Fast and Fun Symmetrical Art Journal Background by Stephenie Hamen

Guest Artist Stephenie Hamen shares a quick and simple background technique for art journals featuring Dylusions Spray Inks and Dina Wakley Media Gesso.

Instructions

I love art journaling.  I never go anywhere without one on me – or maybe 2.  Lots of times I pre-make some backgrounds so that when I have time I can add my doodling.  Here’s one that is quick and fun to create.

1. Open your journal to a new set of pages. Spray the pages with water from your Mister

2. Pick a color of Dylusions spray and mist the pages quickly.  If over-saturated, use a paper towel to quickly wipe away pools.

3. Close the art journal and hold it for a second or two with your hand, adding light pressure.

4. Open the journal back up.  You should have a fairly symmetrical image across both pages.

5. Heat set your pages. Repeat the process with a second color.

7. Once you are happy with the colors, do a similar process with gesso.

8. Allow the gesso to dry completely.

9. Now you have created a fun background so all that is left to do is add your thoughts, your doodles, and the rest of your ink work to the page!

Related Posts

Dive into Texture and Color in the Dina Wakley Ledger Journal by Laura Dame
May 08, 2025
Dive into Texture and Color in the Dina Wakley Ledger Journal by Laura Dame

Follow along as Laura Dame transforms a page in the Dina Wakley Media Ledger Journal with vibrant acrylics, bold...

Read More
Dylusions Buttercup Bouquet Journal Page by Jess Peters
May 01, 2025
Dylusions Buttercup Bouquet Journal Page by Jess Peters

Happy May! Jess Peters is bringing all the spring vibes with this bright and cheery Dylusions journal page—complete...

Read More