I love to make my own mixed media backgrounds. Patterned paper is wonderful of course, but making your own designs is super fun and will always be the perfect touch to your work.
SUPPLIES:
- Strathmore Mixed Media Paper 9″x12″
- DecoArt Media Line Acrylic Paint and Gesso
- Unity Stamp Co. “Be Brave Be Happy” Stamp Set
- Spray Inks
- Stencils
- India Ink
I started by painting several shades of green on mixed media paper. I sprayed it with water and let it dry. I love how the water left light areas in the paint.
Next, I wrote some words with a fine line applicator and added more paint and gesso. I was really feeling straight lines I guess.
I love using stencils and spray inks. I decided on letters, lines (again) and splotches. I also used the inks to make drops all over the page. 
To finish off my background, I added some stamps. I am so in love with this mixed media background!! 
The super fun part now is to cut this awesomeness up. I love cutting it face down so I am surprised when I see what I got. I cut 2 sections that fit perfectly on cards, 2 tags and 2 ATC’s. 
I hope you enjoyed this tutorial and you are inspired to get messy and make your own mixed media backgrounds.
Have an awesome Day!
x[Tweet “making your own designs is a super fun way to create backgrounds #crafts #ink”]xDaniella
You can check out the products Daniella used by clicking on the links below:
This wonderful mixed-media background is soooooo awesome!!! I love how you mentioned that you like cutting it up with the patterned side down so you are surprised with what you come up with. Sounds *exactly* like something I would do!!! lol….
I am so new to mixed media that I feel really foolish saying this, but I have never used my “mixed media” paper for mixed media projects!!!! Hahahaha…. I mostly use it for watercolor effects. I LOVE making my own backgrounds and am very inspired by what you did here……can’t wait to try it myself!!!
<3 J
jwoolbright at gmail dot com
HerPeacefulGarden.blogspot.com
I love this style of creating, Daniella. Thank you for the inspiration and such a great tutorial
OMGosh Daniella, this is very cool! These papers could be a project in itself!
Daniella, this is a great project. Thank you for sharing.
Daniella – you are a woman after my own heart! My favorite part about your project is how you cut the background upside-down – such a great way to be more random and spontaneous in the designs you use them with. Thanks so much for the process details – I’m off to play in my studio!
:) Molly
Great style Daniella. I really need to apply this in my projects. Hugs!
WOW! Making your own backgrounds is such fun. Letting the paints, inks etc. do what they want and freeing your self by cutting the paper from behind is inspiring! Love the process.
Love and light,
Michele
Queen of backgrounds in action!