“Butterfly Affirmations,” mixed media journal spread by Nicole Austin

I was inspired by butterflies when creating this journal spread.  I like the imagery and symbolism of butterflies and also the symmetry of their wings.  You can see how I use the idea of butterfly wings and symmetry when working on this double-page spread.  I LOVE to scribble and mark with wet paint on one side and then fold the two pages in half, like wings, and then reveal a ghost print on the other page.  I always get an unexpected pattern or color combination when I do that and it is always fun to add a little bit of “surprise” in your artwork.  I decided to use my favorite words from the “Words, Words, Words,” stencil as affirmations and spread them throughout the two pages, as well as on the butterflies and wings themselves.  I hope you have fun experimenting and creating something similar or are inspired to make something unique!  Enjoy the video!

List Products Used:

Stencils: “Trees,” and “Words, Words, Words”

Vintage Butterfly Collage Pak

Dylusions square journal (black)

Dylusions paint (red, aqua, lime green, orange, blue, purple)

Brea Reese paint writers (white, light blue, red, dark blue)

Spray ink (a permanent ink such as Mr Huey’s or Marabu)

Sharpie & Liquitex paint pens (white, red, aqua, green)

Stabilo Marks-all pencil (black and white)

Make-up sponge

Glue stick

See more from Nicole:

Be inspired, create and know that you are loved!