What Could You Create If You Didn't Need to Get It Right?

 What would you make if you knew you couldn't get it wrong?

It's an interesting question.

Because somewhere along the way, creativity can become less about exploring and more about getting things right. We look at beautiful projects, carefully constructed pages and perfectly finished pieces and wonder how we could make ours look the same.

But perhaps creativity was never meant to work that way.

Perhaps the magic is in the experimenting.

The unexpected colour combination. The piece of paper that doesn't quite seem to belong. The layer that looked better before you added the next one. The idea that changed completely halfway through.

And sometimes, the things we initially think are mistakes are exactly what make a piece interesting.

Start Without Knowing the Ending

There is something wonderfully freeing about beginning a project without knowing exactly where it will finish.

Choose a few papers >>> Pick a colour  >>> Add an image >>> Make a mark >>> Layer something over it >>> Move it around >>> Take it away >>>  Try again.

You don't need to have the finished project sitting perfectly formed in your head before you begin. You can allow the project to reveal itself as you work.

One decision leads to another.

One layer suggests the next.

A scrap of paper might change the direction completely.

And suddenly, you aren't following a plan anymore — you're responding to what is happening in front of you.

That is creativity too.

Give Yourself Permission to Experiment

Maybe this month is the time to use the supplies you've been saving for the "right" project.

The point isn't to deliberately make something imperfect.

The point is to give yourself enough freedom to discover something you wouldn't have found if you were trying too hard to make everything perfect.

Your Creative Space Doesn't Need to Be Perfect Either

And perhaps this applies to more than the project itself. Your creative space doesn't have to be perfectly organised before you begin. You don't need an empty desk. You don't need every supply neatly put away. You don't even need a completely free afternoon.

Sometimes creativity happens in the fifteen minutes you have before dinner. Sometimes it happens amongst a pile of scraps and half-used papers.

What matters is making a little room for it.  A little room to wonder.   A little room to experiment.

A little room to say, I wonder what would happen if I tried this?

So, What Could You Create?

This September, as we embrace A Season of Possibility, perhaps the invitation is a simple one:

Don't begin with the question, How do I make this right?

Begin with:

What could happen if I just started?

• Pull something from your stash.
• Choose something you love.
• Choose something you're not sure about.
• Make a mark.
• Try a layer.
• Change your mind.
• Follow the idea wherever it leads.

Because creativity isn't always about knowing exactly what you're doing.

Sometimes it is about being curious enough to find out.

Creative Spotlight - Colour Is Only the Beginning

 What happens when you stop thinking of colour as the finished result and start treating it as the beginning of the creative process?

Colour has a way of changing once we start playing with it. A single shade can become something completely different when it is watered down, layered over another colour, softened with white, deepened with ink or interrupted with a stencil or mark.

And that's where the fun begins.

In mixed media, colour doesn't have to stay where you put it. It can be layered, altered, softened, intensified, interrupted and transformed — sometimes deliberately, and sometimes through those wonderful happy accidents that happen when we simply experiment and see what unfolds.

Layer it.

A wash of colour might be beautiful on its own, but add another layer and suddenly something new begins to emerge. Transparent paints, inks, sprays and washes allow the colours underneath to remain part of the story, creating depth and movement without completely covering what came before.

Sometimes the most interesting colour is the one you can only partly see.

Blend it.

Colours don't always need to meet in neat lines.

Allowing two shades to mingle, overlap or bleed into one another can create unexpected tones and subtle transitions. Try blending while colours are wet, or experiment with dry layers over the top of one another and see how differently they behave.

You don't always know what you'll get — and that's half the fun.

Spray it.

Sprays can turn colour into something much more unpredictable. A fine mist creates a soft veil, while a heavier spray can leave pools, splashes and interesting variations across the surface.

Try spraying through a stencil. Turn the stencil over and use the leftover colour. Let a little run. Add another colour. Don't worry about making it perfect.

Sometimes the marks you weren't planning become your favourite ones.

Stencil it.

A stencil doesn't have to create a perfect, complete pattern. Use just part of it. Allow the design to disappear beneath another layer. Add paint, ink or texture paste, then soften it with another colour.

A little pattern peeking through several layers can add far more interest than a perfectly defined image.

Stamp it.

Stamping doesn't always mean choosing an ink pad and making a perfect impression.

Try stamping into wet paint. Use second-generation impressions. Stamp over texture. Partially stamp an image so that it disappears into the background.

Marks don't have to be obvious to be effective.

Sometimes a tiny glimpse of a pattern is all a layered background needs.

Mix it all up.

This is where colour really starts to play.

