In today's blog post I am going to share one of my absolute favourite ways for creating a quick decorative background on your journal pages. These type of journal pages only take a few minutes to create and the possibilities are endless. You only require a few supplies and you don't need any artistic skills at all.
I will guide you through the process step by step, down below. You can click on any of the images to enlarge them.
Image 1: In my newest book, Layout Ideas 101, I include a wide variety of different layouts that you can use for inspiration in your own journals.
Image 2: If you already have a copy then you can see a variation of this journal spread on page 47. I used a different stencil and layout, but the technique is exactly the same.
Image 3: The first step is to cut out some shapes that will become the templates you use for masking. I used a sheet of dotted paper and cut out two circles and two rectangles. You can choose any shapes you like.
Image 4: The next step is to secure the masking templates onto your page. I am using some skinny washi tape as this doesn't tend to be too sticky and I want to make sure I can easily remove the templates later on. I tear off a strip of tape and then fold it back on itself to create the effect of double-sided sticky tape. I put a couple of pieces on the back of each template and then secure them onto my journal page.
Image 5: Next you need to pick a stencil and some coloured ink pads. I am using a Donna Downey Bubbles stencil in this example. The ink pads I am using are Ranger Distress Oxide inks in Broken China and Shaded Lilac.
Image 6: To transfer the inks onto my page through the stencil, I am using an ink blending tool. You could also try using a make-up sponge.
Image 7: As an extra fun touch, you can add some stamping which goes slightly over the edge of the masking templates. I am using some of the floral stamps from my product range with London Gifties.
Image 8: Once you have added the decorative elements, you should carefully peel off your masking templates. If you want to make those writing spots really stand out, you could draw around the edge of them in pen. I just love the look of this!
Image 9: I really like to add some headings in my writing spots and I'm using a Tombow Fudenosuke brush pen, with a firm nib.
Image 10: I will be using my pages for an end of month review, so I have picked the headings "summary", "what went well?", "what could be better?" and "aims for next month". You can of course adapt the headings for any kind of journal spread.
Image 11: You can then use the writing spots to add in your journal entries. I am using a black Muji gel pen.
Image 12: Once you have finished, you should be left with some really beautiful and eye-catching journal pages, which only take a few minutes to create.
*Some of the links contained within this blog post are affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
I really hope you've enjoyed this blog post and that it's given you some ideas for your own journal. I love playing around with different stencils, ink pad colours and stamping to create a huge variety of journal pages. I hope you have lots of fun too, Helen x
PS: If you would like to follow along with a video tutorial for this spread, you can find it down below: