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Why or how do I use a gel plate to put brushstrokes on this art journal page? What do I do when I make a stenciling O.O.P.S.? And why did I start the page with dark for me colors? All that and more is in the video for you as I try something a little different!

I’m playing in a handmade journal I bought recently from PattyReider.com. I love the variety of pages, from the painted and gel printed ones to the vintage ledger paper. Oh that beautiful handwriting in there!

One of the perks of a journal like this, where someone else has put something on the pages, is you get to try something different. I usually start with a white or light background so my something different today is starting on a darker background.

Writing on a wet art journal page can be rough on pens. That’s why I like to use something like a fine tip applicator. The one I used in the video comes empty and then you fill it with anything you like. As long as it will come out the tip, you can use it! I find fluid paints work best for how I use them. The exactly supplies that I used are all linked at the end of the blog post for you.

The plan was to put the arch on the top of the washi tape, but I miscalculated. O.O.P.S.! But that was an Outstanding Opportunity Presenting Suddenly to show you how flexible stencils can be. All I did was position the stencil back on top of the black arch and slid it down to where I wanted it to be. Then all I did was add some paint to the bottom and suddenly, the arch was the exact length I needed. You can make any arch as tall or short as you want this way!

As I looked for words in a random book to add to the tops of the arches, I saw the phrase, “It’s that woman again”. In that moment, the meaning of the page became crystal clear. I’ve been watching Domina, which feels like a historical Melrose Place meets Dynasty, set in Rome just after Caesar was stabbed by the Senate.

The meaning in my art journal pages isn’t always deep, significant or spiritual, sometimes it’s just a playful reminder of a tv show I’m enjoying.

Here’s the finished page, or I should say finished for now

Here are the supplies used. Some of these links may be affiliate links which means I may get a small percentage and it doesn’t cost you anything extra! And you get a really good feeling knowing that you are helping keep the free tutorials coming!

The washi tape was from Pipsticks.com but I can’t find that exact tape on their site to link for you- they’ve got a lot of washi tape!

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Perfect isn’t always ideal. Sometimes having crisp perfectly straight edges isn’t the goal like when I’m adding an image onto a gel print. That’s when I want those worn irregular aged looking edges and it’s a snap to do with the InkAid image transfer process.

If you’re new to the InkAid image transfer process, I’ve got a video that walks you through the entire process including how to mix the Transferiez solution, what kind of inkjet printers work best with the transfer film, and more! If you’re wondering what to print on your first transfer, I’ve got a free download of images for you- you can get them here.

The trick to getting this imperfect look has to do with the Transferiez solution. Anywhere you put that, your image will transfer. So, if I want the image to not transfer on the edges all I do is not put the Transferiez solution there.

So that means you can easily make an image fit whatever shape you need. In the print below, I wanted the photo only on the blue. No careful measuring or having to figure out how to get everything to line up. I simply put the Transferiez solution on the blue and that’s the only part of the image that transferred.

The InkAid image transfer process works on a wide variety of surfaces – glass, metal, wood, paper, leather, fabric- but my favorite right now is using gel prints. You can see more ways I’ve used InkAid image transfers including on fabric, painting on top of an image transfer, and more. There are so many possibilities with InkAid transfers!

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*****Just a heads up, the early birds spots (there are only 2,000 of them) are on sale ($99 USD) and when they’re gone it goes up to regular price ($175USD). And they have sold out quickly every year!*****

What’s the best part of Wanderlust? Is it the full year of step-by-step art journaling videos and printable pdfs? That’s it’s carefully organized so you get unique lessons every week? Those are all reasons to love Wanderlust, but it’s the two kinds of inspiration that I love the most about Wanderlust!

First is the buffet of teachers. It’s so inspiring to see all those different styles and approaches to art journaling! I mean, check out that range of teachers and all that creativity inducing variety! So honored to be with this group!

This year, I’m teaching 2 of the 49 lessons. One is about embracing the serendipity of the gel plate as we explore ways to create grunge. Then we’ll use that grunge to build our page.

The second lesson focuses on stenciling. There are an gazillion ways you can use a stencil, so how do you pick the technique that’s right for the page that you’re creating? Find out how as we create an art journal page of stenciled layers inspired by your favorite characters from a book.

The other thing I love about Wanderlust is the inspiration that comes from your fellow Adventurers. On top that, it’s such a supportive community too! Seeing how others use the techniques and tutorials from the lessons means you get even more variations and possibilities for your art journaling! I know I keep using a lot of exclamation points, but if you’ve done Wanderlust before, you know I’m not exaggerating on those !!!!!

What all is included in Wanderlust 2024? 49 weekly videos, lifetime access, all downloadable, and each lesson has a pdf with it too! Then there’s the community, where you can interact with the teachers, share what you create, and be inspired by your fellow Adventurers. What will the lessons be centered around? Hero techniques and star supplies, all carefully chosen so you have a brand new video and technique every week! You can check out all the details about the entire year here!

Early bird happening now!

Join Wanderlust 24 now at the special Early Bird price $99 US (available only for the first 2000 members), and you’ll get instant access to a whole bunch of bonuses which will give you a fabulous taste of what 2024 has in store! After the early bird spots are gone, it’s regular price is $175 and they sell out every year.

Join Wanderlust 2024
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