I often just mess around with inks and stamps, testing and trying new things. Sometimes it works and other times well, it’s just mainly a mess. But even in the midst of all my messes, there is magic to be found.

I have tubs full of experimental pieces of cardstock. When inspiration strikes, I take these pieces out and turn them into something functional and beautiful.

Step 1:

I started playing around with some stencils and paints on the initial background. But then I started messing around and added some All-Purpose inks to the background using a pipette.

Step 2:

The top layer was created with some pigment powders and All-Purpose inks. I used a paintbrush to add some additional API ink colours for shimmer and a pop of brightness.

Step 3:

I added stamping using my VersaFine ink pad and a selection of stamps.

Step 4:

I painted some chipboard stars using Gold API and adhered them to the page using Tombow Mono.
And before you know it, I created a fun page using my ‘mess’. I sewed the top layer to the bottom layer using my sewing machine for some added texture and details.

And that’s how I turn my experiments into a functional and pretty artistic art journal page using my All-Purpose Inks – one of my favourite inks of all time.