Paint over spray. Stamp over paint. Stencil over ink. Add a wash. Cover part of it. Reveal something underneath. Add another layer.

There are no rules saying you have to stop after one technique.

The beauty of mixed media is that every layer changes what came before it — and every new layer becomes part of the story.

Let colour surprise you.

Some of our favourite creative discoveries happen when we stop trying to control every part of the process.

A colour that looked ordinary on its own might suddenly come alive against another shade. A stencil mark might disappear beautifully beneath a wash. A splash might land somewhere unexpected and become exactly what the page needed.

That's the beauty of playing with colour.

You don't have to know exactly where you're going before you begin.

So this month, we invite you to experiment. Pull out those paints, sprays, inks, markers and stencils. Make a mess. Try combinations you wouldn't normally choose. Layer colours you wouldn't normally put together.

Don't just use colour. Play with it. 

Don't forget to share your creativeness with us over at Scrappingclearly Share & Inspire's Facebook page as we would love to see your beginning.

Because colour is only the beginning.

And once you start layering, blending, spraying, stencilling, stamping and experimenting, you never quite know where that beginning might take you.

MAY NEWSLETTER

 The May Scrappingclearly Newsletter has arrived… and this issue is all about celebrating a wonderfully busy month of creativity, community and curious adventures. 

Inside we’re taking a look back at our magical Down the Rabbit Hole Retreat, showcasing the beautiful new Alice-inspired Luckyfindings Fragments released during the weekend, and sharing a little peek at the upcoming Vivid & Vintage Retreat.

We’re also celebrating World Scrapbooking Day, reminding everyone to keep sharing their gorgeous creations in the Scrappingclearly Share & Inspire Facebook group, and shining a spotlight on this month’s vibrant Spectrum Stories kit.

So grab a cuppa and settle in for a little recap of a month absolutely filled to the brim with arty goodness, friendship and creative fun. 

Click on May’s installment of creative goodness below to download your copy of this months newsletter

Using Tags & Journaling Spots in Mixed Media & Scrapbooking

Tags and journaling spots are one of the most versatile and essential elements in scrapbooking, junk journaling, and mixed media art. Whether you’re building layered scrapbook pages, creating mini albums, or designing expressive layouts, they provide structure, texture, and storytelling space in a way few other products can.

They are a place to write, hide, layer, and reveal — or simply allow design elements to breathe within your composition.

At Scrapping Clearly, the range of tags, die-cuts, journaling pieces, and Luckyfindings designs from leading creative brands makes it easy to build depth, detail, and storytelling into every project.

Why Tags Matter (and How to Use Them)

Tags are more than embellishments — they are functional storytelling elements that help shape your page.

They can:

• Add journaling space
• Create focal points
• Build interactive pockets
• Anchor embellishment clusters
• Introduce texture without bulk

With a little mixed media layering, a simple tag can become so much more. It can be a focal feature, a hidden journaling pocket, a cluster foundation, a textured collage surface, or even the starting point of a mini artwork.
Add paint, stamping, collage papers, stitching, and layered ephemera, and even the simplest tag becomes something richly dimensional.
Often, it’s the smallest element that carries the most story.
Once you start thinking of tags as storytelling tools rather than just embellishments, everything opens up. The base you choose can completely change how a page develops — whether you prefer raw mixed media layers, delicate detailing, or bold expressive clusters. This is where inspiration turns into creation.

      Curative Collective Team member Lisa Oxley

Tag & Journaling Spot Inspiration – Scrapping Clearly

At Scrapping Clearly, you’ll find a wide range of tags, journaling spots, die-cuts, and creative bases designed to suit every style. From raw surfaces ready for paint and ink through to decorative pieces and Luckyfindings designs, everything is designed to help you build layered, meaningful compositions.

Let’s break it down so you can quickly find what suits your creative process.

Classic & Mixed Media Base Tags

Best for: altering and building from the ground up

Tim Holtz Idea-Ology Salvaged Tags
Dina Wakley Media Square Tags &  Media Metal Rimmed Tags
Dyan Reaveley Dylusions Journal Tags
7gypsies 97% Complete range
selected LUCKYfindings foundational pieces

Decorative & Designer Tags

Best for: fast, themed, cohesive page building

Art by Marlene Luxury Paper Tags
Heidi Swapp Tags
Fancy Pants Designs Gift Tags & Labels
STAMPERIA themed collections

Journaling Spots & Ephemera Layers

Best for: layering, tuck spots, and storytelling details

We R Memory Keepers Vellum Tag Pockets
49 and Market Die-Cut Elements & Ephemera Packs  

Journaling labels

Fabric & Specialty Tags

Best for: texture, contrast, and mixed media depth

Cedar Lane Metallic Thread Fabric Tags
Fabric embellishment tags
LUCKYfindings specialty mixed media substrates

Luckyfindings Signature Designs

Best for: storytelling and layered composition work

Assemblage Tags
Mini Curiosities Tags
Curiosities Tags 
Groundworks imagery sheets
Artist Trading Collectives

These are more than tags — they are story fragments designed to be layered, altered, and reimagined.

