Dive into a layered mixed media journal page that’s all about embracing movement, texture, and those beautifully imperfect details. Combine soft, diluted inks with deeper tones, building interest little by little and see where the process takes you!

Step 1: Apply 49 and Market Dye Ink in Frosty and Pink Sands onto a non-porous work surface. Dilute with water using the Distress Sprayer. Pick up the ink with a brush and cover the entire journal page using short, unpredictable strokes for an organic look. Dry this layer with the Ranger Heat It Tool.

Step 2: Apply 49 and Market Dye Ink in Sangria and Cold Brew to your non-porous surface and dilute with water as before. Turn your journal upside down and press it into the diluted ink. Lift and dry with the Heat It Tool. Once dry, and while ink still remains on the surface, repeat the process. This time gently swiveling and patting the journal to create droplets and added movement.

Step 3: Ink blend Cold Brew around the edges of the page and over some of the lighter areas. This helps tie the edges into the background and creates a cohesive look.

Step 4: Use the Distress Sprayer to add water droplets across the page, focusing on the areas blended with Cold Brew. This allows the color to react and blend seamlessly with the rest of the page. Heat dry before moving on.

Step 5: Select script and text Transfer Rub-Ons and apply them to the page. Keep your focal point in mind so the details remain visible once everything is layered.

Step 6: As you begin building your focal point, incorporate blue and sepia accents. Choose a blue patterned paper from the 6x8 Collection Pack and use it to mat your photo ephemera.

Step 7: Use Tim Holtz’s Paper Distresser to rough up the edges of the patterned paper. This adds texture to the journal page.

Step 8: Use Scrapbook Adhesive Squares to pop up your photo ephemera and laser-cut elements. Layer larger pieces in the back and smaller elements toward the front for depth. Elevating pieces of ephemera adds dimension to the journal page.

Step 9: Ink blend Cold Brew around the edges of all laser-cut elements using a foam blending tool before adhering them down. Adding this detail helps them pop out when they are all layered.

Step 10: Finally, cover your sentiment and photo ephemera, then splatter with Dina Wakley’s White Gloss. Focus the splatter at an angle rather than across the entire page. Don’t overwhelm the page. This step is meant to be an accent, not the focal point.

And just like that, the page is complete! Embrace all the layers coming together. Don’t be afraid to make this your own by switching up colors, adding more layers, or keeping it simple. Mixed media is all about experimenting and finding what feels right for you.