Top 5 Mixed-Media Trends to Watch For

Trending in Mixed-MediaWe’re sharing the inside scoop of new products, trends, and motifs that we’ve been seeing all over Pinterest, new works from our artists, and brand-new products just released.  Here is our list of the top 5 mixed-media trends to watch for. Click on any of the pictures to explore new products and free project inspiration.

1. Gold, Rose Gold, and Other Metallics

Metallics have been trending for a while, but this year, it’s all about foiled items and muted metallics. Gold lettering is popping up on bags, T-shirts, cards, art prints, and everywhere in-between. Gold leafing adds an instant bit of shine and elegance to your mixed-media pieces and is a great way to breathe a breath of fresh air into your artistic process.

Muted metallics are also very popular in glass glitters, paint colors, and texture pastes. These colors are antique-finished and provide a more subtle shine to your pieces. If working with gold leafing or shinier paints, you can also mute these colors with spray inks, or translucent paints.

Ways to Try This Trend:

Gold Crackle Paste Ken Oliver Crafts Liquid Metals Dina Wakley Media Heavy Body Acrylic Paint - Sterling
Finnabair Texture Paste – Gold Crackle >> Ken Oliver Crafts Liquid Metals >> Dina Wakley Media Metallic Paints >>
  • Add some words to your mixed-media artwork with metallic rub-ons or stickers. For artists looking for a challenge, you can even try gold leafing elements of your artwork.
  • Incorporate glass glitter in an antiqued shade of gold or silver to add some sparkle.
  • For more grungy mixed-media pieces, use metallic paints in some of your layers for the ease of a normal paint with a fresh and bold new look
Vintage Gold Project by Sarah Donawerth Masquerade Art Deco Canvas by Sarah Donawerth
Vintage Gold by Sarah Donawerth >> Masquerade Art Deco Canvas >>
Rising Spirit Relics and Artifacts Project Rosette Medallion Plant Stakes project
Rising Spirit Relics and Artifacts Project >> Rosette Medallion Plant Stakes >>

 

2. Water-Soluble Materials

From the brand-new Distress Crayons by Tim Holtz to gelatos and Stabilo crayons, water-soluble materials have never been more popular. This trend also builds on the popular watercolor trend by allowing you more control in the process. Gelatos, Distress Crayons, and Stabilo crayons can all be colored onto the page first, then wetted as needed to achieve your desired effect.

Ways to Try This Trend:

Distress Crayons by Tim Holtz Faber-Castell Gelatos Ken Oliver Color Bursts
Tim Holtz Distress Crayons >> Faber-Castell Gelatos >> Ken Oliver’s Color Bursts >>
  • Create an art journal background with gelatos. Scribble the color on in random splotches, then blend with water for a quick and easy way to infuse the page with color.
  • Color Bursts give a lovely watercolor effect when spritzed with water. They are easy to use for art journaling, mixed-media backgrounds, or card making.
Distress Crayons Techniques Tags by Sarah Donawerth Perspectives and Whimsies Canvas Project
Distress Crayons Tags by Sarah Donawerth >> Perspectives and Whimsies Project >>
Get Your Color Burst On by Christen Hammons Out of Limitations Comes Creativity Project
Get Your Color Burst On by Christen Hammons >> Out of Limitations Comes Creativity >>

 

3. Dusty Rose and Shades of Pink

Pink is a trending color right now in home décor and fashion — and now it has trickled into mixed-media art pieces. Embrace this feminine color and use its cheeriness to brighten up art journal pages, or assemblage art pieces. It also pairs well with another trend for summer — lace — and just about every hue is trending right now, from dusty rose to pastel pink to fuschia.

Ways to Try This Trend:

American Crafts Milk Paint Pink Moleskine Messages Postal Notebook Art Alchemy Finnabair Acrylic Paint Rose Gold
Pastel Pink Milk Paint >> Moleskine Postal Notebook >> Finnabair’s Art Alchemy Opal Magic Rose Gold Paint >>
  • Pink can be an intimidating to use because it has a tendency to end up bright, or it looks like baby pink. If you’re worried about the brightness, try muting it with a thin layer of brown watercolor or Antique Linen spray ink.
  • If all you have is magenta or hot pink paints, a beautiful rose shade can be achieved with equal parts magenta and white paint, then add a touch of brown to dull the brightness.
Leave a Little Sparkle by Sarah Donawerth Pretty in Pink Packaging Project
Leave a Little Sparkle by Sarah Donawerth >> Pretty in Pink Packaging >>
Tackling the Tiny Tube Trend Project Heartfelted Gift Box Project
Tackling the Tiny Tube Trend >> Be True — A Heartfelted Sentiment Project >>

 

4. Altered Book Art Journaling

Art journaling has been stuck in the plain sketchbooks for a while, but not anymore! Transform your favorite novel, children’s board book, or ledgers into beautiful art journals. Just prime any page with white or clear gesso and let your imagination take over. There are plenty of examples of altered art books on Pinterest, including Bible art journaling which is a huge trend right now, and we hope you’ll take a moment to think outside the blank book too.

