⭐ Rakefet Hadar — SoulPages™ Method
The 7 Elements: Intention · Magical Coincidence · Background · Color · Image · Line · Text
01
Journal Types Types of Handmade Journals
| Technique | Description | Links |
|---|---|---|
| Coptic Stitch Journal | Exposed spine with chain-link stitching — opens completely flat. Perfect for watercolor and painting. | |
| Accordion / Concertina Journal | Pages folded like an accordion — can be unfolded into a long panorama. Very easy to make. | |
| Tunnel Book | 3D book with a "tunnel" — folds like an accordion and creates depth when you look through it. | |
| Round Journal | A circular-shaped journal — unique, challenging, and creates a completely different creative experience. | |
| Junk Journal | Made from recycled materials — old book pages, envelopes, packaging. See channel: Johanna Clough. | |
| Bullet Journal | Personal organization system with artistic development — logs, trackers, creative layouts. | |
| Traveler's Notebook | Pocket-sized notebook with interchangeable inserts — perfect for journaling on the go. | |
| Altered Book | An existing book transformed through cutting, painting and collaging — rich in textures and character. | |
| Nature Journal | Documenting nature through drawing, printing and sketching. See: Liz Steel and Alphonso Dunn. | |
| Smash Book | Spontaneous journaling — pasting cards, tickets, photos and anything you collect along the way. |
02
Base Materials & Backgrounds
| Material | Main Use | Links |
|---|---|---|
| Gesso | White/black/colored primer before painting. Adds texture and prevents paint from sinking in. | |
| Tissue Paper | Transparent layers for depth and rich backgrounds. Adhered with gel medium or matte medium. | |
| Kraft Paper | Warm brown base — organic and earthy feel. Great for white ink lettering and contrast work. | |
| Fabric & Thread | Sewing directly onto the page — adds physical texture. Fabric, lace, thread connections. | |
| Masking Tape | Paper tape for creating lines, frames and patterns. Also works as a painting surface. | |
| Washi Tape | Japanese decorative tape — enormous variety of patterns, easy to find and use. | |
| Stamps & Ink | Rubber or polymer stamp printing — for backgrounds, texture and decorative elements. |
03
Colors & Media
| Media | Key Technique | Links |
|---|---|---|
| Watercolor Wash | Broad background washes — wet-on-wet for soft color blending. The foundation of any page. | |
| Watercolor Salt | Sprinkling salt on wet paint — creates crystalline, fabric-like patterns. | |
| Acrylic Layering | Building layers of opaque and transparent acrylic — see Dina Wakley and Christy Tomlinson. | |
| Gouache | Opaque paint with a matte finish — covers well, can be re-wetted. Ideal for layering. | |
| Soft / Oil Pastel | Soft and blendable with fingers. Oil pastel is more durable. Excellent for backgrounds. | |
| Alcohol Ink | Liquid ink that flows on non-absorbent surfaces — Yupo paper, plastic, metallic sheets. | |
| Colored Pencil | Subtle shading and fine details — great for small accents and defined areas. |
04
Mixed Media Techniques
| Technique | Description | Links |
|---|---|---|
| Collage | Layering papers, images and clippings. The most fundamental mixed media technique. | |
| Decoupage | Adhering thin paper (napkins, rice paper) with varnish — blends seamlessly into the background. | |
| Gel Plate Printing | Printing on a gel plate — creates unique textures for backgrounds. | |
| Image Transfer | Transferring a printed image to the page — gel medium, Lazertran, or alcohol. A magical effect. | |
| Stenciling | Printing through a stencil with a sponge, squeegee or brush — rich layered patterns. | |
| Mark Making | Using various tools — forks, cardboard, fabric, brushes — to create traces and marks. | |
| Monoprinting | Single-edition printing — on glass, plastic or a gel plate. Every print is unique. | |
| Stamping | Rubber, polymer, or found objects — printing with ink, paint or embossing effects. |
05
Writing & Lettering
| Technique | Description | Links |
