Exploring Mixed Media: Abstract Layouts on Kraft Paper Pages

In this art tutorial, I embark on an exploration of mixed media art journaling, focusing on the versatile capabilities of the Dina Wakley Media Journal. Throughout the demonstration, particular emphasis is placed on the utilization of various paper types, notably the kraft paper pages, to craft abstract layouts enriched with vibrant hues. Employing the Kissoh Gansai Tambi watercolors and Neocolor 2 pastels, intricate blending and layering techniques are demonstrated, aimed at constructing visually compelling compositions. Guided by the color palette from The Color Cube, this tutorial endeavors to provide insights and inspiration for artists of varying skill levels, fostering creativity and elevating the art journaling experience.
Video I mention in class: Expressive Art Journal Tutorial: The Color Cube Palette Inspiration • Expressive Art Journal...
Klimt class: skl.sh/3xb2N2P
*Supplies I'm using in this video:
(Some of the links are affiliate links. If you use my link, I get a small commission, which will go toward my art supplies and to support this channel! I appreciate your support 🥰)
KISSOH Gansai Watercolor - amzn.to/3OHPT2e
Raphael SoftAqua Brush, Quill, 4 - amzn.to/49v1eKP
The Color Cube - sarahrenaeclar...
Caran d'Ache Classic Neocolor II Water-Soluble Pastels - amzn.to/468tdPw
Dina Wakley Media Journal - Looks like this one is gone - So I have put out a new class (Artisanal Journals: Learn to Bind Your Own Art Journals) where we make our own version!! You will love how fantastic these come out - Check it out on my site: 2lilowls.com/p... or on Skillshare: skl.sh/3V8Yoad
Zoie + Chloe Multipurpose Silicone Bowl Scraper - amzn.to/4b5iTKS
Messermeister Flexible Silicone Bowl Scraper - amzn.to/48WvSfH
LYRA Graphite Crayon, Water-Soluble 6B - amzn.to/4b4LH5S
Hahnemuhle Collection 100% Cotton Watercolor Pad - amzn.to/43mlJGA
Yes! Paste - amzn.to/3uED1CT
Dual Edge Ripper Original Watercolor Paper Deckle Edge Tool 1-24 inch - amzn.to/3qdW19m
Blick matte paint - shrsl.com/4ev27
*Check out all my supply favorites here: 2lilowls.com/f...

[@yvonnecurtis8080]

gosh, love your video's, Denise, so fun! I put the edge of the paper on the edge of a table and put the rip ruler over it. Paper sticks out however much you like and the rip ruler is at the edge of the table. That way you can grab a small piece like you wanted in this video, and rip that edge right off. Works great hopefully I explained it clearly.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Great tip! Not really possible with filming where my camera is set. I do something similar when I’m not tied down to my film spot. Thank you! 🥰

[@livzyful]

If you coat the threads of the paste jar with Vaseline, it won’t glue itself together. I put a jar on my desk and periodically add a little more Vaseline.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Oooh! Such a fantastic tip! I'll definitely be doing that. Thank you! 🥰

[@allisonjames2923]

That’s a great idea! I also wonder if running a wax candle around the threads would work too. That might de-stick without any additional buildup to fall into the glue 🤔

[@libbygreenberg4764]

Yes, Vaseline on all my gesso, matte medium jars too!!!

[@Lainers2000]

I love the look that kraft paper brings to the table. This page beautifully compliments the first piece you made. Thanks for sharing.😍

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you so much! 🥰🥰🥰

[@ChantelleArts]

oooh I love these colour combos 😍😍

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰

[@gooddollie]

Another great video! This color palette is so warm and delicious.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰

[@ludmilaschicchi8278]

I always look forward to your videos. Your work is beautiful 😍

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you so much! 🥰🥰🥰

[@christieoertel1589]

Thx Denise this reminds me of floating Chines lanterns. Have a great weekend

[@2lilowlsstudio]

It does! Thank you! 🥰

[@kathyappleby6906]

LOVE this!!!❤. Your approach inspires my imagination to go places I never thought of before!!!! I love the way the paint stained your craft paper page. It made such a beautiful background for your Moroccan vibe wall. Now I’m thinking about trying it on my Craft Paper card stock and see what happens! That page is so complimentary to your first piece on the opposite page and I love that you broke it into two pieces like that. I also find I need to leave a wider margin to tear a decal edge with that ruler, but I do love the results! Thank you for continuing to share your trials and testing and art. So, so helpful and you are delightful to watch and listen to. ❤

[@2lilowlsstudio]

So glad you hung out with me today! You should totally try that on your card stock!! It looks so cool. Thank you! 🥰

[@conniedecarolis3173]

Awesome. I see someone standing in the door looking in at decorative lights in the other room. Love the effect of the gold so much

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Cool!! Thank you! 🥰

[@angelakapler2997]

It looks historical and lovely!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰

[@yovamccoy2806]

I was scared when you ripped your painting to make a square. I loved the brown frame in the end, your Be Brave motto in action. The gold stencil work on the right was "perfect.". I was hoping for a little of the blue paint on or around some of the gold. I do like that you decided it was done for now. It is fun to paint with you in my head and follow along your decision making.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

