Journaling #6: Personal Reflection

Using a journal for personal reflection is an opportunity to explore memories, formative experiences and day-to-day events. In this safe place, writing can help you to process and understand your thoughts and feelings. 

Journaling can help you to think about how you relate to your world and the people in it. Reflective journaling differs from other types of journaling because it is a metacognitive experience, i.e. you are thinking about your thinking. 

Personal reflection does not need to be a deep, psychological experience. It can be as simple as writing about what you think or feel about a memory or experience. 

Taking something positive from your reflections is a win. Learning something about yourself is a win. Gaining a better understanding is a win. Journaling for personal reflection: Win • Win • Win

• Cupola Corner sells a curated selection of handmade and handbound journals that would be perfect for personal reflection. 

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Paper Palooza: Watercolour Paper

Watercolour paper was traditionally made from cotton. Today, you can get watercolour paper made from cellulose (plant cells) or synthetic materials, like polypropylene.
 
Watercolour paper is heavier than regular papers.  It is made in four weights: 90 lb, 140 lb, 200 lb and 300 lb. The heavier the paper, the thicker it is. You choose the weight based on the amount of water that you will apply with your paint. The more water that you use, the heavier you will want your paper. 
 
Sizing is added to the paper fibres to make the watercolour paper stronger and to help it to keep its shape. The fibres are then beaten to help them interlock. Next, the pulp is pressed and then dried.
 
Pressing is usually done by a machine. A cold press means that the sheets of pulp are pressed between rollers that are covered with felt and it is done at a cold temperature. The felt gives the paper a texture. Hot press paper has been rolled between smooth heated rollers; hence, it has little or no texture.
 
For cardmaking techniques, 140 lb cold pressed watercolour paper is great, especially if you like that awesome texture. You can use a paper trimmer to cut it and it won’t get stuck in a decorative punch. It will also handle moderate amounts of water without buckling or stretching. If you need more time to play with the paint, use hot pressed watercolour paper. Either way, watercolour paper will create new and interesting possibilities for your cardmaking. Give it a try!

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Reference: https://jenniferbranch.com/PaintingWatercolor/Art-Supplies/Art-Paper-Basics.html