Today I’m sharing a fun mixed media technique that lets 49 and Market Dye Inks truly shine. These inks blend beautifully with water, making it easy to build soft layers, bold movement, and rich depth on your art journal pages. If you love letting color flow and watching magic happen, this project is for you.

Step 1: Begin by blending 49 and Market Dye Ink in Sunrise onto a page of a Dylusions Creative Journal. Apply a generous amount of ink using circular motions. Next, repeat the process with Engine #9 Dye Ink, adding circular patterns layering over some of the Sunrise circles.

Step 2: Spritz water over the inked page. The Tim Holtz Distress Sprayer gives you great control over how much water you apply. Since 49 and Market Dye Inks react beautifully with water, don’t be afraid to play and let the colors move.

Step 3: Layering is the key to achieving this look. Make sure each layer is completely dry before adding the next. Using the Ranger Heat It Craft Tool will make this step quicker and more efficient.

Step 4: Using a long, full paintbrush (such as the number 9 brush from Ranger’s Artist Brushes pack), apply layers of water and diluted dye ink in the same colors you’ve been working with. Again, dry each layer before adding another. For a soft watercolor effect, brush clean water along the edges and pull the color outward until you reach your desired shade.

Step 5: Once you’ve splattered both diluted ink and clean water across the page, allow it to dry while preparing for the next step. Apply 49 and Market Dye Ink in Sangria directly onto the top stencil portion of the Tim Holtz Stampers Anonymous Stamp & Stencil Mixed Media #21.

Step 6: Spritz the inked stencil lightly with water, then press portions of the stencil onto your page. Use a cloth or paper towel to gently press down, which helps prevent bleeding. This technique is known as reverse stenciling.

Step 7: Select a frame from 49 and Market’s Nostalgic Memories Ephemera Frames and Laser Cut Florals. This collection offers a beautiful vintage aesthetic that effortlessly creates a uniquely eclectic journal page. To add depth and definition, ink blend Cold Brew Dye Ink around the edges of each piece and the edges of the journaling page.

Step 8: Color match the laser cut pieces with Tim Holtz Mica Spray and spritz. This adds a beautiful metallic sheen and subtle shimmer to the ephemera. Adhere some of your elements using Scrapbook Adhesive 3D Foam Squares to add dimension and visual interest. Then, use a paint brush such as Ranger’s ¾" Paint Brush to softly apply Cold Brew beneath the pieces. This shading helps them visually pop off the page.

I love how effortlessly 49 and Market Dye Inks create vibrant layers and organic texture throughout this page. Their water-reactive quality makes every project feel playful and unique. I hope this inspires you to experiment, get inky, and enjoy the creative process!