Prep Part 1: Details & Supply List

OVERVIEW

For this project we'll be taking a piece of paper, splitting it up into 21 sections, and filling in one section a day. The idea is to add a little bit of creativity and exploration into our daily lives while making it easy, accessible, and fun! At the end of the 3 weeks, you'll have a mosaic of memories to look back on :) 

SOMETHING NEW FOR THIS YEAR

This year instead of doing this project once, I'll be doing it 4 times--one for each season! I thought about how these natural cycles can inspire us and that it would be interesting and fun to take time to create during each one. It's also a chance to make a mini collection! At the end of the year you'll have 4 pieces of art that capture spring, summer, fall, and winter 2026.

It's optional to participate in all 4--you can partake in as little or as many as you'd like!

If you plan on participating in all 4, there are some things you may want to keep in mind. It's totally fine to approach each project as its own individual piece but you may want to consider looking at the 4 projects together. For example: 
  • The way you create your sections: using the same layout vs different ones for each season, taping sections using only straight lines for 2 and using curved for the other 2, etc.
  • Using a different color palette for each season
  • Using a specific technique for each season (collage, painting, photos, etc.)
  • How you envision displaying or framing them when you're done and if that affects how you approach them

WHAT SUPPLIES DO I NEED?

Here's a recommended list of supplies. Please don't feel pressure to buy a bunch of things! I love the idea of using what we have, recycling, borrowing, etc. (I actually wrote a blog post on this topic and how to keep our supplies from feeling boring, read it here.) When I did this project last year, all I bought was the paper and tape. For the rest of the supplies, I used what I already had.
 
The brands and items listed below are things I currently use and love! Amazon links are affiliates--I may earn a small commission if you purchase from it and appreciate it if you choose to do this!
 
If you'd like to section off your paper with tape (like in the images above), please note: I highly recommend using this specific tape and paper combo I share below because I know for sure they are compatible! If you buy the tape and use it on other paper, it's possible it'll stick and not work well and if you buy the recommended paper and use it with another tape, it may also not be compatible. 
 
That's not to say you can't use other tape/paper combos but I wanted to give you a heads up because I have tried a TON of different tapes and so many of them didn't work for me!

If you aren't sure if your tape and paper combo will work well together, I recommend testing out the tape with the paper first before you do this entire project only to ruin it at the end with the tape not coming off smoothly!
   
If I can, I will bring the tape to the store with me to test it out on the paper I’m thinking of getting. I’ll use a tiny piece and stick it onto an inconspicuous corner to see if it peels off or not. It’s such a small piece of tape that it won’t ruin the paper but you'll be able to tell if the tape will peel off easily or not. Sometimes I will test it out on the back of the paper if the texture looks the same. This way you know for sure before buying it.

TAPE

  • JMI Blue Painter's / Washi Tape ¼ inch This has been the tape I have had the most luck with! I use it with the Strathmore watercolor paper listed below. This listing comes in a pack of 3 in various sizes which I like--I have used the other widths for other projects! There's also a link to buy a set of 3 of the 1/4" tape.) It doesn't look like they sell a single roll only and I haven't found this specific tape elsewhere so I do always order it through Amazon.

PAPER

  • Strathmore Watercolor Paper 130 lb, 400 Series This is the paper I use with the tape. It's great for both wet and dry mediums. (You can also usually find this at Michael's and use their weekly discount coupon!) 
    • For this project, since we are only doing 21 sections, I recommend and will be cutting my paper down to 8x10 inch.
    • This listing is linked to the 11x15 inch size. I like the larger sheets and cutting them down to smaller sizes (typically sizes that fit in standard sized frames in case I want to frame it later!) Or you can also select a smaller size depending on your needs and what else you will use the paper for.

  • If you're not using the tape, here are some other paper suggestions:
    • Mixed media or watercolor paper if working with wet/liquid mediums
    • Cardstock, scrapbook paper, thick printer paper if working with pens, markers, brush pens, and would like a smooth, non-textured surface
    • Whatever you have lying around! It can be scrap paper, a piece of poster board cut down to size, maybe even an old piece of artwork you want to cover up.

OTHER SUPPLIES

  • Basics: pencil, eraser, ruler, scissors, craft knife, glue stick, liquid glue (I use Mod Podge Matte Finish for everything!) 
  • Anything else you may want to create with! Take a look at what you have and what you may want to use. Also consider the types of things you may want to create: collages, paintings, junk journaling (in this case, you'll most likely be using bits, pieces, and scraps you come across in your day so you don't really need anything else besides an adhesive.)