Mixed Media Art Journal Page Using Mop-Up Backgrounds & ZinskiArt Stamps
I was super chuffed when Leonie & Mandy from Art Inspirations asked if I wanted to "play" with their new range of stamps designed by Elena ZinskiArt for them. Her designs are quirky, expressive, and full of personality — the kind of stamps that let you lean into your own style and just have fun.
This project is a great example of how mop-up backgrounds can make a unique base for mixed media art journaling, especially with quirky character stamps like Elena ZinskiArt.
From mop-up to art journal page
The tag shape you see wasn’t planned at all — it’s a mop-up tag that cleaned my desk during another project. It had such gorgeous leftover colour and spray texture that it deserved a second life! It was so "clean" that it seemed perfect to use which means this page is almost flat.
I stamped the Daydream/Misty image towards the top of the tag shape and extended the image using elements from the Journal Face stamp set. When this was completed, the figure looked a little out of place - it needed to be grounded and tied into the background
The Daydream/Misty stamp set comes with additional borders and a "Day Dream" vertical sentiment. With a bit of masking at the corners, I stamped a clean tag outline around the figure, which made the whole piece feel a wee bit more cohesive.
Adding Colour and Detail
To pull the page together:
- I added different floral and leaf images to the background using the accessory stamps from the Wonderful/Doodle Girl and Sign to Shine/Fierce sets.
- Coloured all stamped images with a mix of Zig Clean Color Pens and Wink of Stella pens.
I originally sent the page to HobbyMaker for the launch show, but afterwards, I permanently added it to my Dylusions A4 journal.
Am I being a wee bit fussy? (A small confession)
Now, I need to get something off my chest... it has bugged me straightaway after the page was completed: it's not straight!
The bottom of the mop-up tag shape doesn't match up perfectly with the bottom edge of the journal page. I appreciate this is both the joy & curse of using a mop-up background, as you just work with what you have. But still... every time I look at it, I see it. Please tell me I’m not the only one with tiny creative pet peeves!
After the confession, what next?
The only thing I now need to do is add a sentiment or quote. I want to live with the page a bit longer and not rush to add one - learnt from previous mistakes - see this blog post 👉 HERE 👈about a HUGE howler where the quote and background are fighting with each other!
For now I'm walking away and will revisit later on.
Until next time, take care,
xxx
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