Create an easy and beginner friendly mixed media journal page full of soft color, texture, and layered details using simple techniques that make a big impact.

Step 1: Ink blend 49 and Market Dye Ink Pink Sands and Pink Lady in the corner of your journal page, allowing the colors to slightly overlap. Then, softly blend Twilight around the edges of the existing ink to add depth.

Step 2: Spritz water using the Distress Sprayer to activate the inks. Aim for a mix of fine mist and larger droplets to create visual interest and depth. Dry the page completely before moving on. Use Ranger’s Heat It Tool to speed up the process.

Step 3: Using a palette knife, apply Ranger’s Opaque Texture Paste through Tim Holtz’s Lace Stencil. Keep the application partial and focus on stenciling along the edges of your ink blending rather than covering it entirely. Extend a bit of the design onto the opposite page for a cohesive, flowing spread.

Step 4: Once the paste is fully dry, gently ink blend 49 and Market Dye Ink Fossil over the stenciled areas to highlight the texture. This color is great for subtle shadows and highlights.

Step 5: Choose a small cluster design from the 49 and Market Looking Glass Rub-On Transfers (washi, staple, stitching, or splatter elements). Rub it onto the bottom left corner of your page, this will serve as the foundation for the embellishment cluster.

Step 6: Ink the edges of all elements selected from the Looking Glass Laser Cut Elements, Chipboard Set, and Ephemera Set to add dimension and cohesion.

Step 7: Begin layering your elements, arranging them in an arch shape that flows between the ink blending and stenciling. Keep the design heavier toward the corner for balance.

Step 8: Press 49 and Market Dye Ink Frosty onto a non-porous surface and dilute it with water (or use the reinker for a more intense color). Lightly paint the diluted ink onto the page. Rinse your brush and gently pull the color outward from the edges to soften and blend.

Step 9: Ink blend the edges of your pages with 49 and Market Dye Ink Sunrise, then activate it with a wet paintbrush. Allow the color to run slightly along the edges. This creates a subtle rust-like effect and enhances the red and orange tones in the mushrooms.

Step 10: Finish by ink blending the edges of your chipboard elements with Frosty, followed by Cappuccino for added depth. Adhere your sentiment using Scrapbook Adhesive Foam Squares to create dimension and complete the page.

And that’s it! A beautifully textured page with layered color and dimension. Simple techniques coming together for a stunning result.