Creative Play: Hand-Painted Papers

One of the most fulfilling parts of my creative journey is making time for creative play, that wonderful space where the process matters more than the outcome. This month, I found inspiration on my shelf: an old, used notebook I nearly tossed. Instead, I decided to give its pages new life through paint, mark-making, and joyful experimentation.

Using acrylic paint as a base, I covered each torn-out page with Payne’s Gray, Turquoise Blue, Prussian Blue and other vibrant colors. From there, I added textures and patterns using gel pens and paint markers, dots, dashes, scribbles, hearts and henna inspired motifs, until each sheet took on its own personality. There were no rules, no plan, just flow.

What I love most about this process is the transformation. Something destined for the recycling bin became a collection of hand-painted papers, ready for collage, journaling, or even as backgrounds for future projects. It’s a simple reminder that art doesn’t have to start with a blank canvas - it can start with what’s already in your hands.

If you’re ever in a creative rut, I encourage you to gather a few scraps: old book pages, notebook paper, even junk mail - and paint them. You don’t need fancy supplies, just a little curiosity and a willingness to play.

✨ Want to see this in action? Catch video highlights in my latest Instagram reel.

 🎨 Planning to use these in an upcoming mixed media collage…stay tuned!