Hello! Today is all about creating my very first art journal page, and I’m taking you along for the ride. I’m trying ink sprays, textures, and layers in this beginner-friendly mixed media layout. Because I’m a newbie at this, and if I can do it, so can you!!! You’ll see what worked, what didn’t, and everything I learned along the way. It’s inky, imperfect, and I had a blast playing around!

Catch the full process in the video where I share all my newbie thoughts and techniques.

Assemble This! Videos are more detailed as we create this project together step-by-step. You’ll get all my tips and tricks to inspire your next idea. I’d love it if you’d subscribe to my channel! You’ll be the first to know when a new tutorial goes up too. Watch on YouTube.

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Featured Unity Supplies

Gentle Hours USC

Magical Lilac USC

Grunge Splatter Stencil USC

Compensated affiliate links may be used at no additional cost to you. I greatly appreciate the support if you are inspired to shop using my links. Unity Stamp Company usually has a new sale almost EVERY week. Check the website for details. Stamp sets go on and off sale all the time. If it is not on sale this week, just add the stamp set to your wishlist and wait for the next sale so you get a great deal.

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Soar With Confidence

This is my first ever art journal page and I had the best time exploring new ideas. I started with a 4×6 mini journal which felt like the perfect size. Almost just like creating a card. It gave me a little comfort zone to leap from. I wanted this first page to feel hopeful and empowering, so I layered this uplifting sentiment with soft florals and a beautiful butterfly.

That dreamy purple and blue spray ink combo turned out even better than I imagined. I used stencils with modeling paste to add depth, then sprayed over the dried paste to let that black ink soak into the crevices. Ink smooshing was a quick way to color in my stamped butterfly and flowers without overthinking. The black leafy die cuts added one more layer of interest and tied everything together.

I made mistakes, of course. That black spray ink got a little wild in spots and my white pigment stamping completely disappeared. Next time, I’ll try something different to keep it around. And working inside a book is definitely different. It’s a bit tricky when you can’t move things around freely or want to avoid getting the whole journal inky. But I kind of love the challenge. It’s something new, and it’s sparked a whole new love for creating.

This page is far from perfect, but that wasn’t the goal. It’s about learning, playing, and growing with each page. I’m excited to keep going…. I have a very large book to fill.

I hope this inspires you to just start. Whether it’s your first art journal or your hundredth project, the joy is in the process. These techniques are perfect for exploring without pressure and every page becomes a memory of what you discovered along the way.

Crafty Sales

A quick rundown of the happenings.

• ENDS SOON — 50+% off stamps Unity Stamp Co.

• Scrapbook.com — I always love to wait until there is at least and extra 10% off before checking out my cart. Save an extra 10% this week with the code: SUN.

• Get Ready – Prime Day is coming back at Amazon.com!

Thank you for joining me today. I sincerely hope that today’s project inspires you. If you create something, feel free to tag me, @dahlhousedesigns, on social media as I would be thrilled to see it! Plus, join us in the Unity Show & Tell Facebook group to share your Unity creations. It is such a fun and loving group of creators.

Supplies

Some links include affiliate links. I may receive a small commission for the referral but at no cost to you. I greatly appreciate the support should you choose to shop via my links.
Please Note: Product names with ** are suggested supply substitutions if I use something discontinued or hard to find.

Gentle Hours USC	Magical Lilac USC	Grunge Splatter Stencil USC	Cubist Stencil Set AMZ	Wildflower Stems 2 SBC | AMZ | SSS	Mini Journals AMZ
Fabriano Watercolor AMZ	Nocturne ink SBC | AMZ	Black Soot SBC	Prize Ribbon, Villainous Potion SBC	Wilted Violet SBC	White Pigment OTH
Crushed Grape AMZ	Black Soot Spray SBC	Prize Ribbon Spray SBC	Light Modeling Paste AMZ	Matte Gel Medium AMZ	Butterfly Clips AMZ
Micron Pens AMZ

Most Used Tools

White Glass Mat SB | OTH | AMZ	Grip Mat 6×6 SB	Foam Roll Combo Pack SB	Foam Roll – 2 Inch SB	MISTI – Original SB | SSS
MISTI – Original – Black SB	MISTI – Mini SB | SSS	MISTI Corners SB | AMZ	Stamping Tool SB	Media Mat Mini SB | SSS
Mini Stencil Mat** SB	Sticky Mat SB	Cutter Bee Scissors SB | SSS	Reverse Tweezers SB	Connect Glue SB
Blending Brushes AMZ	Mini Blending Brushes AMZ	Post It Note Tape AMZ	Big Shot SB	Mini Trimmer SB
White Gel Pens SB | AMZ	Artist-Tac Micro Dot Adhesive AMZ	1.5″ block SB | OTH