Create a soft, layered journal page with a vertical focal point by building color and dimension. Work from the center outward, allowing each layer to dry before adding the next to keep colors distinct and maintain control.

Step 1: Dilute Honeyed Oak on a non-porous surface. Lift the wash with a paintbrush and apply vertical brushstrokes from the center outward. This breaks the blank page and establishes the vertical flow.

Step 2: Choose a neutral-toned rub-on transfer to build background layers. Rub it onto the center of the page from top to bottom where the main focal element will go. Cut out circles from other rub-on designs and apply them on in opposite directions to balance the composition.

Step 3: Dilute Designer Denim on a non-porous surface, lift with a paintbrush, and apply the color over the rub-on transfer, working outward to control the wash. Because the rub-on transfer is non-porous, it acts as a resist, keeping the pigment more concentrated around the design and preventing full absorption. Don’t forget to finish with splatters for texture.

Step 4: Repeat with Sea Glass and Dried Fig, keeping the colors separate. Allow each color to dry before applying the next to prevent unwanted mixing. To speed up the process, use the Ranger Heat It Craft Tool.

Step 5: Tear the edge of the frosting-design paper from the 6x8 paper pack. Trim along the tear design to the cello tape, then use the cello paper to adhere the patterned strip vertically to the page to begin building vertical elements.

Step 6: Add a scalloped edge from the ephemera and frames pack beneath the torn strip, letting it peek out slightly for a subtle layered border.

Step 7: Layer laser-cut elements, concentrating heavier layering in the center and lighter toward the top and bottom. Choose two chipboard sentiments in different fonts and sizes to add interest and hierarchy.

Step 8: Finish with laser-cut flowers as fillers; use small flower buds to extend and emphasize the narrow vertical design at the top and bottom.

Step back and adjust small details, tuck, trim, or add tiny splatters until the page feels balanced. The result should be a cohesive, vertical-focused journal page with rich layers and subtle contrast.