For this mixed media tag, I took inspiration from the May Retro Carnival mood board and its beautiful mix of vintage circus imagery, harlequin patterns, and warm retro colours. I loved the combination of mustard, teal, tomato red, and soft neutrals, along with the whimsical carnival feel that tied everything together.
I started my background by painting the tag with acrylic paints to create a warm vintage base. Once dry, I randomly stamped using red archival ink and the Stampers Anonymous – Hodgepodge stamp set to add subtle texture and visual interest. This is one of my favourite ways to begin building layers because it instantly creates depth without overwhelming the background.
To age the piece further, I blended brown Distress Oxides around the edges of the tag and lightly blotted with water to create those beautiful oxidised effects. This simple technique is such an easy way to add softness, movement, and an aged vintage look to any project.
One of the things I really wanted to highlight with this tag is how easy it is to create detailed and interesting backgrounds using simple techniques. Stamping, stencilling, blending inks, splattering paint, and layering texture gradually builds depth without needing anything overly complicated. Each layer adds a little more character, and before you know it, the background becomes just as important as the focal images themselves.
To lighten the centre area and help draw the eye inward, I used the 13@rts Multipurpose Medium mixed with a cream acrylic paint and randomly stencilled it down the centre of the tag. I then splashed red acrylic paint across the surface to bring back some playful carnival energy and movement.
Once my background was complete, it was time for my favourite part — building the focal cluster. I raided a Tim Holtz Halloween pack for many of my images and embellishments because they perfectly suited the quirky vintage carnival aesthetic. I also incorporated resin pieces that fit the theme, painting them first with black gesso before dry brushing red and white paint over the top. To finish them, I added touches of gold wax which really helped highlight all the raised details beautifully. For the frames, I went straight in with the gold wax to give them an aged metallic finish.
To tie the project back to the mood board, I created small pieces of bunting and stamped them using one of my favourite mini text stamps — Sunrise. I love how tiny stamped details can add another layer of texture and storytelling to a project.
Finally, I added hessian string, tags, tickets, and number pieces throughout the composition to create texture and help build dimension between the layers. These little details help guide the eye around the tag and bring the entire carnival-inspired story together.
This project was such a fun reminder that beautiful mixed media backgrounds do not need to be complicated. By slowly layering simple techniques, colours, and textures, you can create rich, detailed surfaces that become the perfect foundation for storytelling and focal elements.
Available from Scrapping Clearly
• Acrylic paints
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