You just can't fail to be inspired by the beautiful Vicki Boutin Colour Study collection! (Or Color Study as VB would spell it!) This layout used the colour wheel papers and the funky pencil papers, which work well fussy cut or used as a pattered paper to back the cutfile.
We have designed a very special 3 layout kit using these gorgeous papers and you can find it on our website here: Color Study 3 Layout Bumper Kit | Twilight Crafts
I love every paper in this collection and just can't stop using it. I also love the mixed media paper pads for when you want to just have a quick background on the go (or of course you can add extra mixed media layers which is also fun!). You can find the mixed media paper pads here:
Let's Wander Mixed Media Paper Pad: Vicki Boutin Let's Wander Mixed Media Backgrounds 12 x 12 Pad | Twilight Crafts
Color Study MIxed Media Paper Pad: Vicki Boutin Mixed Media 12 x 12 Paper Pad Colour Study Colection | Twilight Crafts
So for this layout, I really went to town on the mixed media background. If you haven't ventured into the world of mixed media in your scrapbooking yet, I would say go for it! I don't see myself as much of an artist, but I just love experimenting with colour, texture and pattern when I create my own backgrounds. For this layout, I used a 'smooshing' technique (Ok, I know that sounds funny!). The idea is, you use a piece of acetate and apply the ink to a craft mat and add water. You then place the acetate onto the ink to lift it off the craft mat. You then dab the acetate onto your cardstock (using a kissing technique as Vicki Boutin would call it!)
It may look a little messy at this stage, but this will form the background and you will layer papers over the top.
Once you are happy with the 'smooshing' of colours, you then take a paint brush (I like to use a fan paintbrush which you can find here: Crafters Choice R9850 Fan Paintbrush | Twilight Crafts) I then dip the paint brush into the paint and flick it over the cardstock to create 'splats.'
For this type of technique, I love to use either distress inks or distress oxides. They react beautifully with water and are really vibrant. There are also so many colours to choose from! You can find our selection here with full size and mini ink pad choices. The ink pads seem to last forever too... so many ways you can use them on your crafting projects.
If you do get creative with the Colour Study papers, our kit or distress inks/oxides, we would love to see your creations over on our Facebook page, Twilight Crop and Craft (5) Twilight Crop and Craft | Facebook