Mixed media art offers endless possibilities to express your creativity. By combining different materials such as paint, fabric, paper, and more, you can create unique artworks that add texture, depth, and dimension to your projects. In this blog, we delve deeper into this technique and provide you with inspiration to start your first mixed media project.

What is mixed media art?

Mixed media art is an art form that involves using various materials and techniques. It is all about experimenting with textures, colours, and shapes to create unique and expressive works of art. With mixed media, you can go in any direction. You can choose to paint, create collages, stamp, embroider, and much more, making the possibilities endless.

What materials can I use in mixed media art?

For mixed media art, you can use virtually any material you can think of. There are hundreds of combinations you can create. We have a special category page full of standard mixed media supplies, but of course, many other materials can be used. Some commonly used materials include:

1. Paint: Acrylic paint, watercolour paint, oil paint
2. Paper: Magazines, book pages, scrapbook paper
3. Fabric: Cotton, silk, felt
4. Textiles: Lace, ribbon, thread
5. Textures: Sand, gesso, gel medium
6. Embellishments: Beads, buttons, charms
7. Natural materials: Dried flowers, leaves, shells
8. Mixed media tools: Stamps, stencils, heat embossing tools

Don't forget some basic supplies such as scissors, glue or tape, and perhaps a craft mat.

Getting started with mixed media art!

Are you ready to unleash your creativity? Discover 10 inspiring mixed media ideas to get started with!

Start a mixed media journal

Begin an art journal where you use mixed media techniques to capture your thoughts, feelings, and memories. Experiment with different materials and techniques to create unique pages that reflect your personal style.

Mixed media painting

Create an abstract painting by combining different types of paint and textures on a canvas. Experiment with palette knife techniques, stencilling, and adding textures for a dynamic and vibrant artwork. Or, try creating layered portraits with mixed media. Start by painting a base portrait with acrylic paint on canvas, then add layers of stamps, ink, and texture paste to add depth and intrigue to your artwork. Experiment with transparent layers and overlapping textures for a unique effect, or use different materials for interesting textures like glitter, fabric, or charms.

Vintage postcard collage

Collect vintage postcards from different places or themes that interest you. Then, use mixed media techniques such as paint, stamps, ink, and fabrics to create a collage using the cards as a base. Add textures using torn paper, lace, and ribbon for a nostalgic look.

Botanical nature journal

Create a botanical art journal in which you create detailed drawings and paintings of plants, flowers, and leaves. Use watercolour paint, coloured pencils, and ink to bring the natural elements to life. Then, add dried flowers and leaves to the pages for a three-dimensional effect.

Mixed media cards

Create unique greeting cards by applying mixed media techniques to cards. Combine stamping, ink, paint, and embellishments to create beautiful and personalised cards for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, or Christmas.

Mixed media fabric art

Create textile artwork by combining fabric, thread, and other materials on canvas or a garment. Use embroidery, appliqué, fabric paints and quilting to add interesting textures and patterns to your work.

Mixed media mini album

Create a mini-album with mixed media elements to document your memories. Use paper, fabric, and embellishments to create pages filled with photos, notes, and other memorabilia. Add mixed media techniques to make each page unique and bring your stories to life.

Storybook sculpture

Create a mixed media sculpture inspired by your favorite fairy tale or story. Use clay, paper mache, fabric, and paint to bring characters, scenes, and elements from the story to life. Add details such as miniatures, textures, and accessories to depict the story in great detail.

Upcycled mixed media sculpture

Give new life to old objects by transforming them into a mixed media sculpture. Collect various recycled materials such as cans, bottles, caps, and pieces of plastic. Then, use paint, glue, wire, and other materials to combine them into a unique and eclectic artwork that is both aesthetic and environmentally conscious.

Mixed media mosaic

Create a mosaic artwork with a twist using mixed media. Use pieces of glass, ceramics, shells, or tiles combined with paint, gel medium, and other materials to create a vibrant and textured mosaic on a canvas, tray, or other surface.

With these 10 creative mixed media ideas, you're ready to start your artistic journey. Be inspired by different materials and techniques, and let your creativity run wild. We're excited to see which creative mixed media project you start with. Have fun creating!