Creating Seasonal Intentions | Art Journal Page | Step-by-Step Guide | PART 1

Welcome to Part 1 of a 2-Part Video Series: Creating a Seasonal Intention Art Journal Page

In this video, I’ll guide you through the process of creating a meaningful art journal spread that sets your intentions for the season. Creating an art journal page is like crafting a visual meditation, a space where reflection and personal expression meet. Through layers of collage, paint, and words, you’ll capture your seasonal intentions in a way that feels both grounding and inspiring. This page becomes a touchstone—something to revisit throughout the season whenever you need a moment of calm, a reminder of your intentions, or simply a spark of creative joy.

The full 43-minute video is available on my YouTube channel, and I’d love for you to take a look! And if you feel inspired, please consider subscribing; once I reach 1,000 subscribers, I’ll be able to offer even more content and features on the channel.

Part 1: Reflect, Set Intentions, and Begin Your Art Journal Page 🖊️

This first part of the process is all about setting the foundation, both in mindset and in your art journal. You’ll start by reflecting on what qualities you want to bring into this season and then begin to transform these intentions into a visual expression.

Create a Quiet Space for Reflection

Find a peaceful spot and open your art journal to a blank page (or spread). Light a candle, play soft music, or do anything that helps you feel centered and present. I took a walk in the woods and did a little Soul Foraging to get into the right headspace.

Journaling Prompts

Start by writing freely on the page. You can use the reflective questions I did or come up with your own:

• What emotions or qualities do I want to embody this season?

• What do I need to let go of to create space for joy and peace?

• How do I want to show up for myself and others through the holidays?

Let your thoughts flow without worrying about neatness—scribble, write in the margins, or cross things out if you need to. This step is just for you. If words feel limiting, try doodling as you reflect.

Gather Words and Symbols for Guidance

As you write, notice any thoughts or words that are coming up for you. For me, it was about slowing down, showing love for myself and others, and the words that really spoke to me were calm and grace. Underline these words, circle them, write them larger or in different colors—they can be your guiding intentions for the season ahead.

Preparing the Background: Setting the Foundation in Art

Now, let’s begin the art-making portion of this experience. This step is about creating the visual foundation of your intentions by adding color, images, and (more) words to your journal page.

Create Your Base

Start with a simple wash of paint or gesso that reflects the mood you want for the season—cool blues for calm, warm oranges or reds for joy, or earth tones for grounding. Brush over the entire page or let the colour fade in spots, symbolizing the gentle unfolding of the season.

You can even leave bits of your original journaling visible as part of the page’s texture, symbolizing how your intentions are woven into your season. I created a light wash over my writing with white gesso.

Add a First Layer of Paper Collage

Tear or cut pieces of paper from magazines, books, or handmade drawings that you’re drawn to and that connect to your intentions.

Ideas:

• "Connection": A photo of hands holding.

• "Peace": A soft landscape image.

• "Joy": Vibrant colors or playful doodles.

Choose colours, patterns, and images that align with your guiding words and symbols. This initial layer will set the tone and add depth, like planting seeds for your intentions. I used paper collage as my first layer, placing pieces where it felt natural.

Pause and Reflect on Your Foundation

Take a step back and look at what you’ve created so far. Does it feel connected to the words and intentions you wrote? Take a few moments to appreciate this foundation—it’s the beginning of a visually meaningful journey.

WATCH PART 1 OF CREATING SEASONAL INTENTIONS

In Part 2

In the second part of this process, we’ll build upon this foundation by adding more layers, symbols, and details to bring your seasonal intentions fully to life on the page. For now, allow this first layer to represent the grounding of your intentions, setting a steady base for the creativity and depth to come.

Here’s a sneak peek at what we’ll be doing in Part 2:

Adding Intentional Layers & Final Touches

Layer with Intention
Use paint, markers, or anything else your heart desires to add more layers to your page. Write your seasonal words or phrases directly onto the spread—large or small, wherever it feels right. Incorporate natural elements, like pressed leaves, flowers, or twigs, for added texture and seasonal connection.

Optional: Add Meaningful Touches
Doodle or draw simple symbols that hold personal meaning—like spirals for growth or circles for wholeness.

Reflect as You Work
As you layer your page, take moments to pause, breathe, and reflect. Are there any additional intentions you want to add? Is the page capturing the emotions you want to nurture this season?

Wishing you a season full of calm, creativity, and all the goodness you set your heart on.

Be sure and check back in for Part 2 of this video series,