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Pretty Grunge in Action: A New Card Tutorial + Live Class Announcement!

I’m so excited to share something I’ve been working on behind the scenes—actually, two things! First, I just released a brand-new video tutorial showing you how I created a layered mixed media card using some of the new Tim Holtz June Curation stamps, plus a few of my favorite inky techniques.

The Adventure Begins Card by Juliana Michaels featuring Tim Holtz Stampers Anonymous June Curation

MY NEXT LIVE CLASS IS COMING SOON!

And second… I’m officially opening registration for my newest live class: Pretty Grunge Part One: Mixed Media Backgrounds with Distress Inks & Sprays!

If you love building beautiful, layered backgrounds and want to get more confident using your Distress products, then you’re going to love what’s inside this class.


NEW YOUTUBE VIDEO: PRETTY GRUNGE IN ACTION

In this week’s video, I’m walking you through the process of creating a card from start to finish, with a focus on:
  • Creating a distressed ink smooshed background
  • Achieving a soft, layered stamping effect
  • Building up a grungy, handmade embellishment
One of the background techniques I used in this video is something I teach step-by-step in Pretty Grunge Part One. You get a little sneak peek of it in the video and a real feel for what you’ll be learning in the class!

You can either watch the video below or head over to my YouTube Channel HERE to check it out.


Please feel free to use products from your stash to recreate something similar. However, if you are interested in any of the products I’m using, you can find the supply list with links down below. Using these links does not cost you anything extra and it helps support my business. It also allows me to continue offering free content and keep my class costs low. I appreciate your support!

ABOUT THE CLASS: PRETTY GRUNGE PART ONE

This is a LIVE class taking place on Saturday, July 19th, 2025. There are two sessions of 2 hours each.
  • Session One: 10 AM – 12 PM ET (Distress Ink Techniques)
  • Session Two: 1 PM – 3 PM ET (Distress Spray Techniques)

Whether you’re brand new to mixed media or just want to shake things up, this two-part class is all about layering, experimenting, and having fun with Distress Inks and Distress Spray Stains.

You’ll learn:

  • My favorite ways to build dynamic inky backgrounds
  • How different paper types affect your results
  • Resist effects, splattering, smooshing, ink lifting & more
  • How to layer color and texture for a soft grungy aesthetic
  • How to build a background stash and reference library

You’ll also get lifetime access to the replay, a 25-page handout, bonus color combo guide, a spray ink 101 guide, and access to my private class community!

👉 CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR CLASS ðŸ‘ˆ

I hope the video gets you inspired—and if you want to go deeper, I’d love to create alongside you in class. Let’s get inky, explore new techniques, and build something beautifully grungy… together!

Let me know if you have any questions about the class or supplies. I’m always happy to help.

SUPPLIES

Below you can find the supplies I used to create this card. When you shop through those links and whether you purchase that exact item or something else entirely, you’re supporting me at no extra cost to you. The commission I receive helps me cover the costs of my blog and other expenses, and allows me to continue to provide you with FREE inspiration and tutorials. If you want to learn more about what an affiliate link is, you can see my full affiliate and product disclosure statement here. Thank you so much for your love and support!

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Start Somewhere: A Travel-Inspired Mixed Media Card with Tim Holtz Classics

If you’ve been wanting to dip your toes into mixed media but don’t know where to start—this project is for you! In my latest YouTube tutorial, I’m sharing a travel-inspired mixed media card featuring some classic Tim Holtz stamps and stencils from the Stampers Anonymous June Curation!

This curated collection isn’t about new releases—it’s about celebrating the timeless and always-in-style Tim Holtz stamp and stencil designs. While they may not be brand new, they’ve never been retired and are just as inspiring today as when they were first released. The theme for this Curation is summer and travel, which was the perfect excuse for me to pull out my inks and pastes to create a card full of layers and vintage adventure vibes.

Start Somewhere Mixed Media Card by Juliana Michaels featuring Tim Holtz Stampers Anonymous June Curation 2025

I’ll walk you through simple but impactful mixed media techniques using Distress Ink, Texture Paste, stamps and stencils to build a bold background that’s full of vintage character and charm.

This project is totally beginner-friendly and a great way to get creative with the supplies you already have. And if you’re new to some of these classic designs like I was, it’s the perfect excuse to try them out for the first time!

