in German – with subtitles in English. (You’ll understand it, even without the sound on.)

This unique idea may give you a fresh outlook, and ideas of what to draw in an art journal. He also uses visual layering techniques to lend a sense of depth to some of his art journal illustrations.

Mr. Scheinberger talks about sketching with art materials that may be at your elbow, and using them as subject, but changing their size or proportions.

In other words, make the everyday into something different with art journaling.

https://youtu.be/Au9vpEaAjYc

Art Journaling Inspiration – Blobs and Monsters

I kind of love these.

Here’s a thorough, 10-minute tutorial.

And here’s his webpage with lots more info about his daily monsters projects: Stefan G. Bucher’s Daily Monsters Project.

Cute Ways to Draw in Your Art Journal

Are you looking for drawing and painting ideas? Want to know what to draw in your art journal?

Here’s one very cute approach to art. Thanks to Jane Davenport, it can be easy, too.

Jane Davenport has inspired many people to create elegant and charming illustrations in their art journals. She’s made this easy with how-to books, as well as innovative art supplies.

Here’s her story, in her own words.

I bought one of her books, Beautiful Faces, because I felt like I was getting into a rut with my usual illustration techniques. (Generally, no one is likely to call my journals “cute,” but sometimes I’m aiming for pretty… and needed some insights. Jane’s book definitely helped.)

It’s just one of Jane’s many books you’ll find at Amazon.

Examples: What to draw in your art journal, and how to embellish it

Next, in this demo, she shows how to use her die-cut embellishments.

Notice the art she’s starting with. It includes “mark making,” stencils, sketches, and more.

Also, her art journaling examples suggest great layering techniques for art journaling. (I might use them in some Goth- and Steampunk-style art journals, too. Purples, metallics, and so on…)

Even more ideas for what to draw in your art journal

Next, here’s Tamara Laporte (Willowing Arts) demonstrating some of Jane’s art supplies.

She starts with a blank page, then sketches in pencil, and then… well, you’ll see. (I’ve started the video at the 23-minute point. If you want to see the full unboxing, start from the beginning.)

If you like Tamara’s approach, take a look at the sample projects on her “Create Your Life” book page at Amazon.

Those ideas may be all you need to start experimenting with new drawing, painting, and mixed-media techniques, right away.

But, no matter what your art journaling style, when you’re deciding what to draw – especially in your art journals – I think you’ll find those videos (and products) inspiring.

How I’m adding drawing and painting to my art journals

Personally, I’m experimenting with magazine photos, pasting them (with Yes!Paste) onto a painted page, sealing them with gel medium, and then drawing & painting over them.

This involves layers. (If I’m going to use lots of layers or thick paint, I’ll prime the page with gesso, first.)

My art journaling isn’t necessarily sweet or romantic, but these techniques & materials can work for both “cute” and extreme artists’ journals, too.

Mixed Media Ideas for Art Maps and Landscapes

Maps, cityscapes, landscapes… they’re not just for travel journals.

There are many ways you can include them in your personal art journals, too.

First, here’s Brie Hatton demonstrating urban sketching in her art journal. For many people, this is the easiest way to draw and paint local scenery in a journal. You can go for a walk, or sketch what’s outside your window.

The full video is about six minutes long, but I’ve set this to start at the four-minute mark. At that point, she’s done a light pencil sketch and has started using a marker over it, for her final lines. That’s what interested me the most: how she completed her sketch as a finished art journaling page.

Full video link: https://youtu.be/EfzEjku3ev8

The pen she’s using for the final, darker lines is a special Sailor Fude pen you can find at Amazon.

Maybe drawing isn’t what you had in mind, but you’re still intrigued by landscapes.

If you’d like to create fine art abstract landscapes in your artists journal, I think Cathy Mevik’s demo will inspire you. If you’re not a painter, don’t let this scare you; I think anyone can create landscapes like these.

The video a little over 11 minutes long, but – for those who’d love to paint like this – it’s time well spent.

Video URL: https://youtu.be/HCYfAHVePMo

At the other extreme, here’s what James Gulliver Hancock draws. It’s a two-minute video, and he explains why he draws buildings, and what he learns as he draws them.

Video URL: https://youtu.be/360r-iyK_Eg

Also, I kind of love that one of his books – with buildings and maps – became an interactive exhibit. This half-minute video is worth seeing:

Video URL: https://youtu.be/DwETY_OK86w

If you’d like to explore making maps, this book looks fascinating. As soon as I saw this review video, I ordered the book. (The video is eight minutes long, but you’ll get the general idea in the first two or three minutes.)

Video URL: https://youtu.be/eKVdfRl05S0

I thought it was okay, but I’ll admit it didn’t inspire me as much as I’d hoped. Here’s the Amazon link, anyway. Use the “look inside” to decide if it’s your kind of book: The Art of Map Illustration

If drawing and painting aren’t your strong suit, don’t despair. You can still bring maps and architectural designs to your journaling.

Here’s a landscape-y, map-y kind of art journaling demo. It’s by Carolyn Dube, and she uses a stencil, some acrylic paint, and a pen. The video is about four minutes long, and – once you get the idea – you can fast-forward through it to see how she completes it.

Video URL: https://youtu.be/ZUXK1HkFhiI

The stencil is by Maria McGuire for StencilGirl, and you can find a similar stencil by her – and other StencilGirl artists – at Amazon.

And finally, for oh-my-goodness inspiration…

At first, Blythe Scott’s work may look like modern landscapes but, close-up, you’ll see mixed media elements. She’s using some materials that never crossed my mind, and they could go into a mixed media artists journals, too.

This five-minute video includes breathtaking outdoor scenes, how her art is inspired, and some great insights about studio work, using drawing, painting, and mixed media elements.

https://youtu.be/p5_oOuzpAUQ

Category: Art on Paper