There’s just something magical about watching color come to life on a blank page, especially when you let it move, blend, and surprise you along the way. If you’ve ever felt intimidated by mixed media or unsure where to start, this technique is the perfect way to loosen up and play. Today, we’re diving into a vibrant, color wheel–inspired background filled with rich layers and fluid movement.

Step 1: Begin by blending 49 & Market Dye Ink in Sunrise onto a page in your Dylusions Creative Journal. Apply a generous amount of ink using a circular motion. Lightly blend outward from the circle, angling toward the top left corner. Repeat this process with additional colors around the page to create a full color wheel effect.

Step 2: Using a piece of plastic (like the packaging from your Ranger products), press it into the ink pad. Lightly spritz the ink with a Tim Holtz Distress Sprayer, then place the plastic onto the heavily inked areas of your page. This technique helps move the ink. Gently shift the plastic, lift it, and tap any remaining ink onto nearby areas where the color is blending.

Step 3: Drying between layers is essential. Use a Ranger Heat It Craft Tool to speed up the process. Once dry, gently press the trigger on the Distress Sprayer to create large water droplets for a wicking effect. To add splatters of color, press the ink pad onto a nonporous surface, dilute it with water, pick it up with a paintbrush, and tap the brush over areas of the same color on your page. Be sure to dry each layer before moving on to prevent colors from over-blending and creating puddles.

Step 4: Allow the layer to dry naturally or lift excess water with a clean towel or paper towel. Letting the water dry on its own will result in darker wicking, while lifting it beforehand will create a lighter effect by removing both water and pigment.

Step 5: Apply circular designs from the Artful Moments Rub-On Transfers. Place them within the same color families to build cohesive layers throughout the background. 

Step 6: Adhere vertical elements down the center of the page using Dina Wakley Media Glue. Incorporate a square photo frame for contrast. To add dimension, attach select elements with scrapbook Adhesives 3D Foam Squares.

Step 7: Focus on layering Artful Moments Laser Cut Elements vertically and continue to add circular elements like the buttons. For added contrast, include some horizontal elements. Continue building dimension by layering and adhering pieces with foam squares throughout the composition.

This technique is all about embracing movement, layering with intention, and letting the process guide you. No two pages will ever turn out the same and that’s the beauty of mixed media. Don’t be afraid to experiment, make a mess, and most importantly, have fun with it.