Another great idea for an altered art journal is to repurpose an existing journal. If you already keep a traditional journal, take out your art journaling supplies and get to work! This is a great way to infuse some artistry to the traditional journaling process. Paint over your words and keep them secret forever, or add some artistic details to visually express your thoughts alongside your writing.

Ways to Try This Trend:

Liquitex Clear Gesso Moleskine Notebook Dina Wakley Media White Gesso
Liquitex Clear Gesso >> Moleskine Notebook >> Dina Wakley Media White Gesso >>
  • Be sure to choose a book that has sturdy pages if you’re planning to paint in it. Priming the pages with gesso will strengthen the page a little more, but it helps if the page is hefty to begin with.
  • Book text can also be taken from books that are old or falling apart and repurposed into your art journal.
Feathers, Lace, and Watercolors Project That Look of Otherness Page by Sarah Donawerth
Feathers, Lace, and Watercolors Project >> That Look of Otherness Page by Sarah Donawerth >>

 

5. Basic White

This season, switch things up from the brights of many mixed-media works and experiment with the many shades of white. Leave places on the canvas blank, create a monochromatic piece, or try different texture pastes and collaged pieces to create a mixed-media piece that relies on dimension instead of color.  You can also accomplish a simplified look by keeping the color minimal and allowing the white to take center stage.

Ways to Try This Trend:

Faber-Castell Black and White Gelatos Kraft and White Paper Stash by Tim Holtz Ranger Texture Paste
Faber-Castell Black and White Gelatos >> Tim Holtz Kraft and White Paper Stash >> Ranger Texture Paste >>
  • This trend is all about texture. Try using texture paste through stencils to create a monochromatic piece with plenty of texture and dimension.
The Soulful Heart Mini Canvas Positive Women Cards
The Soulful Heart Mini Canvas >> Positive Women Cards >>
Take Me Back - Days of Summer Art Journal Page Reversible PaperWhimsy Houses Part 2 by Sarah Donawerth
Take Me Back – Days of Summer Art Journal Page >> Reversible PaperWhimsy Houses by Sarah Donawerth >>

 

 


Posted: Tuesday, March 29th, 2016 @ 2:04 pm
Categories: How-To Project Tutorials.
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .
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5 Responses to “Top 5 Mixed-Media Trends to Watch For”

  1. Ann says:

    Wonderful post with lots of great inspiration.

  2. Jani Howe says:

    Thanks for the heads-up!!

  3. Tisa says:

    Diggin’ it all!

  4. SAM says:

    Too Cool !!! I was so disappointed after I finished reading #5—more, more, and more–I just wanted MORE ! These tips upon tips were incredible— thank you much—SAM

  5. Miss P says:

    Wow these are such fun..can’t wait to get messy.

Jordan How-To Project Tutorials ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Trending in Mixed-MediaWe’re sharing the inside scoop of new products, trends, and motifs that we’ve been seeing all over Pinterest, new works from our artists, and brand-new products just released.  Here is our list of the top 5 mixed-media trends to watch for. Click on any of the pictures to explore new products and free project inspiration.

1. Gold, Rose Gold, and Other Metallics

Metallics have been trending for a while, but this year, it’s all about foiled items and muted metallics. Gold lettering is popping up on bags, T-shirts, cards, art prints, and everywhere in-between. Gold leafing adds an instant bit of shine and elegance to your mixed-media pieces and is a great way to breathe a breath of fresh air into your artistic process.

Muted metallics are also very popular in glass glitters, paint colors, and texture pastes. These colors are antique-finished and provide a more subtle shine to your pieces. If working with gold leafing or shinier paints, you can also mute these colors with spray inks, or translucent paints.

Ways to Try This Trend:

Gold Crackle Paste Ken Oliver Crafts Liquid Metals Dina Wakley Media Heavy Body Acrylic Paint - Sterling
Finnabair Texture Paste – Gold Crackle >> Ken Oliver Crafts Liquid Metals >> Dina Wakley Media Metallic Paints >>
  • Add some words to your mixed-media artwork with metallic rub-ons or stickers. For artists looking for a challenge, you can even try gold leafing elements of your artwork.
  • Incorporate glass glitter in an antiqued shade of gold or silver to add some sparkle.
  • For more grungy mixed-media pieces, use metallic paints in some of your layers for the ease of a normal paint with a fresh and bold new look
Vintage Gold Project by Sarah Donawerth Masquerade Art Deco Canvas by Sarah Donawerth
Vintage Gold by Sarah Donawerth >> Masquerade Art Deco Canvas >>
Rising Spirit Relics and Artifacts Project Rosette Medallion Plant Stakes project
Rising Spirit Relics and Artifacts Project >> Rosette Medallion Plant Stakes >>

 

2. Water-Soluble Materials

From the brand-new Distress Crayons by Tim Holtz to gelatos and Stabilo crayons, water-soluble materials have never been more popular. This trend also builds on the popular watercolor trend by allowing you more control in the process. Gelatos, Distress Crayons, and Stabilo crayons can all be colored onto the page first, then wetted as needed to achieve your desired effect.

