La Cigale (pronounced 'siɡal') is a strange looking insect found everywhere in southern France during the summer months. When the temperature reaches a certain level, the male insects make a loud, shrill droning noise in the trees. Les Cigales have great significance within French history and folklore, which is why I have chosen them for my sketchbook story today.

Working from a blank page with text, watercolour and watercolour pencils you can apply these ideas to develop an attractive journal page on any topic - from a favourite recipe to a holiday or gardening diary.

You can have a lot of fun playing with these techniques - I'm really looking forward to seeing your journal pages come to life!

To get started with the page layout, I have used a ruler to mark out a sketching area and bordered it with masking tape.

Tip!  Stick your tape to some fabric before sticking it to the page - this may prevent it ripping your paper when you remove it later on.