Embrace the holiday with a mixed media journal entry. 49 and Market Dye Inks match perfectly with Vicki Boutin’s Mistletoe and Memories collection. Learn how to build rich textures and eye-catching layers. The result is a beautiful dimensional page!

Step 1: In Dylusions Creative Journal, adhere torn pieces of patterned paper from Mistletoe and Memories Collection Paper Pack. Dina Wakley MEdia Glue dries clear and with a matte finish, perfect for this type of paper project.

Step 2: Using a Tim Holtz Distress Palette Knife, spread Dina Wakley Media White Gesso along the edges of the torn paper. Gently scrape the gesso across the page—enough to soften transitions, but not so much that you fully cover the patterned paper. Leave portions of the journal page clean for balance.

Step 3: Apply Ranger Texture Paste in Opaque Matte through the letter stencil from Tim Holtz Stampers Anonymous Stamp & Stencil Mixed Media #21. Concentrate the stenciling around the outer edges of the page. For an organic, imperfect look, use your palette knife to roughen the edges of the letters so the texture melts naturally into the background.

Step 4: Apply 49 and Market Vicki Boutin Irresistible Curiosities Rub-on Transfers onto the page. Start by placing them over the white gesso, then onto the bare journal areas.

Step 5: Once the gesso and texture paste are fully dry, lightly mist the page with water using the Tim Holtz Distress Sprayer, it delivers the perfect fine spray for watercolor effects. Add a few drops of 49 and Market Dye Ink Re-Inkers in Green Jean and Rainforest over the stenciled letters. Add more water as needed, then tilt the journal to move the ink around. Blot excess moisture with a paper towel.

Step 6: While the background dries, choose ephemera pieces from the Journaling Bits Set and Foiled Die-Cut Assortment. Distress the edges using the Tim Holtz Paper Distresser, then ink-blend the edges with a Ranger Mini Ink Blending Tool fitted with Domed Replacement Foam. Use 49 and Market Dye Ink in Cappuccino to create a warm, grungy finish.

Step 7: After adhering your ephemera, mix a small amount of Tim Holtz Distress Foundry Wax in Statue with isopropyl alcohol. Use a narrow paintbrush—such as those in the Ranger Artist Brushes set—to splatter the diluted wax across the page. Heat-set with the Ranger Heat It™ Craft Tool, being careful not to overheat or warp any foil die-cuts.

Step 8: Finish your layout with a festive sentiment from the Puffy Stickers pack, placing it across the layered ephemera. Add red puffy dot stickers to bring the entire page together and highlight key areas of your design.

This holiday-inspired mixed media spread blends texture, color, and dimension for a rich, cozy aesthetic perfect for the season. Keep experimenting with these techniques, they’re endlessly adaptable for future projects and collections!