..:: mix it up monday ::..

It's my favorite time again -- Orange Gearle here with another edition of Mix It Up Monday.

Got salt? Grab your water colors (or inks) and paint away. While it's still pretty wet, add some salt and let it dry. Shake off the salt and see what appears! Use this fun technique on a project to participate in April's Mix It Up Monday Challenge!

For my take on this challenge I used both water color paints and some yellow mist (I used gesso first!). I added a little extra water after I got it on the page, and then added some salt. You can use just about any salt -- table salt, fine or coarse -- I used epsom salt!

The salt soaks up some of the water and color, and leaves great visual texture when you brush the salt away. I waited until mine was pretty dry before I brushed my salt off. 

Here's how it looks on my layout:

And a couple of close ups:

Members of the fabulous Paper Issues Design Team also joined in on the fun. Take a look at what they made for your salty inspiration.

Kelly Feldman used a bunch of Bella for this beautiful layout! I absolutely love her blue and green background!

Good grief! This technique worked perfectly for this layout of Ali's! All that blue is awesome!

This is just magic! Amanda used inks, some of her stash, and some Shimelle and Amy Tangerine for this lovely layout! I also spy this awesome free cut file from the store!

I just LOVE the colors in this layout that Pol Prince made -- that fox! OMGoodness!

Kat Benjamin used the awesome Crate Paper Oasis collection for this penguins layout! So cute!

Stacie Dietz also used Crate Paper Oasis for this summer layout. I love how all that blue looks like water!

All you have to do to play along is add your take on the challenge to the April Challenge Album by May 2nd for a chance to win a gift card to The Paper Issues Store. As always, when you are shopping at Paper Issues, use the code 'orangegearle' for 20% off your order!  I cannot wait to see what you make!