DIY Tags & Stamping Systems

Best for: complete creative control

Dina Wakley Perforated Tag Stamps
Darkroom Door frame & label stamps
Stencil + stamp combinations that create tag shapes

Layering Tags: Where the Magic Happens

The magic happens when you start combining elements.

• a painted or stamped base tag

• a die-cut journaling piece

• a Luckyfindings mini tag

• a vellum or transparent layer

Try layering:

Then add stitching, inked edges, staples, or torn paper to build a rich, dimensional cluster.

Curative Collective Team member Rox Boyce

Final Thought

Tags aren’t just an accessory — they are a storytelling device.

They hold words, memories, fragments, and feeling… and when layered with intention, they can carry the entire emotional tone of a page.

Ready to Create?

Click on the link below to head over to the shop and start exploring the full range of tags, journaling spots, and Luckyfindings designs in the Scrapping Clearly store and start building your own layered stories today. 

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT - 5 Ways to Add Texture Without Using Texture Paste

 5 Ways to Add Texture  - Without Using Texture Paste

Showcasing our Design Team’s creative brilliance

Texture doesn’t have to mean thick mediums and heavy tools. Some of the richest, most engaging pages are built using clever layering and surface detail. Here are five texture techniques — along with inspiring examples from our Scrappingclearly Design Team — that you can recreate with products available in the Scrappingclearly shop.

1️⃣ Layered Ephemera Clusters – Tracey Beer Style

Ephemera clusters add instant dimensional interest without bulk. By stacking tickets, tags, die cuts, and focal pieces, you create visual depth that draws the eye.

Featured example:
In this layout, Tracey places a variety of ephemera beneath and around the photo, using foam tape to lift key elements and create shadow play. Notice how the layered bits guide your attention toward the story.

Tracey has used on her page - Lucky Findings Imagery - It's a gal thing , Dylusions spray inks , Letter stickers, Stencil with Dina Wakley paint (Sky), Stencil with Bo Bunny glitter paste (Bubblegum), Vicki Boutin ephemera, Heidi Swapp stickers (Sun Chaser and Carefree), 49 & Market diecuts, Heidi Swapp puffy  stickers (Favorite Things) & Heidi Swapp dipped tags

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2️⃣ Rub-Ons for Subtle Surface Detail – Emma Zappone Magic

Rub-ons are ideal for adding texture that doesn’t interfere with bulk — they sit right on the surface and feel naturally integrated.

Featured example:

In this piece, Emma applied delicate rub-ons across the background and edges, adding subtle visual texture that complements stamped details and layered papers. The effect is soft, rich, and unifying.

Emma has used on her page - 

Lucky Findings Imagery Sheets, Rub ons

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3️⃣ Stencil with Ink Instead of Paste – Tracey Lea Henly Inspiration

Stencilling with inks or paints through a stencil gives you repeated patterns and visual texture — without adding physical height.

Featured example:

Tracey uses a patterned stencil with distress inks to create a subtle background pattern that ties all the cluster elements together, adding implied texture and movement.

Tracey has used on her page - 

Tim Holtz distress inks in Hickory Smoke and Tea Dye , Tim Holtz stencils and Aall and Create ephemera

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4️⃣ Torn & Distressed Paper Edges – Georgia Arthur  Edge Play

Don’t underestimate the power of rough edges! Tearing, inking, sanding — these small moves create a tactile, organic feel.

Featured example:

Georgia tears and inks several layers of patterned paper, adding a raw, earthy texture that suits the theme beautifully. The distressed edges lead the eye inward toward the focal point.

Georgia has used on her page - 

 49 & Market plum grove, papers, this gorgeous imagery Little Peacock from LuckyFindings.

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5️⃣ Paint for Organic Movement – Lisa Oxley Expressions

Whether it’s painting, dry brushing, splattering, or scraping, paint introduces variation and energy across the surface.

Featured example:
In this example, Lisa uses a acrylic paint with stencils to add movement behind the main elements. The paint marks provide contrast and visual texture without heavy buildup.

