Hi there! I had a blast creating this mixed media art journal page filled with golden grunge, mushroom vibes, and lots of texture. I’m using the adorable Spore the Love stamp set from Unity Stamp Company  and layering up all the inky goodness. I have a full Assemble This video to walk you through each step so you can see how it all comes together.  

Assemble This! Videos are more detailed as we create this card together step-by-step. You’ll get all my tips and tricks to inspire your next card. 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

Spore to Love USC

Inked Intention USC

Distressed Elements 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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Mush Love

This little toadstool steals the show. I started with three colors of Distress Ink (mustard seed, crushed olive and forest moss) smooshed onto the background, then used a sunburst stencil to create rays of light. A layer of clear gesso locked everything in before more ink blending and modeling paste added depth with that sprinkled dot texture.

The mushroom originally had a cute little face, but that didn’t quite match the vibe of this earthy art journal spread. I masked it off when stamping so it would feel more natural and blend with the grungy mood. It’s watercolored with Distress Inks in barn door, antique linen, pumice stone, and vintage photo. After coloring, I added text stamping over the mushroom and the kraft die cuts to bring in subtle texture and vintage detail. I fussy cut the mushroom out and layered it with a soft vellum circle and kraft leaves to help ground the design. I finished it off with splashes of gold watercolor and a little burlap string tangle behind the mushroom. The balance of earthy grunge and sweet whimsy is so fun in this layout.

What Makes This Page Special:

• Textured background layers: Built with smooshed ink, stenciling, clear gesso, and modeling paste for depth and movement.
• Stamped and watercolored mushroom: Colored with Distress Inks and fussy cut for a strong whimsical focal point.
• Layered die cuts and vellum: Kraft cardstock pieces and a vellum circle add contrast and softness.
• Organic gold and burlap accents: Gold splatters and string tangle bring in shine and earthy texture.

Creative Tips & Techniques

• Smoosh and seal: Use clear gesso after your stenciled layer to protect it while adding more ink.
• Mask to change the mood: Try masking off parts of a stamp to shift the vibe. I removed the face from the mushroom to make it feel less playful and more natural.
• Stamp in subtle details: Layering text stamps over images and die cuts adds an easy aged or worn look without overpowering the design.
• Add softness with vellum: A vellum die cut helps your focal image pop from a busy background.
• Create rustic texture: Tuck in some string or twine behind your image for an easy handmade detail.

I hope this page inspires you to embrace your inky side and try something playful in your own art journal or on a card. These layered textures, earthy tones, and whimsical touches can be so versatile for any theme or mood you’re exploring.

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.

Distressed Ink Colors: mustard seed, crushed olive, forest moss, ground espresso, barn door, antique linen, pumice stone, vintage photo

Spore to Love USC	Inked Intention USC	Distressed Elements USC	Cozy Autumn – Foliage Dies SBC	Market Bloom – Florals Dies SBC
Deckle Circles SBC	Sun Background Stencil SA154 HA|SB	Sprinkled Dots Stencil SA215 HA|SB	Hammermill Cardstock AMZ	Neenah Desert Storm 80lb AMZ
Vellum SBC	VersaFine Onyx Black SBC | AMZ	Distress Ink Set #3 SBC	Distress Ink Set #5 SBC	Distress Ink Set #1 SBC
Distress Ink Set #8 SBC	Distress Ink Set #9 SBC	Distress Ink Set #14 SBC	Natural Burlap String AMZ	Kuretake – Gansai Tambi AMZ
Mini Journals AMZ	Light Modeling Paste AMZ	Clear Gesso AMZ	White Gesso AMZ

Most Used Tools

1.5″ block SB | OTH	Big Shot SB	Black Stamping Tool SB	Blending Brushes AMZ	Blending Brushes Large AMZ
Blending Brushes Medium AMZ	Blending Brushes Mini AMZ	Blending Brushes Small AMZ	Connect Glue SB	Cutter Bee Scissors SB | SSS
Die Cut Envelope AMZ	Foam Roll – 2 Inch SB	Foam Roll Combo Pack SB	Grip Mat 4.75×6 AMZ	Grip Mat 6.5×8.5 AMZ
Grip Mat 6×6 AMZ	Media Mat Mini SB | SSS	Mini Blending Brushes AMZ	Mini Stencil Mat** SB	Mini Trimmer SB
MISTI – Mini SB | SSS	MISTI – Original SB | SSS	MISTI – Original – Black SB	MISTI Corners SB | AMZ	Nuvo Deluxe Adhesive SB
Post It Note Tape AMZ	Reverse Tweezers SB	Sticky Mat SB	Triangle Trays AMZ	White Gel Pens SB | AMZ
White Glass Mat SB | OTH | AMZ