Hello everyone! Today I wanted to share with you one of my favorite ways to alter paper using acrylic paint in this fun and bright mixed media journal page.
In this week’s project I’m going to share with you my new favorite paper collection by Pam Bray called Carefree. What I love about this paper is that it so bright and cheery. If you are interested in this paper, please use the code DTNADINE to get a discount on your next order.
What You Focus on Grows
This paper reminded me of a phrase that I heard several times during a Creative Journaling class that I took this fall. That phrase is “What you Focus on Grows.” It is something that has been on my mind recently. The mind is a powerful thing and what we focus on in many ways can become our reality. We can either focus on what is good in our lives, or we can focus on how situations are not meeting our expectations.
The Art Journal Project
In this project, I challenged myself to alter the paper and use other materials to make a bright and colorful mixed media page.
I have also included written instructions below on how to create this bright and fun art journaling page.
Adding Paint to the Floral Paper
Start by cutting the floral paper to the size of your journal, then add a wash of paint to the paper. To create a wash, use a little bit of paint and water and mix until smooth. Use a transparent paint and test it on a piece of paper before adding it to the page to make sure that the wash is thin enough. My mix is usually 10% paint, 90% water. You can use any color for this, but I chose Green Gold, Teal and Turquois (Phthalo) for my wash. Brush randomly across the background blending color as you go. Set aside to dry.
Fussy Cut out Flowers from Scrapbooking Paper
With the remainder of the sheet of floral scrapbooking paper, cut out the red daisies and orange flowers. Set aside.
Stamping the Words
Using the Wild Whisper Capital Letters stamp set, stamp the words for the phrase. Stamp out “focus on grows” and use smaller letters for “what you” to create visual interest to this layout. Cut out the words. You can either fussy cut out the individual letters or the words depending on the look that you want for the page.
Embossing the Words
Cover the letters with embossing ink and use Broken China Tim Holtz Distress Embossing Glaze to cover the images. Make sure that you use a translucent embossing powder for this step so that you do not cover the stamped image. You could also use Distress Ink with a blending foam to color around the letters, but the shine and color of the embossing glazes adds a strong mixed media element to this project.
Adding Spray Paint Through A Stencil
Once the floral paper is fully dry, spray Pebeo Gold Chromium Spray Paint through a stencil. Spray in small areas in several spots to get a more random pattern.
Add Flowers and Words to the Page
Add the fussy cut flowers to the page and adhere using glue dots and foam dots. Layer the flowers and add the words on top of the flowers. Use the rule of thirds when arranging the flowers to get a visually interesting layout. Also add in small letter stickers for the words “What you” to finish the phrase.
Adding Glass Bead Gel
To add additional texture and shine to the page, add glass bead gel through a stencil. Choose a smaller pattern that will not compete with the floral paper. This gel will dry clear leaving some texture and glimmer to the page.
I hope that you have enjoyed this project and that you take some time this week for creative self-care!
Wild Whisper Design Supplies:
Make sure to use the code DTNADINE to get 10% off your next order!
