I decided to do a strip paper background in my art journal today. I originally learned this technique from Mary Green of Green Paper in one of her online classes. Today I paired it with Ranger's 'Distress Stain' instead of Gesso, but it's the same idea. I love this technique Mary, thanks!

Here's a photo diary, a how to: First gathered paper strips:

I prepared the journal page by spreading Yes glue on with a discarded plastic card.

The papers are left long while gluing . . . 

Then trimmed to fit the page.

Adding the Distress Stains to the page, I also misted it with water to blend.

After it dried, it looked more like this:

I used Peeled paint and Weathered Wood Distress Stains.

A close up

I used lots of vintage papers, a patterned paper napkin and some scrapbook and marbled paper. This is just the beginning . . . tomorrow I will add something(s)!