It is fun to see how you would have done it different isn’t it? I do that too 😁 Glad you hung out with me today! Thank you! 🥰

[@bonnerdebbie]

Super page Denise!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰

[@MsMoniqueWilson]

Beautiful. You are so creative!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰🥰🥰

[@faithisrising]

Oh the Moroccan stencil came out so pretty! Beautiful spread! ❤

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰

[@rosalindoliva5777]

Just ordered the color cube bundle using your link 🙌🏼

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Hope you love them. That is my favorite art tool! Thank you! 🥰

[@windyhollow22]

Love the stain look and the stencil 💕 My YES pastes was delivered while I was watching the video!! I very excited. Also the Kuretake gold paste!! It will be a fun day. Thank you for all the wonderful lessons.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Yay!! Have fun!! 🎨🎨🎨 Thank you! 🥰

[@GrandJan46]

That sure turned out perfect next to the other page. Has an Olde World look to it. Love it.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

It did turn out so good! Thank you! 🥰

[@doloresparra4604]

Absolutely lovely!!!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰

[@mandysmith6264]

Loved today's video❤ I put layer of cling film/clear food wrap over the opening of the container ( its need to be big enough to hang over the edge of the opening) and then put the lid on. The glue or gel medium doesn't stick to the cling film 😊

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Great tip! Thank you! 🥰

[@sandrift]

Very pretty colors and complementary visual textures. I like both sides but especially like the idea of the large and small pieces of paper surrounded by the kraft background.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰

[@Komponents]

Beautiful spread.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰

[@jessbutterfly1934]

I have a little friend who is five years old, but I do a Art with and he literally the other day came up with the idea of using the skirt hanger to hang up his wet artwork to dry absolutely genius, I love how little ones mines can work I reckon doing some stitch work on this would look pretty cool to other would take some time and be a bit difficult because you’re dealing with it being attached to the book itself. Blackhead you’re putting A clear gesso layer first

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Kids are so creative! The skirt hanger is fantastic! 😊

[@KMercure]

Ooo, the gold stamping makes me think of Turkish lanterns glowing! Lovely! I always run anything sticky under hot water to melt the seal.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

It does! Thank you! 🥰🥰🥰

[@alynch6606]

Love this. The stencil side especially. It has such a dreamy feel to it.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

So glad you loved it! Thank you! 🥰

[@BB-nz5sk]

Love love love this color palettes…and ALL of your videos!!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰

[@tracyburcham7350]

Love the size of that media journal! Hope they’ll make more soon!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

I hope they do too! I’m really enjoying this size too! 😊

[@dreamwoodsbutterfly]

You could also use clear gesso to keep the paint on top of the paper. I like the stain look, it's different. Love these colors together.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

It came out really cool on this piece! Thank you! 🥰

[@anitaluellen4157]

Check out the Tim Holtz brand Distressing Tool...a little round gadget that roughs up the edges of paper...great when you don't have a wide edge for tearing. Love what you are doing with the Kraft paper!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Cool! I ordered one to try out! Thank you! 🥰

[@maryucci4905]

Always unique always interesting always delightful ... love your gift Denise!💕

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you so much! 🥰

[@ludmilaschicchi8278]

Beautiful 😍

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰

[@Zumpi61]

Great ideas. 👍

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰

[@lindakuck5981]

Love the orange stencil and I like it the way it is too. Thanks Denise 😊❤

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰

[@allisonjames2923]

Love the Kraft paper background with those colours. I would have to add some thin black lines to the Moroccan patterned side though - either outlining some of the patterns, or just as a subtle accent like you have peeking through on the other page 🤔 Love your creations though. And really love that book as a base for creativity!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰

[@sheilaschmid7768]

LOVE the stained look, then the shine 😘 muahh, perfection ♥️♥️♥️

[@2lilowlsstudio]

It definitely worked out better than I hoped!! Thank you! 🥰

[@dawnjames151]

Denise, I have 2 suggestions for opening the Yes! paste. It certainly re-seals itself, but using press n seal does help it reopen easier because the paste sticks to the press n seal, rather than the lid. And my tried and true go to is to use the Heat It tool just quick enough to all the lid to loose just enough that you don't go old school and hit it all around the lid rim with the weighted end of the butter knife to crack it, lol!!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Haha! Thank you! Great tips.. I was totally going old school 😂... someone above suggested vaseline around the inside too, and that sounds like a fantastic idea!

[@Komponents]

I use the press n seal on all my jars of mediums.

