Instructions 

The best thing about art journaling is being able to experiment, play, and try new things. In this project, we’re going to make a mess and turn it into a fun abstract page!

Step 1: With washi tape, create a square or a rectangle border in the middle of your journal page. It can be as big or little as you would like. Then, use a paintbrush to spread clear gesso over the open space.

Step 2: After the gesso dries, use a paintbrush to layer paint within your washi tape square. Here Minty, Turquoise, Aloe, and White were used.

Step 3: While the paint is still wet, lay a stencil over top. Using a baby wipe, wipe some of the paint away through the stencil.

Step 4: Get out some Scribble Sticks and make some scribbles and marks into the paint. Go crazy, and don't worry! If it gets a little too crazy, you can always cover up what you don't like with more paint (I did!). Keep layering until you're happy.

Step 5: Once everything is dry, spray some gloss through a stencil to add even more layers. Feel free to use the same stencil that you used in the background or pick something new.

Step 6: After the gloss dries, add some contrasting painty marks to the page. Here, Stoked, Papaya, and White were used along with a small gel plate. Add some painty marks to the gel plate, and then press the plate onto areas of the page adding fun texture.

Step 7: Noticing the focal areas on the page (the areas that your eyes are drawn to), let's enhance those with some messy stamping. Choose a stamp, place it on your stamp block and spray it lightly with water. Now, dip a scribble stick into your water jar, and rub it all over the stamp. Stamp various times onto the page, keeping the majority ofthe stamping in the focal areas. Don't worry if it looks like a mess! The magic happens when the tape is removed.

Step 8: Add some gloss splatters to the page and then remove the washi tape to reveal your abstract page! Add a stamped image or transparency to enhance the focal area if desired.

 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.