WATCH THE VIDEO

You can either watch the video below or head over to my YouTube Channel HERE to check it out.



Please feel free to use products from your stash to recreate something similar. However, if you are interested in any of the products I’m using, you can find the supply list with links down below. Using these links does not cost you anything extra and it helps support my business. It also allows me to continue offering free content and keep my class costs low. I appreciate your support!



WANT MORE TIM HOLTZ INSPIRATION?

For more Tim Holtz Stampers Anonymous June Curation inspiration make sure to check out their YouTube Video or the Meet The Makers Page on their website.


Whether these products are already in your stash or brand new to you, they’re so much fun to create with—and because Tim Holtz products never retire, they’re always available when inspiration strikes. Let me know in the comments—have you used any of these classic stamps or stencils before? Or are they new to you too? I’d love to know!

SUPPLIES USED

Below you can find the supplies I used to create this card. When you shop through those links and whether you purchase that exact item or something else entirely, you’re supporting me at no extra cost to you. The commission I receive helps me cover the costs of my blog and other expenses, and allows me to continue to provide you with FREE inspiration and tutorials. If you want to learn more about what an affiliate link is, you can see my full affiliate and product disclosure statement here. Thank you so much for your love and support!
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My Go-To Background Technique—With a Twist You’ll Want to Try

Ever find yourself stuck on what colors to use? That was me recently—completely uninspired and unsure where to start. I mentioned it to a crafty friend, and she gave me the best advice: look at a piece of patterned paper for inspiration.

Hello My Friend Card by Juliana Michaels featuring Tim Holtz Stampers Anonymous June Curation and Distress Oxide Stamp and Smudge Technique

So I went to my stash of patterned papers, which I'll admit is quite small compared to some. As I looked through them, I came across the Tim Holtz Abandoned Paper Pack and as I flipped through the papers I found a piece that instantly sparked something in me. The colors, the mood—it was exactly what I needed!

That inspiration led me back to one of my favorite background techniques: Stamp & Smudge using Distress Oxide Inks. But this time, it felt brand new!


WHAT TO EXPECT

In the video, I share the following tips, tricks & techniques:
  • How I pulled the color palette from the patterned paper
  • The Stamp & Smudge technique in action
  • Tips for selecting your stamps and laying them for a balanced background
  • A look at the Tim Holtz Stampers Anonymous June Curation stamps
It’s amazing how one little nudge—thanks, friend!—can turn creative block into something beautiful. I hope this twist inspires you too.


WATCH THE VIDEO

You can either watch the video below or head over to my YouTube Channel HERE to check it out.


Please feel free to use products from your stash to recreate something similar. However, if you are interested in any of the products I’m using, you can find the supply list with links down below. Using these links does not cost you anything extra and it helps support my business. It also allows me to continue offering free content and keep my class costs low. I appreciate your support!


Have questions? I'd love to know if you've ever tried using patterned paper as inspiration for your color  combination? Are you inspired to try it now? Drop a comment below—I love hearing from you

SUPPLIES

Below you can find the supplies I used to create this card and the swatches. When you shop through those links and whether you purchase that exact item or something else entirely, you’re supporting me at no extra cost to you. The commission I receive helps me cover the costs of my blog and other expenses, and allows me to continue to provide you with FREE inspiration and tutorials. If you want to learn more about what an affiliate link is, you can see my full affiliate and product disclosure statement here. Thank you so much for your love and support!

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Light It Up with Tim Holtz Alcohol Neons!

If you love bold color and artsy vibes, you’re going to want to check out the new Alcohol Neons from Tim Holtz and Ranger Ink! As soon as I saw them, I knew I had to play—and I’m sharing the results with you today in this bright, vibrant butterfly card.

Love With All Your Heart Card by Juliana Michaels featuring Tim Holtz Ranger Ink Neon Alcohol Inks

What Are Tim Holtz Alcohol Neons?

These aren't your average alcohol inks. The Alcohol Neons are permanent, fast-drying, acid-free pigment inks designed to work on non-porous surfaces like Yupo, Dura-Lar, Foil Cardstock, and more. They blend beautifully with Alcohol Blending Solution and pair perfectly with other Tim Holtz Alcohol Inks.

