Right before the Covid-19 crisis, I made this DIY art portfolio with the intention of taking it with me when I travel. It could be called a DIY art portfolio or a DIY art journal. Whatever description best suits you, I’ve found that even when I am not traveling, This is still my go-to book when I’m looking to get crafty with colored pencils, copic markers, or watercolors.
Regardless of the medium I’m using, I usually find myself having the same problem. I start to feel overwhelmed by the large paper pads that I’ve accumulated over the years. In general, I just tend to prefer smaller projects. So anytime I want to work with a smaller sheet of paper I have to trim it before I do anything with it. I wanted to find an easier way to just be able to pick up some paper and work whenever I’m feeling motivated.
So, enter my idea for a DIY art portfolio. I needed something that would allow me to move the papers around without ripping them. I also wanted it to hold different types of paper for different types of projects and some simple dividers to keep track of what’s what. Lastly, I wanted my paper to be approximately 5×7 inches in size so that I could easily transfer it onto a greeting card.
So I came up with this idea to make a book that fits my needs. Check it out below, or if you’re having trouble viewing the video, you can also click this link. I’ve also listed the materials I used and the images I reference in the video.
Are you just getting started with your own handmade greeting cards? Find more helpful tips and tricks for beginners here.
Materials Used:
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Notebook
- Arc Assorted Tab Dividers 5-5/6-Inch x 8-1/2-Inch [Amazon]
- Eagle Discbound Pocket Divider, Junior Size [Amazon]
- Eagle Discbound Notebook, Black [Amazon]
Paper
- Strathmore 400 Series 60lb Recycled Sketch Pad [Amazon]
- Bienfang Drawing Paper [Amazon]
- Neenah Solar White Cardstock [Scrapbook.com] [Amazon]
- Canson XL Series Mix Paper Pad [Amazon]
- Canson Artist Series Mix Media Paper Pad [Amazon]
- Canson XL Series Watercolor Pad [Amazon]
Images
- Waffle Flower Crafts – Lettuce Stamp Set [Scrapbook.com] [Waffle Flower Crafts]
- Waffle Flower Crafts – Lettuce Die [Amazon]
- The Stamp Market – Friendly Bunch Stamp Set [Scrapbook.com]
- Kit and Clowder – Free Rose Coloring Class [Kit and Clowder]
This made my life so much easier, so I hope it helps you all too! Leave a comment, and let me know what you think! If you give this idea a try please share pics! You can also find me and more of my work Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest for the latest updates! You can also shop all the handmade cards that I’ve designed here.