Instructions 

For this spread, I wanted to create something vibrant and uplifting, focusing on layers and textures to build depth. The "You Are Strong" sentiment felt like the perfect message to carry into this new journal journey.

Step 1: Start by spreading a layer of gesso with a paintbrush or scraper tool. Scribble into the wet gesso with a stabilo pencil or scribble stick.

Step 2: Once the gesso is dry, add some acrylic paint to the page and spread it with a very wet paintbrush. I like to use a lot of water to spread the paint around on these pages.

Step 3: Now that the paint is dry, let’s add some layers with stenciling. Spray some darker gloss through a stencil and let it drip across the spread. Once that is dry, add some stenciling with a lighter acrylic paint. Here, Apricot is used.

Step 4: Using Gel Medium, add some collage tissue to the spread. I also added some painted collage tissue to add pops of white.

Step 5: Stencil a face onto one side of the spread using a dark color. Here, Black Gesso was used.

Step 6: With some Posca paint pens, doodle and write in some of the stenciled areas to add a sentiment or meaning.

 Hello! My name is Laura Dame, and I have been a mixed media artist for 9 years now. I love to play and experiment in my art journals, and also enjoy dabbling in abstract, collage, and floral artworks. My family and I currently live in Austin, TX, and you can often find us out camping or enjoying nature. You can find me on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram at @lauramixedmedia. Check out my website for more information and artwork.