Hello friends, Crystal from @thecrystallinaperspective on Instagram and Youtube. Please remember to use the code CRYSTALP10 or my link to save on your Archer and Olive purchases. 

Check out this video to see the process of some of the ideas that can be done in your Archer and Olive Sketchbook.

Sketchbooks: Are there any rules?

In today’s blog post, we will talk about all things A&O sketchbooks. Aside from the 8x8 notebook being my favorite at Archer and Olive, I love the sketchbooks. When it comes to any notebook at Archer and Olive, there are no rules that must be followed. In fact, the only rule is to have fun and let your creativity go! The one reason why I love the sketch books from Archer and Olive is because they leave so much potential for creativity. There are so many things that you can do with the sketchbooks. In this blog, I will discuss with you 10 ways that you can make the most out of the Archer and Olive sketchbook. Oh, and for this particular blog, drawing is not allowed!! 

Supplies You’ll Need:

• Archer & Olive Pypah Collaboration Sketchbook 
• Stickers of any kind & TONS of stickers
• HP Sprocket Select or Printer (print photos)
• Tim Holtz Distress Inks
• Speedy Spreads Journal Stencils
• Pens/Pencils
• Washi, TONS of it
• Stamps (A&O has amazing stamps)

Let’s Create!

In this blog, I will give ten different ideas that can be used in the Archer and Olive sketchbooks. There are so many things that you can do with a sketchbook. Drawing is not a requirement and for this particular blog, I will show ways to use the notebook other than drawing. Sketchbooks are amazing blank canvases where anything can be done. 

Sketchbook Magic:

Idea 1: Mood Board

The first idea that a sketchbook can be used for is to create a mood board. Mood boards are inspiration color schemes that give a person a guide to follow when creating. This mood board can give inspiration for something that a person wants to paint, draw, plan, and so much more. The theme of the mood board can reflect a certain celebration or holiday that’s important to a person. Mood boards are very easy to create. Simply select a color scheme and things surrounded around that theme, and then a mood board has been created. Challenge yourself to use the mood board throughout the month to channel your inner creativity. For my mood board, I printed some stickers with my Cricut Explore Air 2 and placed them down in a strategic order.

Idea 2: Mood Tracker

The second idea that a sketchbook can be used for is to create a mood tracker.  A mood tracker is a great way to keep track of your moods. If you have a mental health disorder like depression or anxiety, this is a great way to see how your moods are throughout the month. For my mood tracker, I used some ink from Tim Holtz to cover my page and then placed some stickers down. The mood tracker that you create can be as creative or as simple as you choose. I will use mine daily and color in the way I feel along with the date. 

Idea 3: Memory Spread

The third idea that a sketchbook can be used for is to create a memory spread. The memory spread I created was from when I became a member of the 2021-2022 Archer and Olive Design Team. With a memory spread, I like to add some decor and lay a photo. I,then, like to proceed by adding words to hold the memory of what happened. A memory spread can consist of many different components. The sketchbook is a great canvas to store a memory journal. 

Idea 4: Stamp Art 

The next idea that a sketchbook can be used for is to create stamp art. I love stamps! Stamps are not dead. You can use rubber stamps or wooden stamps whichever you prefer. There’s so many things that you can do with stamps. Stamps are very easy to use and don't require any drawing. This is a fun way to use ink and stamps that you have in your storage. This is also a fun way to use your stash. 

Idea 5: Washi Inspired Dashboard

Idea five consists of using your washi stash. The washi dashboard is very easy to create. This is a great way to put your washi tape to use. You can simply add one or two colors or do an entire page. The washi inspired dashboard can be utilized to create any form of washi art. This is a great way to use the sketchbook. 

Idea 6: Gratitude Spread

A gratitude spread is another great idea for a sketchbook. Gratitude spreads can be very simple or elaborate. Drawing is once again not a requirement, and you use all the stickers and washi in your stash. There are many different ways to do a gratitude spread. The purpose of a gratitude spread is to create a sense of purpose and appreciation for things within one’s life. 

Idea 7: Goals Spread 

A goals spread is similar to a gratitude spread however it serves as a space to plan out your goals and strategies to achieve your goals. With the goals spread, a list of goals can be created. The goals spread can consist of long term and short term goals. The goals can then be further broken down into action steps. 

Idea 8: Creative Journaling

Another thing that can be done inside of your sketchbook aside from drawing is creative journaling. Creative journaling consists of using decorative papers, stickers, inks, and a ton of other items in your stash to create a beautiful spread. The creative journaling process can consist of journaling prompts or just free writing. 

Idea 9: Junk Journal Page

Junk journaling is another example of what can be done in a sketchbook. The junk journaling spreads consist of whatever “junk” you have that you want to add to a spread. The spread can consist of washi, textured paper, whatever you decide. The objective is that you layer your elements to your own liking. 

Idea 10: Recipe Keeper

The last idea that can be done in a sketchbook is a recipe keeper. This can be done in any way that is good for you. The recipe keeper can consist of a list. Stickers, washi, decorative paper, whatever can be used for this keeper. The recipes can be something that you store and share with family so the sky's the limit with your creativity. 

The sketchbook layout is not horrible. In fact, it consists of great versatility. This layout gives you the option to get as creative as you want to be. Drawing is not a requirement! 

Don’t forget to download the free printable!

If you decide to recreate any of these please tag @archerandolive, @archerandolive.community and use hashtags #AOShare and #archerandolive. You can find me on Instagram or YouTube: @TheCrystallinaPerspective