Today, I’m diving into one of my favorite ways to document inspiration and create art: starting a new smash book! If you’ve been itching to get into journaling but don’t want to overthink it, a smash book is the perfect low-pressure, high-creativity project. Let’s jump in!
What is a Smash Book?
A smash book is a type of art journal where you glue down anything and everything that sparks joy—magazine clippings, ticket stubs, stickers, doodles, and more.
Unlike a traditional scrapbook, where everything is neatly arranged, a smash book is spontaneous and messy in the best way possible! It’s a place where creativity flows without limitations, making it a perfect outlet for self-expression and artistic play!
Whether you’re documenting memories, collecting quotes, or simply playing with colors and textures, a smash book allows you to embrace imperfection and have fun along the way.
Here is a picture of my first smash book page:
Starting My Smash Book Video
Products used in this video:
- Scrapbook.com Medium Envelopes
- Dina Wakley Ledger Journal
- Nuvo Glue
- Posca Pens
- Best Glue For Magazine Collage Video
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
You don’t need anything fancy to start your smash book. Here are the basics:
- A notebook or journal (bonus points if it has thick pages that can handle glue and paint!)
- Magazines or printed images for collage inspiration
- Scissors (Tim Holtz Snips are my go-to!)
- Glue stick or liquid glue (Nuvo glue works great for magazine collages!)
- Pens, markers, or paint pens to add text and doodles
- Stickers, washi tape, and any other embellishments
- Random words or phrases (these add a fun, poetic element!)
- Stencils, stamps, or textured materials to add dimension and detail
Once you have your supplies ready, it’s time to start the magic!
Additional resource: How to pick the right Posca Paint Pen
Step 2: Find Your Theme (Or Don’t!)
You can plan your smash book around a theme—travel, self-love, vintage aesthetics—or you can simply let it evolve naturally. For this project, I used random words as collage inspiration, which made for some unexpected and exciting results!
If you want a more guided approach, try choosing a theme like:
- Inspirational Quotes & Affirmations
- Dream Destinations & Travel Memories
- Fashion & Style Mood Boards
- Artistic Growth & Experimentation
- Personal Reflections & Gratitude
- A Year in Review (monthly spreads with highlights!)
But remember, a smash book is meant to be free-flowing, so don’t overthink it—just start!
Step 3: Start Smashing!
Now for the fun part—gluing, layering, and creating! Here’s how to get started:
- Pick a page and start layering. I used a faux ledger book with gorgeous aged pages, but any sturdy paper will do.
- Lay out your main elements—images, words, shapes—before gluing. Play around with different compositions until something feels right.
- Add text & meaning: I loved using words like See Me Now and Unforgettable to create a personal message. Think about how the words you choose add to the story of your page.
- Embrace imperfection: Crooked cuts, torn edges, and overlapping layers make it even better! This is about creative freedom, not perfection.
- Doodle, stamp, or stencil for extra flair: I added a subtle harlequin stencil in the background for texture. You can also use ink pads or distressed edges for a vintage look.
- Experiment with color and texture: Try painting over some elements, distressing the edges, or layering translucent papers to create depth.
Remember: there are no rules! Every page is unique, and that’s what makes it special.
Step 4: Keep It Going!
One of the best parts of a smash book is that it’s a work in progress. Keep adding to it whenever inspiration strikes. Flip through magazines, collect cool phrases, and never throw away those tiny scraps—you never know when they’ll be perfect!
If you feel stuck, try these prompts:
- Find a random word in a magazine and create a page around it.
- Close your eyes, grab three images, and make them work together.
- Use only one color scheme for an entire page.
- Write down your current mood in big, bold letters and decorate around it.
- Make a list of things that bring you joy and illustrate it.
There’s no wrong way to do this—just keep playing!
Final Thoughts
Starting a smash book is all about freedom and fun. No rules, no pressure, just pure creativity. Whether you fill it with art, quotes, or beautiful chaos, make it yours. 🎨✨
This is your space to express yourself, capture your thoughts, and make something uniquely YOU. So grab your scissors, start smashing, and enjoy the process!
Have you ever made a smash book? What’s your favorite part about the process? Let me know in the comments! Happy smashing!
