For those participating in summer reading challenges, or summer reading programs through schools, libraries or bookstores then a reading journal is already on hand. These reading journals tend to be a one-page handout where book titles are written along with a brief description or opinion of the book.
Rather than just using these materials during summer reading, why not incorporate some additional creativity through use of art journaling. In addition to further expanding upon what was read through imaginative art projects, this will add an unexpected element of fun to these programs and challenges.
Materials:
- Art journal
- Waxed paper
- Brown paper bags
- Scissors
- Glue stick
- Acrylic paint
- Black ultra-fine sharpie
- Freebie bookmarks
- Freebie book release post cards
- Flyers and event calendars from bookstores and libraries
- Additional copies of reading journals
- Old book pages
- Distress ink
- Lined paper
- Ruler
- Pencil
Instructions:
- Cut open at least one brown paper bag to cover work surface. Set out all materials for convenient use.
- Open art journal to the first page spread and place a piece of waxed paper beneath both pages.
- Create a color wash using brown, black, and yellow paint. Swirl the paint so the color intensities range from muted to dark. Allow the paint to dry completely. Speed drying time through use of a heat gun or hair dryer.
- While the paint is drying, create a deckled edge around the old book pages by tearing lightly. Rub distress ink along the edges of each book page.
- Tear up the reading journals in a random fashion, and add distress ink to their edges. Crumple up the reading journal pieces, and lightly blot them on to the distress inkpad.
- Affix the book pages and reading journal pieces to the art journal page spread once it has completely dried. Be sure to run the glue stick all the way to the edge of each piece to ensure they do not peel or fall off.
- Cut the bookmarks, postcards, and other paper goods into random shapes using the scissors. Continue to collage over the book pages and reading journal pages.
- On the lined paper, write out a description or opinion of at least one book read during the summer reading program.
- Crumple up the lined paper and dip it into the dirty water from painting, as well as into the distress inkpad. Flatten out the lined paper, and when dry, tear it up. Add distress ink to its edges.
- Continue building the collage using the torn lined paper, as well as the rest of the paper elements. Flick and drizzle paint over the entire page spread. Allow the paint to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
- When the paint is completely dry and all the elements are dried securely to the page spread, use the ultra-fine black sharpie to journal thoughts about summer reading programs and challenges.
Variations:
- Drizzle and blob glitter glue, rather than additional paint.
- Rather than creating a background using a color wash, leave the pages blank and begin to collage.
- Use scrapbook embellishments with a reading, book, or school theme.
- Create ATCs using the ephemera collected in the bookstores and libraries. Put them into ATC pockets throughout the page spread.
Continue this art journal prompt for every book read during the summer reading program. Encourage children to work in groups in order to encourage book discussions, creative explorations, and additional imaginative ideas. Consider purchasing or making an art journal specifically for summer reading page spreads and journaling.
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