Sometimes, I get into a rut and become creatively stuck. When this happens, I find that I just need to step away from the project for a day or two as I try to find my inspiration. For me, my inspiration is usually tactile. In other words, I look at textures and colors that inspire, that I can touch, taste and smell. Have you ever heard the phrase, “mixed media?” Using mixed media in your scrapbooks can really spice it up and take it to the next level.
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Mixed media is when the artwork, layout, scrapbook uses more than one kind of media or material by an artist to create their vision. According to Wikipedia, the first modern mixed media artwork is Pablo Picasso’s Still Life with Chair Caning that used paper, fabric, paint, and rope. If you’ve started your scrapbooking journey, you have probably used mixed media and didn’t know it. Mixed media for me means that I can experiment with handmade papers, dyed or stained fabric, thick pastes, gels, paint, metallic objects, etc. I guess you can say I like to get my hands dirty when looking for my inspiration of ways to spice up my scrapbooks.
Sewing on Paper
Playing with new art materials can be stress relieving and allow you to expand your creativity. So, what kind of mixed media can you use to spice up your scrapbook creations? A favorite of mine is sewing on paper. Just like fabric, you can stitch on paper. I will either use a straight or zig-zag stitch. My tips for sewing paper are:
- Use cardstock because thin paper doesn’t tear
- Lengthen the sewing machine stitch
- Clean the sewing machine often because of paper debris
- Never stitch over tape or wet glue adhesives as the needle will become sticky
Dimensional Elements
Add media other than paper. Experiment with burlap, vinyl, leather, string, and ribbon. They will add fun tactile elements but also add visual interest. Using items that might be out of the ordinary can inspire creativity and spice up a page layout.
Pastes, Paints and Gels
Art stores sell different kinds of liquid media, such as paste, paint and gel. They can be thick or thin liquids and applied with anything from a paint brush to a small spatula. Once dried, they can be enhanced by highlighting certain areas with metallic tints and inks for layering. You can also add substances to the pastes, paints, and gels such as sand or dirt to create a rougher more tactile background. Or use a spritz of water to a page and add paint to thin the color out and become more translucent.
Doodles and Drawings
Grab your favorite marking tool and a piece of paper and begin doodling. Go to your garden and try to draw a favorite scene. Or create a still-life to draw from items found in your kitchen. But don’t try to be perfect. In fact, try doodling or drawing without lifting your pen or marker from the paper. This can get your hands moving, mind problem solving, and let go of your perfectionism.
If you ever find yourself in a creative rut, think mixed media to get the creative juices flowing and to spice up your scrapbook. Then, when you’re ready to step back to the scrapbook pages, you will feel refreshed and ready.