20 Mixed-Media Techniques to Try
Posted by Amber Demien on Mar 29th 2024
The wonderful thing about mixed-media is that anything goes, from materials, to topics, to techniques. But sometimes when you are faced with so many possibilities, you freeze with indecision. We’ve compiled 20 quick and easy techniques that can be applied to any piece of mixed-media artwork, whether on a canvas, in an art journal, or as part of an assemblage. With these creative ideas in your toolbox, you’ll be ready to tackle any new project.
KISMA REIDLING⎟ ART JOURNALING SPRING 2024
1. For an industrial or Steampunk theme, save some money and find your metal embellishments in the hardware section of your local home-improvement store.
NARAH KIMBERLY MINARDI⎟ ART JOURNALING SPRING 2024
2. When incorporating a real dried flower in your artwork, layer it with a drawn or stamped flower for an impactful and playful touch.
LYNNE MONCRIEFF⎟ ART JOURNALING SPRING 2024
3. Even the tiniest of paper scraps can become eye-catching with some added embellishment, like this simple stitch made with a contrasting thread.
LESLIE WOOD⎟ ART JOURNALING SPRING 2024
4. A storm cloud already conveys heavy emotions, but scratching into the wet black paint creates haphazard white lines that heighten the somber mood.
MARIE AGUIAR KOSIK⎟ ART JOURNALING SPRING 2024
5. Transform a die-cut into a 3-D element by weaving ribbon through it. Choose ribbon that contrasts with the die-cut so it really pops.
TINA WALKER⎟ ART JOURNALING SPRING 2024
6. To make the straight edge of a piece of collage blend into the background, doodle a design that overlaps the edge, connecting it to the elements around it.
CATHY BLUTEAU⎟ ART JOURNALING SPRING 2024
7. Keep your stash full for future creations by machine-stitching scraps of fabric to standard tags. Create tags in various color palettes so you’ll always find the perfect one for a collage, journal page, or more.
LISA THILL⎟ ART JOURNALING AUTUMN 2022
8. When including a 3-D element in your wok, cut a couple of holes in the background to attach the element in an unexpected way.
CARRIE TODD⎟ ART JOURNALING AUTUMN 2022
9. Use a variety of playful doodles to anchor a piece of ephemera into the background, like vertical hash marks, a border of tiny dots, and multicolored circles.
JENNIFER BOMGARDNER⎟ ART JOURNALING AUTUMN 2022
10. Surprise viewers by incorporating an unexpected material or style in your artwork. This soft, shabby-chic design becomes all the more intriguing with a pop of playful pink glitter.
PATRICIA MOSCA⎟ ART JOURNALING AUTUMN 2022
11. To make the clothing of a painted portrait both realistic and unique, add pattern with a stencil and paint.
NARAH KIMBERLY MINARDI⎟ ART JOURNALING AUTUMN 2022
12. You can do whatever you want in your artwork, so have fun reinventing images and objects. These stamped leaves make the perfect pair of wings!
TRACY HICKMAN⎟ ART JOURNALING AUTUMN 2022
13. For a subtle touch of both texture and pattern without adding another color to your palette, apply white modeling paste through a stencil, and apply a wash of a single color over it.
MARIE AGUIAR KOSIK⎟ ART JOURNALING AUTUMN 2022
14. Bring portraits to life by making certain aspects three-dimensional. This necklace created with a simple string of seed beads makes this image extra special.
MARIE AGUIAR KOSIK⎟ ART JOURNALING SUMMER 2022
15. When creating a piece inspired by the past, make sure all elements feel aged and worn. Here, a butterfly was stamped onto yellowed fabric for a vintage touch.
LYNNE MONCRIEFF⎟ ART JOURNALING SUMMER 2022
16. Rusted elements add instant interest to artwork. Rust an assortment of objects ahead of time so you always have embellishments at the ready. A variety of options can be found at the hardware store.
AMANDA JUDD⎟ ART JOURNALING SUMMER 2022
17. If your piece feels like it’s missing something, add a transparent layer using glassine or vellum. It won’t obscure your design, and it will add an interesting texture and sheen to your work.
RAH KIMBERLY MINARDI⎟ ART JOURNALING SUMMER 2022
18. Sometimes it’s what lies beneath that makes a stenciled image truly pop. Book text and swipes of vibrant paint make this simple black stenciled flower truly eye-catching.
MONICA YOTHER⎟ ART JOURNALING SUMMER 2022
19. After using a craft punch, save the scraps to add to a collage. The punched-out areas will create fun windows through which you can peek at the background.
ELIZABETH TICHVON⎟ ART JOURNALING SUMMER 2022
20. Rip up your old sketches and use it as collage in a new piece. From old journal pages, to random doodles, to unfinished artwork, it can all live again as an interesting addition to a design.
Explore the entirety of these art journal pages and delve deeper into these mixed-media techniques within the pages of
Art Journaling magazine.
