It's in the Details: Mixed-Media Inspiration From Somerset Studio

Something that we find fascinating about the submissions we receive is the amount of thought that goes into each and every piece. At first glance, the artwork is gorgeous, but when you take a closer look, you see that the beauty really is in the details. 

In every issue of Somerset Studio, we make sure to point out some of these interesting details that make the artwork special and unique. Here are 21 examples of those little details that we've borrowed from our Winter 2022 Issue to inspire you to try in your next mixed-media project, art journal page, and more.

Tear a vintage postage stamp in half to help frame a photo.

Book spines are a terrific way to add texture.

Use several different trims to tie a book closed.

To make a stamp image pop on fabric, first paint a layer of gesso or acrylic paint.

Adhere vintage ephemera with a modern strip of decorative tape.

A folded book is the perfect base for a dimensional piece.

When including a treasure chest in your work, be sure to lock it with a tiny charm.

The webbing found inside an old book spine makes for an eye-catching touch of texture.

A deep red flower pops against naturally distressed paper.

Top layers of stamped images and doodles with a pop of color.

Don’t overthink your flower shapes; they don’t have to be perfect.

A broken embellishment adds a classic touch to a vintage piece.

Consider using staples to attach layers to create dimension on a page.

Brayer ink onto leaves, and then use them as stamps.

Delicate seam binding can be coiled to create tiny blooms.

Use lace trim to frame an image.

Create a halo effect by sponging ink around a stamped figure’s head.

Fussy-cut bird images in an assemblage to make them pop.

A teeny book is the perfect finishing touch for a doll inspired by a story.

Wrap just a tiny bit of floss around a ring to juxtapose hard and soft.

Mix and match phrase stickers to create your own sentiments.

We hope you enjoyed taking a closer look at the little details that helped to make these amazing pieces of art stand out and all the more special.

For even more mixed-media inspiration, be sure to pick up a copy of our newest issue of Somerset Studio.

You might also enjoy:  Pretty Primitives: The Delight is in the Detail

Thank you for supporting our published artists! Featured artwork credits (from top to bottom; left to right): 1 - Diane Adams; 2 - Chris Karpiak; 3 - Janet Bergen Movahhed; 4 - Marilyn Roane; 5 - Diane Adams; 6 - Karin K. Mueller; 7 - Kathie Ruffner; 8 - Cheryl Dossey; 9 - Patty Wootton; 10 - Karin K. Mueller; 11 - Kim Collister; 12 - Michelle Ward; 13 - Elizabeth Tichvon; 14 - Louise Muzio; 15 - Michelle Ward; 16 - Kim Collister; 17 - Karin K. Mueller; 18 - Karin K. Mueller; 19 - Kathie Ruffner; 20 - Chris Karpiak; and 21 - Diana Britt.