Ways to Try This Trend:

Distress Crayons by Tim Holtz Faber-Castell Gelatos Ken Oliver Color Bursts
Tim Holtz Distress Crayons >> Faber-Castell Gelatos >> Ken Oliver’s Color Bursts >>
  • Create an art journal background with gelatos. Scribble the color on in random splotches, then blend with water for a quick and easy way to infuse the page with color.
  • Color Bursts give a lovely watercolor effect when spritzed with water. They are easy to use for art journaling, mixed-media backgrounds, or card making.
Distress Crayons Techniques Tags by Sarah Donawerth Perspectives and Whimsies Canvas Project
Distress Crayons Tags by Sarah Donawerth >> Perspectives and Whimsies Project >>
Get Your Color Burst On by Christen Hammons Out of Limitations Comes Creativity Project
Get Your Color Burst On by Christen Hammons >> Out of Limitations Comes Creativity >>

 

3. Dusty Rose and Shades of Pink

Pink is a trending color right now in home décor and fashion — and now it has trickled into mixed-media art pieces. Embrace this feminine color and use its cheeriness to brighten up art journal pages, or assemblage art pieces. It also pairs well with another trend for summer — lace — and just about every hue is trending right now, from dusty rose to pastel pink to fuschia.

Ways to Try This Trend:

American Crafts Milk Paint Pink Moleskine Messages Postal Notebook Art Alchemy Finnabair Acrylic Paint Rose Gold
Pastel Pink Milk Paint >> Moleskine Postal Notebook >> Finnabair’s Art Alchemy Opal Magic Rose Gold Paint >>
  • Pink can be an intimidating to use because it has a tendency to end up bright, or it looks like baby pink. If you’re worried about the brightness, try muting it with a thin layer of brown watercolor or Antique Linen spray ink.
  • If all you have is magenta or hot pink paints, a beautiful rose shade can be achieved with equal parts magenta and white paint, then add a touch of brown to dull the brightness.
Leave a Little Sparkle by Sarah Donawerth Pretty in Pink Packaging Project
Leave a Little Sparkle by Sarah Donawerth >> Pretty in Pink Packaging >>
Tackling the Tiny Tube Trend Project Heartfelted Gift Box Project
Tackling the Tiny Tube Trend >> Be True — A Heartfelted Sentiment Project >>

 

4. Altered Book Art Journaling

Art journaling has been stuck in the plain sketchbooks for a while, but not anymore! Transform your favorite novel, children’s board book, or ledgers into beautiful art journals. Just prime any page with white or clear gesso and let your imagination take over. There are plenty of examples of altered art books on Pinterest, including Bible art journaling which is a huge trend right now, and we hope you’ll take a moment to think outside the blank book too.

Another great idea for an altered art journal is to repurpose an existing journal. If you already keep a traditional journal, take out your art journaling supplies and get to work! This is a great way to infuse some artistry to the traditional journaling process. Paint over your words and keep them secret forever, or add some artistic details to visually express your thoughts alongside your writing.

Ways to Try This Trend:

Liquitex Clear Gesso Moleskine Notebook Dina Wakley Media White Gesso
Liquitex Clear Gesso >> Moleskine Notebook >> Dina Wakley Media White Gesso >>
  • Be sure to choose a book that has sturdy pages if you’re planning to paint in it. Priming the pages with gesso will strengthen the page a little more, but it helps if the page is hefty to begin with.
  • Book text can also be taken from books that are old or falling apart and repurposed into your art journal.
Feathers, Lace, and Watercolors Project That Look of Otherness Page by Sarah Donawerth
Feathers, Lace, and Watercolors Project >> That Look of Otherness Page by Sarah Donawerth >>

 

5. Basic White

This season, switch things up from the brights of many mixed-media works and experiment with the many shades of white. Leave places on the canvas blank, create a monochromatic piece, or try different texture pastes and collaged pieces to create a mixed-media piece that relies on dimension instead of color.  You can also accomplish a simplified look by keeping the color minimal and allowing the white to take center stage.

Ways to Try This Trend:

Faber-Castell Black and White Gelatos Kraft and White Paper Stash by Tim Holtz Ranger Texture Paste
Faber-Castell Black and White Gelatos >> Tim Holtz Kraft and White Paper Stash >> Ranger Texture Paste >>
  • This trend is all about texture. Try using texture paste through stencils to create a monochromatic piece with plenty of texture and dimension.
The Soulful Heart Mini Canvas Positive Women Cards
The Soulful Heart Mini Canvas >> Positive Women Cards >>
Take Me Back - Days of Summer Art Journal Page Reversible PaperWhimsy Houses Part 2 by Sarah Donawerth
Take Me Back – Days of Summer Art Journal Page >> Reversible PaperWhimsy Houses by Sarah Donawerth >>