How to Create Simple Mixed Media Scrapbook Page Backgrounds

I'm excited to share some stepped-out background work photos to show you how just a few simple mixed media techniques can take your scrapbook pages to a whole new level.

I start all of my backgrounds with a layer of clear gesso.

  

Then I apply color with spray mists.  Here I'm using products by Lindy's Stamp Gang and Heidi Swapp.  My favorite way to apply the mist is to spray it onto some plastic packaging (like the packaging that most embellishments come in) and then "stamp" the sprayed plastic packaging onto the background paper.  This allows nice control over where the mist will go on the paper.  It is important to let each mist color dry completely before applying the next color, otherwise the colors will just mix together, and, the paper will warp a lot.

I like to add black for contrast.  Here I used some background stamps from Prima and Viva Las Vegastamps with black ink here and there on the page.

For even more contrast and texture, I applied super heavy gesso here and there through a Prima stencil.

I started the next layout the same way- first clear gesso then layers of coordinating spray mists using the technique of spraying onto plastic packaging and then stamping that onto the paper.

Here I also sprayed some water onto the mists near the bottom of the paper, then stood the paper up vertically to allow the mists to run a bit, resulting in a drip effect.

Black contrast with random background stamping (stamp from Viva Las Vegastamps) and white contrast with random placement of gesso through a stencil.

I added my paper layers and then some more color with mists.

Next layout: clear gesso painted onto the background paper, then colors with spray mists.

I picked up the idea of drawing random circles on the background from some very talented scrappers out there, Riikka Kovasin and Terhi Koskinen.  So simple yet so effective!

Here I added a layer of white thread on top of my paper layer pile for more texture.

Black contrast to complete the layout, using a chevron stamp with black ink.

Below is the kit that I used, the gorgeous My Creative Scrapbook August Limited Edition kit:

I also used Lindy's Stamp Gang and Heidi Swapp sprays with my Main kit work:

Contrast was achieved by using white cardstock for the background.

and on this layout as well:

Don't worry that a lot of your background work will get covered up by other layers and embellishments.  Just have fun!

Below is the awesome My Creative Scrapbook August Main kit:

For full descriptions of the kits, subscription information, and more, please visit MyCreativeScrapbook.com