 Lisa has used on her page  - 

 DWM Black Gesso,  Ranger Dylusions Square Journal,  DWM Bee Hive honeycomb, gelli plate, Inktense ,  beehive stencil, DWM Gesso,  Prismacolour pencils,  Darkroom Door background stamp,  fudeball black pen, splatter girl stamp, Dorlands wax medium

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Texture Is More Than Thickness

True texture comes from contrast, layering, repetition, shadow, movement, and intentional detail — and our Design Team has shown us gorgeous ways to achieve it in every style.

Take inspiration from these examples, swap products from your stash, and layer boldly.

Until next time enjoy the process, lean in to the chaos of creativity

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Gel Medium vs. Matte Medium: What’s the Difference & When to Use Each

If you’ve ever stood at your craft desk wondering whether to reach for gel medium or matte medium, you’re not alone. While both are staple adhesives in mixed media and art journaling, they each shine in different ways depending on what you’re creating.

Let’s break down the differences so you can choose the right one for your next project.

What Is Gel Medium?

Gel medium is a thick, glue-like medium designed to hold heavier elements securely in place. It comes in different viscosities — soft, regular, and heavy — giving you control over texture and strength.

Best used for:

• Collaging thicker papers, fabric, or chipboard

• Adhering embellishments and dimensional elements

• Creating texture and raised effects

• Mixed media layers that need strong hold

Why artists love it:
Gel medium grabs quickly, dries clear, and adds subtle body to your pages. It’s ideal when you want layers that feel substantial and tactile.

What Is Matte Medium?

Matte medium is thinner and more fluid, similar in consistency to milk or light glue. It dries with a flat, non-shiny finish, making it perfect for seamless layering.

Best used for:

• Gluing paper, tissue, and napkins

• Sealing and protecting artwork

• Reducing shine on collage layers

• Image transfers and glazing techniques

Why artists love it:
Matte medium creates smooth, invisible layers and allows imagery and colour to shine without distraction. It’s a favourite for journaling and subtle mixed media work.

Side-by-Side Comparison

FEATURE                          GEL MEDIUM                          MATTE MEDIUM

Consistency	Thick & creamy	Thin & fluid
Finish	Slight sheen (varies by brand)	Flat, matte
Best for	Heavy layers & texture	Smooth layering & sealing
Strength	Strong hold	Light to medium hold

Which One Should You Use?

The answer? Both — just at different stages - Scrappingclearly has a great range of each in store - click on the name of each brand and it will take you straight to the product to read more - 

• Use gel medium when you’re building texture or attaching heavier elements. - Liquitex Matte Gel Medium , Liquitex Gloss Heavy Gel Medium, 13@rts Gel Medium, Art By Marlene Gel Medium , Dina Wakley Media ultra thick gel medium, TCW matte gel medium, Monte Marte gloss gel medium 

• Use matte medium for paper layers, sealing pages, and finishing touches. Liquitex Matte Medium , Liquitex Ultra Matte Medium , Ranger Multi Medium Matte , Deco Art Media Matte Medium 

Many artists keep both on their desk and switch between them as a project evolves.

Creative Tip

Try using gel medium underneath thicker elements for strength, then finish with a light coat of matte medium over the top to unify your page and reduce shine. It’s a simple trick that instantly elevates your work.

Whether you’re art journaling, scrapbooking, or creating layered mixed media pieces, understanding how gel and matte mediums behave will give you more control — and more confidence — in your creative process.

Happy layering!

Handwriting vs. Printed Journaling: Which Tells Your Story Best?

 

At Scrappingclearly we know journalling is at the heart of every scrapbook, mini album, or memory-keeping project. But when it comes to putting your thoughts on the page, there’s often a question: should you handwrite your journalling, or print it? The truth is both have their own kind of magic and knowing when to use each can make your pages truly shine.

The Charm of Handwritten Journaling

Handwriting carries personality. Every loop, slant, and imperfection tells part of your story. When you pick up a pen and write by hand, you’re adding emotion and a personal touch that no font can replicate. Handwritten journalling works especially well for:

• Emotional moments or memories that are close to your heart

• Quotes, reflections, or personal anecdotes

• Pages where you want to create a warm, intimate feel

Even if your handwriting isn’t perfect, don’t worry — it’s the authenticity that counts. Your penmanship becomes part of the design, giving your pages a unique, human touch.

The Power of Printed Journaling

Printed journalling, whether typed on a computer or using a digital template, offers a clean, crisp look. It’s perfect for:

• Long passages of text that need to be easily readable

• Layered designs, where neatness is essential

• Digital or hybrid scrapbook layouts

With printed journalling, you can experiment with fonts, colors, and sizes, giving your pages a polished, professional feel. It also allows you to mix in graphics or icons seamlessly.

Why Not Combine Both?

