Today we are talking about mixed media, because the wonderful Alexandra Renke papers are also suitable for this.
First things first: it's just paper and even if you don't like the result, I have a few tips for you on how you can still use your color play.
Contents
Did you know 💡
"In the visual arts, the term mixed media refers to the use of different media or techniques in the creation of a work. An example of mixed media is the integration of graphic elements in a painting on the same painting surface. Especially with adhesive techniques, it is important to allow each layer to dry thoroughly and to apply oil paint - if used - last.
When using many or heavy materials, the painting surface should be particularly solid; wood is often used.
Special paper for mixed media works that is particularly robust is also available in stores. Andy Warhol is considered the pioneer of mixed media ."
Paper as a base
Paper is often the basis of a mixed media artwork. There is a wide variety of papers, which have different effects on the end result depending on the grammage and surface structure. Heavier, structured papers that can accommodate multiple layers and materials are particularly suitable for mixed media works.
- Watercolor paper : Due to its high absorbency, watercolor paper is ideal for combining with paints and pastes. It allows for fluid painting techniques while being strong enough to support various materials.
- Tracing paper : Thinner, flexible paper that is ideal for collages or for layering materials. Here it can serve as both a background and an active design element.
- Handmade paper : Due to its irregular structure, handmade paper (e.g. Nepal paper ) gives mixed media works a special texture and depth.
Mixed Media Project
What you will need
- A painting base, e.g. our Designpaper
- Pastes e.g. the Light and Fluffy Modelling Paste
- Stencils
- Silicone Brushes or Painting knife
- Watercolors e.g. Gansai Tambi
- Stamps
- Photos, newspaper cuttings, Stickerdots or other bits and pieces for embellishing.
When it comes to mixed media projects, you can really let off steam creatively. Try out different materials, shapes and textures and find the style that best suits you and your ideas! 💕
Designing the background
I used the neutral typo papers from this year's Christmas collection 'Wordshine' as backgrounds, as the texts still shimmer through even after an application of colour. I started with acrylic colours. I mixed the warm grey tone myself from pink, mustard yellow and a little white.
The colours were then applied to the paper quite randomly and intuitively with a palette knife.
After drying, I experimented with the Gansai Tambi colours in some places. Die give very nice effects depending on how much water you use.
I also applied the light texture paste with different stencils. You can use the coloured areas as a guide and apply additional patterns and textures where it suits you best.
While the light texture paste is still wet, you can also add Glitter to taste. That made it even more festive for me.
Processing the mixed media result
Once the papers have dried thoroughly, you can decide what you want to make of them. I cut the most beautiful part so that I had a page for my December album. I then punched out elements from the leftover paper in various places, e.g. Arc Labels, Buttons und Layered-Tags. You can place the dies in such a way that you punch out the most beautiful parts of the paper. These smaller elements can then be further processed into different projects.
Tip: If the paper is still a little wavy after drying, you can also iron it carefully. The best way to do this is to layer it with the mixed media side down on a soft kitchen towel and carefully iron the reverse side at a moderate temperature. Then place the still warm paper on some tissue paper and leave to cool with a heavy book on top.
I then made a gift tag from the arch label. Because the paper was already so unique, it didn't take much to make a beautiful project.
These cards were then created from the buttons and layered labels.
Summary
The combination of different materials and techniques leaves room for experimentation and creativity.
Whether through the layering of papers, the application of pastes or the intuitive use of colours - mixed media makes it possible to personalise works and bring them to life in an exciting way. For anyone who enjoys creative experimentation, mixed media is a wonderful tool for learning new techniques and developing your own artistic style.
Have fun being creative!
From us to you ⭐
Melanie
If you want to see more of Melanie's work, then follow her @melbg74 on Instagram.