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How to Create a Butterfly-Themed Mixed Media Art Journal Spread

Working in a spiral-bound sketchbook is a fantastic way to explore mixed media techniques across two pages, creating a cohesive spread. In this project, I worked on an 8×8-inch sketchbook, creating a layered mixed media artwork using collage, translucent layers, and dry-brushed acrylics.

If you love working with vintage papers, magazine scraps, and textured elements, this tutorial will guide you step by step.

Creative Ways to Use Scrap Paper in Mixed Media Art (Bird-Themed Postcards)

If you have a collection of leftover collage scraps, palette papers, and used tissue papers, don’t throw them away! Instead, transform them into stunning mixed media postcards.

This simple yet creative project is a great way to use up scrap paper in mixed media while experimenting with layers, textures, and colors.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating your own set of unique, bird-themed mixed media postcards:

Abstract Mark Making Play & Tags for Gifting

Are you looking for a fun, intuitive way to create mixed media art while also making something beautiful and useful?

In this tutorial, we’ll dive into the joy of abstract mark making, layering paints, pastels, and coffee to create a unique textured page. Then, we’ll transform that abstract artwork into handmade gift tags, perfect for adding a personal touch to your gifts.

Plus, there’s a bonus! Before cutting your page into tags, you can take photos of small sections and turn them into printable collage papers—a fantastic addition to your mixed media stash!

Why Creativity Can Feel Hard (and How to Move Past It)

Ever find yourself staring at your art supplies, wanting to create but feeling completely stuck? Maybe it’s the fear of imperfection, the overwhelm of a blank canvas, or just not knowing where to start.

Trust me, you’re not alone.

Starting is often the hardest part of the creative process—but it doesn’t have to be.

Here’s a simple mindset shift and a few practical tips to help you overcome that stuck feeling and get back to creating with joy.

My Journey Through 30 days of creative practice with Wendy Brightbill

Documenting My Experience Over the past 30 days, I went on a transformative creative journey with Wendy Brightbill’s free course. This blog post is my way of documenting everything I’ve learned during these 30 days of creativity, exploration, and self-discovery.  Learning and Growing Every single day, I showed up and engaged with the prompts Wendy …

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Adding Stitches to Your Art Journal Pages

Lately, I’ve been fascinated by the magic of stitch markers in my art journal pages. There’s something about the texture and dimension that stitches bring, transforming a flat surface into something tactile and full of life. Naturally, I couldn’t resist—I had to buy a sewing kit and dive into this new world of stitching in my art.

Black and white floral doodles

You could say I’m really inspired by florals lately, and with my Impasto Blooms class just released, I’m more excited than ever to draw and paint flowers. With the current drawing theme of wanderlust, I found myself doodling flowers and having a blast sketching them. Just so you know, a year ago, I believed I couldn’t draw—that was the story I told myself for 42 years. But everything changed in the past few months when I gave myself permission to try new things.

Art journal with mark-making & coffee dyed papers

I learned to create this coffee-dyed, textured art journal through Galia Alena’s online course, Creative Resilience. She guided us through making a small art journal that engages all five senses, and it was such a joy to watch and learn from her.

For the inside pages, I started with A3 sketchbook papers, where I made random marks using various mixed media supplies and spilled coffee to create a rich, earthy tone. The best part? Every time I hold the journal, it gives off the most delightful coffee aroma.

After that, I cut each A3 sheet into three smaller sheets, with each signature made up of six sheets. So, for this project, I used a total of six A3 sheets, resulting in a journal with 18 pages.

The cover was made from canvas cloth, layered with texture paste, which was a process I truly loved because of my passion for creating textures. To finish it off, I wrapped the spine with a fabric doily that was handmade by my mother-in-law, adding a special personal touch.

Paper Dolls Adventure

When I first came across the idea of paper dolls on Megan Quinlan’s page , I was immediately inspired to try it out. Megan creates her dolls using stencils and stamps that she designs herself (her shop is definitely worth a visit). Since I didn’t have access to those tools, I decided to hand-draw the dolls, make multiple copies, and color them in.

What I really loved about this project was how easy it was to give each doll its own unique emotion or expression with just a little pencil work. Coloring them felt almost like working on adult coloring pages—it was so calming and meditative. I had a lot of fun with this project and definitely plan to create more dolls. These dolls are meant to be used in art journaling, something I’m still learning from Megan. I can’t wait to share my art journal once I’ve added the dolls to it!