Tags are so versatile and fun. I must admit, I never understood the hoopla around tags before I started art journaling. My rationale at the time was because I was primarily...


Char DeRouin
Char is an artist, designer and maker whose work is abstract, intuitive and organic in style, with a no-rules approach. She is influenced by experiences and emotions; colors, patterns, and just about any kind of ephemera out there! Char loves using her creativity for personal expression and connection.
06 – Wreck It – Char
The minute I shouted, “Wreck It!” during our brainstorm meeting, followed by Claudette replying with an emphatic, “YES, that’s it!” I knew I was in trouble. Seriously, how could I...
05 – Color It – Char
The title “Color It” immediately makes me think of working with lots of juicy colors for a journal spread. Imagine my surprise when I ended up working with a limited color palette!...
04 – Explore It – Char
I thought this was a great time to explore and get reaquanted with soft pastels, because while I love them, I hardly work with them and they’re gathering dust. I remembered finding...
03 – Grunge It – Char
I would argue that, “Grunge is in the eye of the beholder.” Of course, there are distinct and absolute concepts when it comes to grunge, but for me - and as in everything mixed...
02 – Ink It – Char
I love inks and use them often when making collage fodder and using them in my background pages. They’re also great for adding that extra spark of color to your work. This time, I...
01 – Expose It – Char
When Claudette and I decided on “Expose It” as one of our lessons, I immediately knew that I wanted to share one of my favorite techniques: using negative space. It’s the literal...
Welcome to Courageous Adventures in Art Journaling
Welcome to Courageous Adventures in Art Journaling! Join Char and Claudette as they collaborate on an exploration of courageous adventures in art journaling. This class is for you...
Courageous Adventures in Art Journaling
Join Char and Claudette as they collaborate on an exploration of courageous adventures in art journaling. Click on the Welcome button above to get started. Because this is a collaboration, this class is presented as a two-in-one. Each lesson has two takes, so make...
Replay: Season of Courage Hangout
CourageThis is a replay from the special hangout hosted by Char + Claudette just for the Season of Courage.
Week 3 – Twigs + gelli plate + thread
CourageThis season we are collaborating with a partner, or being our own cheerleader. Download the Season Sidekick for a list of prompts to work from. Char and Claudette are choosing three items...
Week 2 – Watercolours + pens + something found
CourageThis season we are collaborating with a partner, or being our own cheerleader. Download the Season Sidekick for a list of prompts to work from. Char and Claudette are choosing three items...
Week 1 – Tea bags + paint + found words
CourageThis season we are collaborating with a partner, or being our own cheerleader. Download the Season Sidekick for a list of prompts to work from. Char and Claudette are choosing three items...
Bonus: Collaboration for Art and Heart
Collaboration#gmseasonofcollaborationFor the Season of Collaboration, Claudette Hasenjager and Char DeRouin led the way to nurture a safe space for artists to find their...
Collaboration for Art and Heart with Char + Claudette
For the month of January, we focused on creative collaboration at Get Messy. Claudette Hasenjager and Char DeRouin led the way to nurture a safe space for artists to find their creative soul mate. For just the month, or for beyond. This excitement about creative...
Reflecting on Collaboration
Collaboration#gmseasonofcollaborationFor the Collaboration Wrap Up, Char and Claudette invited a few Messians to share their experience this season, what projects they...
Q+A and Ideas for Collaboration
Collaboration#gmseasonofcollaborationThis is a replay of the Collaboration Kick Off Hangout. C +C answered questions about their collaborations and experiences, and a bunch...
A Guide to Collaborating
Collaboration#gmseasonofcollaborationThis season we are partnering up with another artist. You can find the partner with Get Messy’s help or on your own. Here are some tips...
Stop. Collaborate. And Listen…
Collaboration#gmseasonofcollaborationGrab your supplies and create as you listen to Char and Claudette talk about everything that goes into a successful collaboration. Then...
Insight into a successful collaboration
Collaboration#gmseasonofcollaborationBefore you get started, here's some inspir-action from the Color Concepts Collaboration by Char and Claudette.Action StepsBe inspired...
Be moved by Char
X#gmseasonofXWhy do you art journal? Art journaling is a beautiful form of expression; a way to tell your story through various forms of art. Art journaling has...
Journal with Char
Home Spend some time with Char in her journal, and then fill up your inspiration well as you page through previous pages. Action Steps Make a journal page...
What is home?
Home What does HOME mean to you? Char shares what it means to her, and prepares her supplies for creating.What is home?TRANSCRIPT (this transcript is automatically...
Staggered junk journals
Home Page through the pages of Char's Season of Home journal, and hear its story. In the video, Char also shares a few other ideas for journals she's made in the...
Meet Char DeRouin
Home Char DeRouin Char is an artist, designer and maker whose work is abstract, intuitive and organic in style, with a no-rules approach. She is influenced by...
How to make a paper bag junk journal
Home Char DeRouin Char is an artist, designer and maker whose work is abstract, intuitive and organic in style, with a no-rules approach. She is influenced by...
Home Season Hangout Replay with Char
A wonderfully casual hangout with Char. Join this freeform hangout as we chat about dinosaurs, cake, and art journaling.