Instructions 

I love using Glosses to make fun and colorful backgrounds. In this project, we’ll make some of these backgrounds using the new Gloss colors and stencils, then cut them up and turn them into a little book!

Step 1: Grab two sheets of Heavyweight Watercolor Paper and some stickyback canvas tape. Drip and spray Glosses onto the paper and canvas, making sure to use like-colors that won’t make mud. Spray some water or White Gloss into the colors to have them mix and spread, or use a paintbrush. When the first side of the paper dries, flip it over and do the same to the other side.

Step 2: With a Mini Blending Tool, add some stenciling to both sides of the papers as well as the sticky back canvas. Here Stoked, Turquoise, and White were used.

Step 3: Once everything dries, cut the paper into 3.75 inch squares. Each page should give you 4 squares, with an extra strip of paper left over. If you’re feeling it, cut the strip into equal squares to make a mini book, as well!

Step 4: Use the decorated sticky back canvas tape to assemble the book. Cut two pieces of tape. Choose two of the squares that you cut and lay them next to each other, with a small gap between them. Join them together with a piece of tape, then flip it over and add the second piece of tape over the same area. Continue doing this until all of your squares are connected. 

Step 5: Each square is now a page of your accordion book. Fold the pages along the seams to create an accordion. 

Step 6: With a paint pen, add some scribbles and marks to the pages. Here, a White Posca was used. 

Step 7: Now it’s time to decorate! Using transparencies and stamped images, create focal points on your pages. Adhere using Ultra Thick Gel Medium or staples.

Step 8: Finish off the pages with a phrase from the Typed Ledger Papers and some Gloss splatters.

 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.