[@karendirmish2696]

Wonderful class today, love the Kraft Paper and Yes Paste direction! I’m going to purchase the Yes Paste , and I always have grocery bags! You are an amazing teacher! Thank you , Karen Dirmish, learners!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

So glad you are enjoying these! Thank you! 🥰🥰🥰

[@veronicahuddleston7060]

Love it! ❤

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰

[@CHARUL814]

It definitely looks Moroccan style. Looks really nice.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

It does! Thank you! 🥰

[@juditszepessy8936]

I love your work!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰

[@jessbutterfly1934]

To stop your jars from fusing together with the lid, I watched a KZbinr, Linda from beginner’s mind Art mind, wipe down the lid and apply coconut oil to the top, which makes opening and closing very easy, particularly if you have arthritis in my hands

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Great idea. Someone else said Vaseline works too. Definitely going to try it! 😊

[@lynndavis9432]

I really like the exercise of using the same color palette, but emphasising different colors...I love the totally different results. I have found myself putting equal amounts of each color...and feel my works are missing the drama.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

This was fun doing these.. they really did look so different! Thank you! 🥰

[@ann-marielofberg1159]

Hi, it looks really cool. If You don’t wanna cover it with gesso ’cause You wanna have the brown craftcolor, but wanna use watercolor You can take clear gesso and/or transparent watercolor ground medium.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thanks for the tip! 😊

[@germainwdesjardins6573]

Love it

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰.

[@amherst88]

Always an adventure Denise -- so appreciate your spirit of 'let's just explore this' ❤ Could you possibly include a link to those music sheet protectors somewhere? I definitely need to redo my stencil storage :)

[@2lilowlsstudio]

I linked them below the art haul video when I showed them off. 😊 This one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p2SxhWR-f6mUfdUsi=UY-BHcV1r9qgCHfJ

[@amherst88]

@@2lilowlsstudio THANK YOU Denise -- as you sometimes say in your own responses, *you're* *the* *best* ❤

[@kaicolledesigns]

Also, my tip for the ever, almost impossible lids gluing themselves shut. Clean the lid with warm water to remove any glue residue, then put a thin coat of Vaseline around the inside of the rim. It will keep the glue from hardening after each use. You might need to reapply. :-))

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Great tip! I’m definitely going to give that a go. Thank you! 🥰

[@machelleshappyhobbies4977]

I like the color choices. My favorite is the left side that you glued down. I have a question. Have you ever took a watercolor that you bought hard in a palette and make a liquid watercolor with it? I want to try it but just wondered if you had and how it went. Love this video. Hope you have a great week.😊

[@2lilowlsstudio]

No, I've not done that. Thank you! 🥰

[@kaicolledesigns]

I love your artistic style and appreciate your ideas about developing one's style. So, thank you for sharing!! Have you tried Gelli printing and incorporated it into your work?

[@2lilowlsstudio]

I have a couple of gelli plate classes on Skillshare, and a gelli plate video a couple of videos back. So glad you are enjoying these. Thank you! 🥰

[@kaicolledesigns]

Hi, I love your art style and have learned much from you, so thank you for sharing! I am wondering if you have used Gelli prints in your work? P.S. I also love how excited you get when you create the unexpected!!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

I have a couple of gelli plate classes on Skillshare, and a gelli plate video a couple of videos back. So glad you are enjoying these. Thank you! 🥰

[@dee-ellencook763]

Denise, would it be possible to put all the large Dina Weakly Journal videos on a Playlist? I love these and am having trouble finding them all on your You-Tube list. Thank you.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

They are on a play list - the one that says art journal/sketchbook play.

[@dee-ellencook763]

@@2lilowlsstudio thank you so much!

[@marylouhamilton9994]

You can also let it sit in hot water then tap it upside Dow to loosen the seal before twisting it open

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Great tip!

[@susanhodel3194]

What would happen if you sprayed the Kraft page with a sealant before you started? It wouldn’t change the color of the paper like gesso would and maybe the paint wouldn’t soak in as much. I do like the look of that page.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Definitely worth experimenting with! 😊

[@Rockwooddream]

Denise you mentioned a class on skill share , I thought you said something like Clint master class? I enjoy taking your classes and I thought I would try this but I can’t find it. Do you have a better description or link. Thank a bunch for sharing your talent.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

It was the Klimt masterclass I was talking about: Klimt class on skillshare: skl.sh/3xb2N2P 😊

[@deborahbacate9596]

It is a class on Gustav Klimt. I hope this helps. I have it on my list to take but I’m not home right now to give you the exact name of the class.

[@jessbutterfly1934]

Denise, what is yes paste I’m in Australia and I’ve never seen or heard of it before?

[@2lilowlsstudio]

It is a nice thick glue 😊

[@BB-nz5sk]

Y’all…anyone interested in gelli plate art MUST check out Denise’s Skillshare gelli plate classes!!! To my delight she recently released a second course and outdid herself again!!! Also - encourage her to consider posting gelli plate videos on YT as well!!! 😊❤

[@2lilowlsstudio]

So glad you enjoyed that class!! I go in and out of wanting to play on my gelli plates. That was a fun class to make!! Thank you! 🥰🥰🥰

[@kymcrowart7876]

Denise do you have an oil pastel class?

[@2lilowlsstudio]

I did a short class on some simple landscapes here: skl.sh/49i22lE ... but mostly I use the oil pastels as mark making - not to create whole pieces - so I haven't focused on that. 😊

[@glynismccartneyintricatesc5281]

❄️❤️❄️🇨🇦

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