We’ve All Been There…You sit down, full of creative energy, ready to make magic on the page. You add colors, patterns, maybe a quote for good measure, and then—uh oh. Something is OFF. That shade of blue looks like sadness in liquid form. The pattern you thought was “whimsical” is actually just a hot mess. And now you’re staring at the page like it personally betrayed you!
Please note: This article contains affiliate links, and that means that I may earn a commission if you buy something. Read my full disclosure here.
Good news, my artsy friend: You’re not stuck with it. In fact, you’re just one clever fix away from a masterpiece! Let’s get into some genius ways to rescue that “oops” moment in your journal!
Walkthrough Video Of How I Fixed A Page I Hated
Here are some resources I talked about in this video:
- Posca Pen Posca Pens http://shrsl.com/4t2ks
- Nuvo Glue http://shrsl.com/4sqvy
- Teesha Moore / teeshamoore
1. Paint Over It Like a Boss
Who says you can’t hit “undo” in real life? A little gesso, acrylic, or watercolor can be your magic eraser. Go full cover-up mode or just tone things down with a light wash. If you’re feeling fancy, try layering a new color to create depth instead of total erasure.
✨ Pro Tip: If you don’t love an area but kinda like the texture, dry brushing a thin layer of paint over it can tone it down while keeping the cool details.
2. Glue & Layer Like a Collage Pro
Covering up a problem area with collage elements isn’t cheating—it’s just mixed media brilliance. Think washi tape, scrapbook paper, magazine clippings, stickers, or even fabric. That weird blob of color? Now it’s the perfect backdrop for a vintage book page or a bold quote. Boom. Instant upgrade.
✨ Pro Tip: Use torn edges for a more organic, artsy look, or clean-cut shapes for a graphic feel. Either way, you’re in control.
3. Camouflage It with Words
If the background feels too chaotic, write over it. Doodle words, journal your thoughts, or create a blackout poem. This trick works especially well for pages that feel too empty or where the colors aren’t vibing. Sometimes, all a page needs is the right words to bring it together.
✨ Pro Tip: Use a white gel pen or a bold black marker to create contrast and make your words pop.
4. Cut It Up and Start Fresh
If all else fails… grab those scissors. Just because the whole page isn’t working doesn’t mean there aren’t parts worth saving! Cut out cool details, repurpose sections into bookmarks, or turn scraps into collage fodder for future projects. It’s like recycling, but make it artsy.
✨ Pro Tip: Try cutting the page into shapes and using them as layering elements in another journal spread. Double win!
5. The Power of Contrast
Sometimes, what’s throwing you off isn’t the design itself—it’s the lack of contrast. A quick outline, a darker shadow, or a bold color block can fix everything. If a pattern feels too busy, add solid elements to balance it out. If a color feels too dull, bring in something vibrant to wake it up.
✨ Pro Tip: Black and white checkerboard patterns are a journal lifesaver—timeless, bold, and the perfect way to tone down visual chaos.
6. Distract with More Art
More is more, right? If a page is feeling meh, maybe it just needs a little extra magic. Try adding stamps, sketches, doodles, or even some gold foil. Sometimes, the best way to fix a problem is to layer on even more creativity.
✨ Pro Tip: If you hate something on the page, add something you love right next to it. Your brain will automatically focus on the good stuff!
7. Embrace the Imperfection
At the end of the day, art journaling isn’t about perfection—it’s about expression. Not every page needs to be a masterpiece, and sometimes, the “ugly” pages become the ones we love most over time. So before you rip it out in frustration, try letting it sit for a bit. You might just wake up tomorrow and realize it’s actually kinda… awesome?
✨ Final Thought: Your journal, your rules. Every “mistake” is just an opportunity for more creativity. So go ahead—fix, tweak, and transform your pages like the artistic magician you are!
What’s your favorite way to fix a journal mishap? Tell me in the comments—I’d love to hear your creative rescue strategies!
Here are some more posts you might love:
