During the Live Creating a Music Themed Mixed Media Folio on November 27 I show how to create mixed media papers and then create a folio. Using book pages as a base for decorative papers is so easy and these turned out beautiful.

Music Themed Mixed Media Folio

Live Creating a Music Themed Mixed Media Folio Video

Supplies Used

This project was inspired by Cameila Crafts Designs Five Minute Folio – One sheet Trifold Folio.

To begin this Music Themed Mixed Media Folio Tutorial I started by painting book pages with White Acrylic Craft Paint. Use up those book pages that you have removed from books. If you don’t have decorative papers, make your own using book pages.

Allow the paint to dry on the book pages. I like to do several and stack them around until these are dry. That way I can just jump right into decorating the pages and I don’t’ have to stop to paint new ones.

Using a stencil like the More Little Daisies and Distress Oxide Inks apply color all over the book page. I love using oval blending brushes, they are sold out of the ones I have but I saw these colorful ones and think I will order a set for myself.

Add a layer of stamping over the stenciled book page. Using Archival Ink Jet Black I randomly place stamped images all over. Since I’m not sure which direction the paper will be used I like to rotate the images so that there isn’t just one direction. Feel free to stamp anyway you wish. You may want to have a direction paper for your projects.

Another way to decorate these book pages is to use watercolor paint. Add spots of color all over the page, Or paint the whole page one color. Have fun choosing different colors. Then add some stencil patterns over the top. I used similar colors of distress oxide ink that matched the watercolor paint. Doing so adds depth to the page.

Creating these decorative papers has no limit! Stamping directly over the painted paper and then coloring in the images is another way to add patterns. Take a look at the supplies and tools you already have and see how you can make your own decorative papers.

Music Themed Mixed Media Folio

Once you have a section of decorative papers it is time to create the base to attach all the papers. If you don’t have 12 x 12 scrapbook papers you can make your own decorative papers. I choose to use a few book pages to create a 12 x 12 base for the folio. Just glue the edges together until you get the size of paper you want.

Cut down the new papers you created into smaller pieces, Or leave them whole. Adhere the papers on the 12 x 12 paper until the whole thing is covered front and back.

Music Themed Mixed Media Folio

To create the folio base cut the 12 x 12 paper. Cut off a 4 inch by 12 inch strip. Then cut the 4 inch strip: one 4×4 inch square, which will leave a 4 x 8 inch rectangle. Trim the 4 x 4 to 3 3/4 x 4 inches and then cut it in half making each piece 3 3/4 x 2 inches, set aside. Cut the 4 x 8 inch piece in half to create two 2 x 8 inch strips. Set one strip aside, this will become a long pocket or it could be a belly band. Cut the other strip into two pieces that measure, 3 3/4 x 2 inches.

Score the 12 x 8 inch piece to create a 3 panel folio. Score at 4 inches and then back up 1/8 of an inch and score again. I like to rotate my paper so that I can do the other side the same Score at 4 inches and back up 1/8 of an inch and score again – or you can go out to the 8 inch mark and score on the other side closest to the outside edge. Watch the video to see what I mean.

Music Themed Mixed Media Folio

Apply distress inks to the edges of all the pieces. If you like to have thumb holes on your pockets now is the time to do that! Rounding the corners of some of the pieces is also something that can be done. I only did it on the small belly band.

Music Themed Mixed Media Folio

Because I knew that I wanted the full width and depth of each pocket to be utilized I added 1 inch wide strips of paper to the backs of my pocket elements. Basically adding tabs all the way around so that when those are folded in and glued the full pocket can be used.

Music Themed Mixed Media Folio

Adhere the pocket pieces to the inside of the folio. Have fun with the patterns and choosing which ones you want to be able to see more of inside the folio.

Music Themed Mixed Media Folio

Once all the pockets are in place then choose items to put in the pockets. I made a journal card during the live stream. After the live I created a tag using one of the painted papers.

Music Themed Mixed Media Folio

This is one of those projects where you could spend a session creating lots of pattern papers and then sit down and make a bunch of folio bases. So many wonderful goodies can be added to this folio. What a great gift this would be! Or you can make one to match the theme of a journal and it can hold extra supplies to decorate the journal and blank journal space items.

Music Themed Mixed Media Folio

What colors and patterns will you use on your Music Themed Mixed Media Folio?

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