26 Wonderful Mixed-media Background Ideas

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Explore 26 wonderful mixed-media background ideas and create unique compositions by mixing and matching these inspiring techniques. And, get inspiration on how to play with colors and use different techniques of textures and layering. So, whether you choose to work on canvas or on paper, here are some wonderful ideas.

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26 Wonderful Mixed-media Background Ideas

Mixed media backgrounds can be a great way to express your creativity and have fun by creating layers of different textures and colors.

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Types of Painting Mediums

To get started your mixed media art journal journey, it’s important to understand the different means and categorize them into large groups like paints, paper, fabric, and items.

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1

Acrylic Paint Layers

Build up layers of acrylic paint, allowing each layer to dry before adding the next the layer.

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2

Ink Sprays

Use ink sprays for a quick and colorful background.

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3

Watercolor Washes

Create soft, blended backgrounds with watercolor washes.

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4

Alcohol Inks

Create vibrant, flowing backgrounds with alcohol inks.

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5

Metallic Paints

Use metallic paints for a shiny, reflective background.

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6

Fabric Dye

Use fabric dye to create colorful, abstract background.

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7

Spray Paint

Use spray paint for bold, colorful backgrounds.

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8

Crayon Resist

Draw with crayons and then paint over with watercolors for a resist effect.

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Techniques for Depth and Texture

Depth and texture are important in creating full pages of mixed media artworks. Any medium from gesso and embossing to stencils and stamping will help create rich layers of texture and incorporate points of interest in different depths.

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9

Gesso and Texture Paste

Create texture with gesso and texture paste before adding color.

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10

Stenciling

Add patterns, motifs, and shapes using stencils and paint.

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11

Doodling

Add hand-drawn doodles and patterns for a personal touch.

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12

Handwriting

Add handwritten text or quotes and experiment with different lettering to create various points of interest.

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13

Embossing

Add raised designs with embossing powders and a heat gun.

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14

Bubble Wrap Printing

Use bubble wrap to create interesting textures with paint.

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15

Gel Prints

Use a gel plate to create unique prints that can be layered for depth.

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16

Stamping

Use stamps to add interesting textures and designs.

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Types of Paper

Gluing paper on art journal pages is another wonderful way to make a background for you mixed media art instantly. And, there are different types of paper to achieve this.

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17

Layered Tissue Paper

Use different colors and patterns of tissue paper to create a vibrant, textured background.

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18

Scrapbook Paper Collage

Combine various scrapbook papers for a cohesive yet dynamic look.

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19

Collage with Old Book Pages

Use pages from old books to add a vintage feel.

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20

Magazine Cutouts

Use images and text from magazines to create a collage.

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21

Decoupage

Apply decoupage techniques with napkins or thin papers.

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22

Digital Prints

Print digital designs and incorporate them into your mixed media work.

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Other Materials

Finally, mixed-media art is about using familiar and discarded items in new ways with enthusiasm and ingenuity. So, any material from nature or even your household can help you create unique backgrounds and make unusual effects with bleach, water, or Vaseline.

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23

Fabric Scraps

Incorporate fabric scraps for added texture and interest.

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24

Coffee Stains

Create aged, vintage backgrounds with coffee stains.

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25

Sand and Glue

Add texture with sand and glue before painting over.

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26

Nature Elements

Incorporate leaves, flowers, and other natural elements.

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Try Mixed-media Online Lessons

Online lessons help you build new skills and open your eyes to new possibilities in your art journal. Plus, they introduce you to a whole host of materials that you may have never considered and transform uncommon things from trash into treasure.

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So, invigorate your art practice and enhance your artworks by joining an online class of mixed media exploration like the Creativebug online class with designer and Faber-Castell creative Mou Saha.

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^{This page contains AFFILIATE LINKS. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Plus, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Read more on the disclosure policy page.}

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