|---|---|---|
| Hand Lettering | Artistic lettering with special pens — Brush Pens, Tombow, Posca markers. | |
| Brush Calligraphy | Brush pen or pointed nib calligraphy — for headings and artistic text elements. | |
| Intuitive Writing | Free-flow writing as part of the process — words and lines as visual elements. | |
| Micrography | Tiny text arranged to create a shape or figure — an ancient Jewish art form reimagined. | |
| Visual Poetry | Combining words, poetry and imagery — text as an integral part of the visual composition. |
06
Decorative Elements
| Element | Use | Links |
|---|---|---|
| Ephemera | Collectible items — old folders, booklets, tickets, stamps. They add story and history. | |
| Pockets & Envelopes | Hidden pockets in the page — for keeping papers, photos and secrets. Adds an interactive dimension. | |
| Doodling & Zentangle | Repetitive patterns that fill space — meditative, enriching and endlessly varied. | |
| Natural Elements | Leaves, dried flowers, sand, feathers — direct nature printing onto the page. | |
| Washi & Stickers | Quick, colorful and fun — washi layers as backgrounds, stickers and ready-made elements. |
07
Special Techniques
| Technique | Description | Links |
|---|---|---|
| Encaustic (Wax) | Painting with melted wax — transparent layers, heat with a heat gun to create texture. | |
| Wax Resist | Writing with a candle or oil pastel before painting — paint is repelled, revealing hidden patterns. | |
| Alcohol Ink Blending | Mixing and blending alcohol inks — on Yupo paper, with Ranger ink and an air blower. | |
| Sewing & Embroidery | Stitching directly onto the page — patterns, lace, thread embellishments. | |
| Resin | Clear resin coating on pages — creates a crystal effect, seals and enriches color. | |
| Eco Printing | Printing natural dyes from leaves and flowers directly onto the page with steam. See: Nik the Booksmith. |
08
Working Methods
| Method | Description | Links |
|---|---|---|
| Inch Grid / Inchies | Working on 1×1 inch cards — each unit is its own little world. Great for challenges. | |
| Black Pages | Painting on black gesso — with white and gold Posca pens for a dramatic effect. | |
| Mind Maps | Visual thought organization in a radial layout — both creative and therapeutic. | |
| Daily Practice | Working every day — 15 minutes a day. Creative structure and discipline. | |
| SoulPages™ 7 Elements | Intention · Magical Coincidence · Background · Color · Image · Line · Text — a complete visual journaling method by Rakefet Hadar. | |
| Altered Children's Book | An old children's book as a base — working over existing illustrations, creating dialogue with the pages. | |
| Parallel Journaling | Writing and drawing simultaneously — two hands, two pages. Enables a dual process. |
09
Inspiration & Creative Process
| Topic | Description | Links |
|---|---|---|
| Art Journal Prompts | Guiding themes for pages — colors, words, emotions, seasons. Starting each page with intention. | |
| Intuitive Painting | Painting without prior planning — listening to body and emotion, not intellect. See: Flora Bowley. | |
| Inner Child Work | Working with childlike parts of the self through spontaneous drawing. Central to Rakefet Hadar's method. | |
| Color Archetypes | Color as emotional language — Rakefet Hadar's book brings an 8-step healing program through color. | |
| Shamanic Journeys | Combining guided meditation with creation — an inner journey translated onto the page. | |
| Art as Therapy | Visual journaling as a therapeutic tool — processing emotions, healing, release. | |
| Sketchbook Revival | Free annual online event with dozens of artists — including Rakefet Hadar in 2022. Highly recommended. |
🎬 Recommended YouTube Channels
▶ Rakefet Hadar
SoulPages — visual journaling, 7 elements, EN & HE
▶ Dina Wakley
Mixed media, acrylic, layering
▶ Johanna Clough
Junk journaling — queen of the genre
▶ Nik the Booksmith
Bookbinding, eco printing, unique techniques
▶ General Search
Art Journal Mixed Media — explore more