Art journaling is a practice that offers a boundless canvas for creativity and self-expression. As a mixed media artist, I love creating my own journals, and using Paper Buttons is a fun creative way to bring that unique touch to an art journal.
These versatile embellishments not only add texture and dimension but also invite interactivity, making them a must-have in any artist's toolkit.
In this blog post, we'll delve into over 20 ways to integrate paper buttons into your art journals and junk journals.
1. Decorative Elements
Paper buttons make captivating additions to journal covers and pages, infusing them with visual intrigue and tactile appeal.
2. Functional Fasteners
Employ paper buttons as functional fasteners, adept at securely holding together pages or sections of your journal.
3. Closure Systems
Craft unique closure systems by pairing paper buttons with loops or strings, ensuring your journal stays securely closed.
In our Fun and Creative Course PAPER BUTTONS, we explore many different techniques to create a diverse collection of Paper Buttons and amazing ideas on how to use them. It’s amazing what we can do with Paper Buttons.
UNLEASH A WORLD OF POSSIBILITIES
EXPLORE THE CREATIVE MAGIC OF MIXED-MEDIA PAPER BUTTONS
Position paper buttons strategically to draw attention to specific areas, transforming them into captivating focal points.
5. Layering
Integrate paper buttons into layered compositions, adding depth and dimension to your journal pages.
6. Interactive Elements
Enhance the interactive experience of your journal by incorporating paper buttons into flaps, pockets, or envelopes, revealing hidden surprises.
7. Thematic Embellishments
Select paper buttons that harmonize with your journal's theme, using them as thematic embellishments that tell a story.
8. Embossing or Stamping Surfaces
Leverage paper buttons as surfaces for embossing or stamping, creating bespoke textures and patterns that resonate with your artistic vision.
9. Threaded Accents
Weave fibers, threads, or ribbons through buttonholes for an added tactile and textural element, inviting touch and exploration.
10. Frame for Artwork
Highlight small pieces of art or focal images by framing them with paper buttons, adding a distinctive touch to your journal.
11. Attach Charms or Trinkets
Dangle small charms or trinkets from buttonholes, infusing your journal with playful or symbolic significance.
12. Create Button Clusters
Arrange multiple paper buttons together to form clusters, creating visual interest and texture on your journal pages.
13. Mixed Media Collage
Merge paper buttons with paint, fabric, and found objects to create captivating mixed media collages, each piece telling a unique story.
14. Journal Binding
Incorporate paper buttons into your journal's binding system, elevating it from a functional necessity to a visually captivating element.
15. Incorporate Ribbons or Lace
Pair paper buttons with ribbons or lace for a touch of softness and romance in your journal's aesthetic.
16. Create Patterns:
Arrange paper buttons in patterns or sequences to add rhythm and repetition to your journal pages. This technique can bring a sense of harmony and visual interest to your compositions.
17. Button Flowers:
Assemble paper buttons into flower shapes, using them as the petals or centers of your floral designs. This whimsical approach adds a touch of nature to your journal, creating a visual feast for the eyes.
18. Altered Art:
Alter the appearance of paper buttons by painting, distressing, or embellishing them with various mediums. This process allows you to customize buttons to fit your unique artistic vision, adding a personalized touch to your journal.
19. Journal Spine Embellishment:
Decorate the spine of your journal with a row of paper buttons for a visually appealing detail. This often-overlooked area becomes an exquisite focal point, showcasing your attention to detail and dedication to craft.
20. Paper Button Pockets:
Create pockets on your journal pages using paper buttons as the closure mechanism, providing a functional and decorative element. These pockets can house ephemera, notes, or small treasures, turning your journal into an interactive keepsake.
21. Quote Holders:
Use paper buttons to hold quotes or small pieces of inspiration within your journal. This not only adds a tactile element but also ensures that meaningful words are prominently featured in your creative process.
22. Mini Flip Books:
Attach paper buttons to create mini flip books within your journal, allowing for interactive storytelling. This dynamic element invites the viewer to engage with your art on a more intimate level, revealing layers of narrative.
23. Thread Sketching:
Use paper buttons as anchor points for thread sketching or stitching, adding a tactile and handcrafted feel to your pages. The combination of textiles and paper creates a rich textural contrast, enhancing the sensory experience of your journal.
24. Mood Board Elements:
Incorporate paper buttons into mood boards within your journal to represent different visual or thematic elements. This technique helps you to organize and visually connect ideas, making it a powerful tool for planning and brainstorming.
25. Travel Journal Mementos:
Use paper buttons to attach small mementos or keepsakes from your travels, creating a tactile memory page. These buttons not only secure your cherished souvenirs but also become a part of the narrative, weaving a rich tapestry of your journeys.
Extra idea
26. Create Paper Buttons collections
Using vintage cards like the ones we have as a freebie, you can create a Paper Buttons cards collection and add them to your art journals as ephemera embellishments.
In this video, I share many ideas we explore inside the PAPER BUTTONS Course. Take a look for an explosion of ideas.
With these ideas, you'll discover the boundless potential of paper buttons in your mixed media art journaling practice. Each idea offers a unique opportunity for expression and experimentation, allowing you to craft journals that are not only visually stunning but also deeply personal.