One of the best ways to elevate your scrapbook pages is to mix handwriting and printed journaling. For example:

• Use handwritten notes to capture intimate, heartfelt moments.

• Add printed snippets for clarity, structure, or decorative balance.

The result? Pages that are visually dynamic, authentic, and full of personality.

Final Tip: Make It Your Own

There’s no wrong way to journal. Your style should reflect you. Some days you might love the freedom of handwriting, other days the precision of printed text will win out. By combining both, you get the best of both worlds — neat design, personal touch, and a scrapbook that truly tells your story.

So grab your pens, dust off your printer, and start experimenting. Your story deserves to be told your way. 

NEW RELEASE – Luckyfindings: DRACULA Collection

Something darkly beautiful has arrived... and it’s ready to sink its teeth into your creativity! 

🖤

Introducing the Dracula Foundations, Foundation Fragments, Curiosities & Snippets - a hauntingly gorgeous new collection from Luckyfindings, designed to stir your imagination and inspire your next mixed media or journaling project.

Think rich gothic tones, moody textures, vintage ephemera, and just a touch of the macabre — perfect for layering, collaging, and storytelling in your own unique style.

Available now in-store and online — but beware… these treasures won’t last long once night falls.

 

 🖤✨ Lost in the Inky Darkness ✨🖤

Guest Curated Collective Designer Rox Boyce has conjured up this hauntingly beautiful mixed media piece — perfect for spooky season inspiration!

With rich vintage tones, eerie imagery, and that unmistakable moody magic, this project captures the spirit of October — a little mischief, a touch of mystery, and plenty of inky layers.

Products from Scrappingclearly 

⚫️Tim Holtz Halloween Collage strips, Rox has added some extra water colour paints too. 

⚫️Tim Holtz Halloween sticker books 

⚫️Tim Holtz rub ons 

⚫️Tim Holtz Mini flair buttons

⚫️Tim Holtz stencil 

⚫️Prima Watercolours for extra splatters 

We’re obsessed with Rox’s use of sepia tones, subtle stitching, and perfectly placed splatters — it’s pure creative alchemy.

Everything About Her was Excotic - By Lisa Oxley - Curated Collective Creator 2025

This mixed-media layout is a stunning fusion of ornate vintage elegance and contemporary surrealism, centering on identity, mystique, and feminine beauty. Anchored by a single, unforgettable portrait and surrounded by botanical specimens and Victorian motifs, the piece evokes a sense of curated wonder and quiet strength.

Key Visual Elements

1. Central Portrait – The Exotic Muse

The focal image features a woman in ethereal blue — strikingly adorned with dramatic eye makeup, floral headpieces, and a tulle-like collar. The tone is regal, melancholic, and commanding.

   •   Her icy gaze and stylized appearance create a sense of distance and mystery.

   •   The overall colour tone of the portrait blends perfectly with the surrounding blue hues, making her feel embedded in the environment.

2. Butterfly Specimens & Ephemera

Surrounding the portrait are several cut-out butterflies, in soft blues, creams, and silvery greys — giving the sense of a vintage entomology plate or specimen wall.

   •   These butterflies symbolize transformation, fragility, and collection, reinforcing the “private collection” theme.

   •   Tags and labels such as “Private Collection Specimens” and vintage handwritten numbers enhance the natural history archive aesthetic.

3. Delft-Style Damask Wallpaper Background

The rich blue-and-white floral patterning mimics vintage ceramic or porcelain designs (think Delftware or chinoiserie) and adds a sophisticated, baroque quality to the piece.

   •   This background reinforces the sense of ornament, tradition, and heritage.

   •   The repetition of blues across both portrait and backdrop creates visual unity.

4. Metal Hardware Corners

Antique bronze photo corners frame the journal edge, further enhancing the cabinet-of-curiosity feel. These add weight, dimension, and texture — grounding the delicacy of the butterflies.

5. Caption – Emotional Anchor

The simple caption beneath the portrait reads:

“Everything about her was exotic.”

This line offers a poetic yet complex frame — suggesting a perspective of admiration, objectification, or intrigue, leaving space for viewer interpretation.

Mood & Message

This piece walks the line between beauty and documentation, as if the subject is both admired and studied — exoticized and preserved. It speaks to themes of:

   •   Feminine mystique

   •   Preservation vs. presence

   •   Beauty as rarity

   •   Strength in solitude

Perfect For:

   •   Art journaling with a botanical, vintage, or identity-based theme

   •   Mixed media lovers exploring portraiture and pattern interplay

   •   Inspiration for curating personal pages around “collections” of self or memory

   •   Artists interested in combining modern faces with vintage formats