ONLY old supplies | art journal tutorial

Introduction

Welcome back to another Mixed Media Tuesday video! After taking a break for some family time, I'm excited to jump back into my regular schedule with another art journal tutorial.

Introduction

In this tutorial, I’ll be working on my 6x6 watercolor journal from my Signature Collection with Stamperia. This particular video highlights using products from my stash that I’ve had for years. It’s about making the most of what you already own to create beautiful art without needing the latest supplies.

Creating the Background

I begin by browsing through my old supplies and selecting some rub-ons of numbers that I’ve had for ages. I cut the numbers apart with scissors for easier application. Sticking them around the perimeter of the page creates an interesting background, emphasizing the center for future elements. Using a bone folder, I ensure each rub-on transfers well.

Next, I layer on long sentences from the rub-ons, focusing on the visual texture they add to the piece. I prefer not to worry about the content of the text; I simply enjoy their design.

Adding Color

Once my numbers and sentences are securely in place, I turn to Distress Oxide Sprays in shades of blue—Tumbled Glass and Faded Jeans—as well as Gathered Twigs for some earthy tones. I use printer paper to cover parts of the page that I want to keep clean. These sprays blend beautifully on watercolor paper, creating a stunning background.

Using my heat gun dries everything while further blending the colors. The rub-ons resist the spray, making the numbers and letters stand out beautifully. After spraying, I dab away any excess with a paper towel to keep the clarity of my rub-ons and the distinctiveness of the background intact.

Adding Texture

To enhance the visual texture further, I use a stencil and Faded Jeans Oxide ink to create darker accents. I vary the designs for an appealing contrast and then use a permanent black ink to stamp a background pattern.

Water splatters add an additional layer of texture, and I soak up the excess to highlight the splatters while avoiding ghosting in unwanted areas.

Creating Focal Points

For my focal point, I pull out some elements from my stash—specifically a figure and some black circles from Tim Holtz. The circles will serve as a stabilizing base for the figure. After arranging them to my liking, I carefully apply glue, mindful of my background to prevent any mess.

Next, I use my label maker to create a phrase: "measure what truly matters," which resonates with the theme of this page. I appreciate the vintage feel it adds.

Finishing Touches

White splatters formed from calligraphy ink tie the entire piece together. And just for fun, I give the figure a top hat from another unused embellishment in my collection.

Finally, I enjoy the entire artwork as it comes together beautifully with the combination of old supplies, interesting layers, and textures.

Conclusion

In today’s tutorial, I demonstrated how to utilize supplies already in your stash, proving that creativity can thrive with what you already own.

Thank you for joining me today! Don’t forget to like and comment below.

Keywords

old supplies, art journal, mixed media, rub-ons, Distress Oxide, Faded Jeans, Tumbled Glass, stamping, visual texture, focal points, creative process

FAQ

Q: What are rub-ons and how do I use them?
A: Rub-ons are transfer stickers that allow you to apply design elements to your project by rubbing them onto the surface. They can be applied using a bone folder or other hard tool to get the best transfer.

Q: What is the benefit of using Distress Oxide Sprays?
A: Distress Oxide Sprays provide vibrant colors with excellent blending capabilities that work beautifully on watercolor paper, creating dynamic backgrounds and layers.

Q: Can I use any type of ink or spray for this technique?
A: It’s best to use permanent ink and sprays that are compatible with your chosen mediums, like Distress Oxides, as they have unique properties that can enhance your results.

Q: How can I use old supplies in my art?
A: Look for items in your stash that you've been holding onto, like embellishments, papers, or stamps, and challenge yourself to incorporate them into new projects to create unique pieces without buying new supplies.

Q: What should I do if I make a mistake during the process?
A: No need to worry! Embrace imperfections as part of the creative process. You can use layers, or additional elements to cover or repurpose mistakes into part of your artwork.