Debasree Dey

Lessons from creating ‘Ugly’ Paintings

ALL BLOGS, Creative mindset

In a world that often prizes perfection, the concept of creating intentionally “ugly” paintings may seem counterintuitive. However, this practice can offer profound insights into accepting imperfection and embracing the natural flow of life. My journey with creating “bad” paintings has led to valuable lessons about letting go of control, understanding the essence of acceptance, and finding joy in the process rather than the outcome. In this blog, I’ll explore how this exercise has transformed my perspective on art and life, helping me to navigate the messiness of both with a newfound sense of ease and freedom.

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30 different types of lines in art

ALL BLOGS, Mixed Media

Lines are the elemental strokes that artists use to create forms, shapes, and textures in their works. They are fundamental elements in art, serving as the building blocks of composition and expression.

Each type of line can convey a unique emotion or concept, enriching the visual language of an artwork. In the world of art, lines are not just simple marks; they are dynamic tools that carry multiple meanings and intentions.

In this post, we explore 30 different types of lines, from the elegance of calligraphic lines to the spontaneity of gesture lines, each contributing to the artist’s narrative. Understanding these lines will enhance your artistic practice and allow you to communicate more effectively through your work.

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Art Journal from Tissue Box, Scrap Papers and Free Printables

ALL BLOGS, Art Journal /

Have you ever looked at something as simple as a tissue paper box and thought, this could be art? That’s exactly how this project began.

In today’s post, I’m walking you through how I transformed an empty tissue box into a richly layered, interactive junk journal — using scraps, printable pages from my Mixed Media Artist Resource Library, and a whole lot of creative play. If you love repurposing materials, working intuitively, and making something beautiful out of the ordinary, you’re going to love this project.

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6 Ways to Create Clusters from Your Fragments

ALL BLOGS, Collage Fodders

Do you have a growing pile of torn book pages, lace edges, vintage papers, and tissue bits that you can’t throw away—but you’re not sure what to do with them either?

You’re not alone. These fragments—often dismissed as “leftovers”—carry history, texture, and story. And when layered thoughtfully, they become the soulful base for rich, expressive art.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through how I create MasterSheets from those very fragments—whether for art journaling, clusters, postcards, or collage work. I’ll share the exact methods I use, plus some beautiful combinations you can try yourself.

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Gathered Fragments To Beautiful Mastersheets

ALL BLOGS, Mastersheets

Do you have a growing pile of torn book pages, lace edges, vintage papers, and tissue bits that you can’t throw away—but you’re not sure what to do with them either?

You’re not alone. These fragments—often dismissed as “leftovers”—carry history, texture, and story. And when layered thoughtfully, they become the soulful base for rich, expressive art.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through how I create MasterSheets from those very fragments—whether for art journaling, clusters, postcards, or collage work. I’ll share the exact methods I use, plus some beautiful combinations you can try yourself.

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Scribble. Spray. Stack.

ALL BLOGS, Collage Fodders

There are days when art flows like breath.
And then there are days when it’s stuck—heavy, bottled up, or simply uninspired.

That’s when I turn to scribbling. Not the tidy kind. Not the Pinterest-perfect kind. I mean raw, childlike, furious scribbles that release energy from my body, onto paper.

And today, I want to show you how I used that energy to create a stack of grungy, neutral, double-sided collage papers—perfect for tearing up, journaling on, or layering into your next mixed media piece.

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🎨 Painting Credit Card Papers: 2 Techniques for Creating Textured, Color-Rich Backgrounds

ALL BLOGS, Collage Fodders

What if you could turn an old credit card into your most versatile painting tool? No brushes, no rules—just swipe, blend, and scratch your way to stunning handmade papers.

In this blog, I’ll show you a favorite mixed media technique I keep coming back to—painting credit card papers. It’s fast, freeing, and full of beautiful surprises.

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Acrylic Dyeing on Paper: My Easy, Playful Alternative to Ink

ALL BLOGS, Collage Fodders /

Have you ever been captivated by the spontaneous flow of watercolor—the way colors melt into each other, unpredictable yet soothing? I have. I love the softness and meditation that watercolors bring.

But as someone who has painted with acrylics for over a decade, I’ve developed a special fondness for them. There’s something about acrylics—their versatility, texture, and vibrancy—that keeps drawing me back.

So I asked myself: What if I could play with acrylics in a way that feels like watercolor? That’s how this method was born—a playful, intuitive way to dye papers using diluted acrylic paint.

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