art journal spring

Spring is finally here! And I just had to do an spring themed art journal, full of happy colors !

art journal bike

I had so much fun creating the background! Instead of using my regular fluid acrylic paints and big brush markers I am going to show you how you can work with your distress inks.

art journal spring

I usually like my acrylics since they are permanent and I can apply gel medium all over them to do my shading with my markers. But I know that most of you have a big collection of distress ink pads so why not use them instead?!

art journal enjoy

The results can be as striking ! the only thing you have to remember is that the ink is not permanent… but that means that it reacts with water which opens up a number of possibilities in terms of techniques!

art journal stencil

The bike is a sketch I did, really simple and not too perfect in terms of proportions … but who cares?! It is my art journal and I think everyone gets the general idea that this is a bike (I hope!)

art journal spring bike

You can enjoy the step by step video below or at my YouTube channel

Supplies:


42 Comments

  1. Another gorgeous adorable art journal page. You inspire me on so many levels, Thank you. I have also a question, I bought the fine tip applicator and the same gel medium to fill it with, another great tip from you, but I have to squeez so hard, it hurts my fingers. If I watch your video’s you make it look so easy to use it. Do you have any tips for me? Thank You,
    your fan Annemiek Merram

    1. In my case the gel medium just flows, all I do is squeeze just a bit and that starts it. Do you use the same gel medium and applicator? I know the fine tips come in various sizes so maybe you have a thinner tip and a thicker gel?!

  2. I absolutely love your work! Inspiring and these pages made me smile and feel happy. Thank you for reminding me how joyful crafting is!

  3. That is such a cute layout.
    It doesn’t look like Spring here but it sure felt like it today.
    I was happy to see use using the distress inks only. I don’t have a lot of paints, But I do have lots of ink pads.

  4. So cute. I also love to make my own unique elements as well with the paper piecing. With all the different 3D stickers and so forth now available, fewer people make their own, but it’s neat to be able to customize the element to desired color, size etc. Very nice page. Your cards are always pretty too, but like the art journaling best.

  5. I thought you were going to show us a simple layout, Vicky, then I watched the video. Wow! The basket, the piecing, the coloring, the twine – another detailed, beautiful Vicky page. Love to watch you create these.

  6. This is such a beautiful journal page. You are so creative! Thanks for sharing. I learn a lot from you.

  7. Such a cute page and I love how you creating your own embellishments. Buying is fine but making your own is so much more fun.

  8. Just beautiful, and as always, instructive. My pages look nothing like yours but I have learned so much from watching you. Thanks so much for sharing.

  9. You are my favorite! I watch your videos all the time and have done a few art journal pages because of your talent and inspiration. Thank you for sharing your gift and talent. Love the cards too as I love to create cards to give as gifts. You always have amazing ideas. Thank you.

  10. I really loved this background, so spring like and bright. Maybe because it has rained all day and I am ready for spring. Loved this journal page.

  11. Wow, another fantastic journal page! This Spring creation put a huge smile on my face, really, as all your art work does. It just so bright and cheery. Your creativity, your knowledge sharing, and your coloring techniques are so very inspirational. Because of you, I bought my first art journal, purchased the necessary supplies as outlined in your Essential Supplies video and created my very first page, yay! I am learning so much from you and I’m having a blast! Thank you Vicky, thank you for sharing your craft with all of us.

  12. I truly love this!! So simple yet beautiful. I didn’t see the heart punch listed. Who makes it? Love your videos! Gonna share this with my art journal pals. Thank you!!

  13. Hi Vicky! A truly stunning page. I love how you created the concept and elements all yourself. Just gorgeous:). As a side note, with your lovely accent, I just LOVE the way you say” balloons” it makes me smile!! Thanks for the touch of Spring. I’m in NL, Canada and we woke to snow falling and a not so balmy -5 degrees Celsius!! TFS your wonderful creativity, I always thoroughly enjoy your videos. -Allison

  14. I love watching you create your focal point without using stamps or specific dies…just using your imagination! That’s our Vicky!

  15. Hi Vicki,

    I love watching your journal videos, they are always so creative and full of texture.

    This one has been particularly good for me as I don’t really have acrylics or distress stains but I do have distress inks. It is good to be able to see your techniques adapted to that medium.

    Thanks for the inspiration.

  16. I’m not an artist AT ALL, however your inspiration and ideas make me see how I could apply these techniques to my card making. What a wonderful way to start my Saturday morning, in rainy western WA.
    Have a great day! Love, Love, Love this page!!!!

  17. I really enjoyed your video. So inspiring. It makes me want to run to my art table and try to copy your wonderful Spring page. It IS so very happy and carefree. Each page you make is more beautiful than the last. Thank you for your beautiful creations and for showing us how.

  18. I adore your work…the art journal is wonderful. I wish you could sit beside me and teach me all you know. You are my favorite artist. Thank you for sharing your talent.

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