This art journal page is such a fun mix of texture and color — and the best part? It uses buttons as flower centers! I love adding unexpected materials to my art, and buttons are perfect for adding dimension and personality. With a soft watercolor background, hand-drawn doodles, and a little splatter magic, this piece comes together beautifully.
Prepare your art journal page by securing the edges with painter’s tape, then lightly mist your watercolor palette with water to activate the paints.
For this project, I’ll be using buttons as unique flower centers! Arrange the buttons on your page to plan the placement of your flowers. Using them as a guide, sketch delicate petals and stems around each center with a fine-tip Sharpie pen – I’ve chosen to create three flowers. Next, bring them to life with watercolor, filling the petals with soft shades of pink, purple, and red. Once satisfied, dry your page with a heat tool to set the colors.
To create a soft, pastel background, I’ll use a wet-on-wet technique. Start by brushing clean water across your background, then gently add light blue watercolor paint to the top section and light green to the bottom. While the paint is still wet, use the light green to loosely paint leaves and grass shapes. Once you’re happy with the look, dry your page with a heat tool.
Next, grab your Sharpie pen and add detail lines to your flowers, enhancing the petals, stems, and leaves with texture and definition. Once everything feels complete, use Zip Dry glue to securely attach your buttons to the flower centers.
Cover your flowers with a towel, leaving only the leaves and grass exposed. Dip a fan brush into green watercolor paint, then gently tap it against another brush to create a splatter effect across the bottom of your page. This will add texture and dimension to your greenery. Once you’re satisfied with the splatter, dry your page with a heat tool.
Finally, carefully remove the painter’s tape to reveal your clean edges – step back and admire your beautiful, button-centered floral artwork!
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Supply List:
- Indigo Mixed Media Art Journal
- Painter’s Tape
- Watercolors: Pastel Dreams
- Brushes: Dynasty
- Pens: Sharpie
- Adhesive: Beazon Zip Dry
Check out Tracy’s Art Journal Starter Kit!
Tracy’s Resources Page and visit Tracy’s Shop