The colors in the Neon kit are: Atomic, Ignite, Electric, Fluorescent, Hyper, Radioactive, Razzle, and Caution. The color names are just as electric as the inks themselves!


For this card, I created a vibrant rainbow background using several of the new neon colors on Yupo Paper. I added each color one at a time and used Alcohol Blending Solution and an air blower to blend the inks and create that flowy look. I then added a couple of drops of Sterling Alloy for a touch of shimmer.

Once it was dry, I layered a bold black die cut butterfly over the top and finished it off with a stamped sentiment that says “Love With All Your Heart.”

This combination of neon and black really makes everything pop—it’s a striking contrast that keeps the background front and center.
 
 

Tips for Using Alcohol Neons

Here are a few quick tips if you're trying these inks for the first time:
• Use non-porous surfaces for the best results such as Yupo and Dura-Lar.
• Let the colors blend on the surface rather than overworking them—these inks love to do their own thing!
• Add Blending Solution to soften edges or push color around.
• For more controlled effects, try using a felt applicator or blowing the ink with an air blower.
• Be sure to work in a well-ventilated area—alcohol inks have strong fumes!

 

Watch Tim Holtz Demo Them Live!

Want to see these in action from the master himself? Tim Holtz is going LIVE on YouTube this Saturday, June 21 at 12 PM ET to demo the new Alcohol Neons! If you can’t make it live, no worries—the replay will be available on his channel.

I hope this project sparks some inspiration—and maybe a little neon obsession of your own! If you create something using these new inks, I’d love to see it. Tag me over on Instagram @julianamichaels so I can cheer you on!

Supplies Used

Below you can find the supplies I used to create this card and the swatches. When you shop through those links and whether you purchase that exact item or something else entirely, you’re supporting me at no extra cost to you. The commission I receive helps me cover the costs of my blog and other expenses, and allows me to continue to provide you with FREE inspiration and tutorials. If you want to learn more about what an affiliate link is, you can see my full affiliate and product disclosure statement here. Thank you so much for your love and support!
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Mixed Media Cardmaking with Tim Holtz + Lunar Paste: A Step-by-Step Tutorial

If you love layering color, texture, and a little shimmer, this mixed media card tutorial is right up your alley! I recently created a card using a combination of Tim Holtz Distress products—Spray Stains, Ink, and Paint—plus some of the June Curation stamps and stencils from Tim Holtz and Stampers Anonymous. For a touch of shine, I brought in Simon Hurley’s Lunar Paste, and it adds the perfect finishing detail.

Hello Friend Card by Juliana Michaels with mixed media techniques featuring Tim Holtz Distress Inks, Distress Spray Stains, Distress Paint, Simon Hurley Lunar Paste and Tim Holtz Stampers Anonymous stamps and stencils

This project is all about building depth, embracing imperfection, and letting the products do their magic. You'll see how I combine stenciling, stamping, and splatters to create a richly layered card that still feels cohesive.
 

FEATURED TECHNIQUES:

  • Using stamps to create a custom background design 
  • Adding color with Distress Spray Stains
  • Ink blending through a stencil with Distress Ink
  • Monoprinting with a stencil and Distress Spray Stains
  • Using Lunar Paste through a stencil 
  • Grungy paint effects with Distress Paint

Whether you're just dipping your toes into mixed media or you've been making beautifully messy cards for years, I hope this video inspires you to try something new!

WATCH THE VIDEO

You can either watch the video below or head over to my YouTube Channel HERE to check it out.


Please feel free to use products from your stash to recreate something similar. However, if you are interested in any of the products I’m using, you can find the supply list with links down below. Using these links does not cost you anything extra and it helps support my business. It also allows me to continue offering free content and keep my class costs low. I appreciate your support!

Hello Friend Card by Juliana Michaels with mixed media techniques featuring Tim Holtz Distress Inks, Distress Spray Stains, Distress Paint, Simon Hurley Lunar Paste and Tim Holtz Stampers Anonymous stamps and stencils

Let me know in the comments—what’s your favorite product for adding texture to your cards?

SUPPLIES

Below you can find the supplies I used to create this card and the swatches. When you shop through those links and whether you purchase that exact item or something else entirely, you’re supporting me at no extra cost to you. The commission I receive helps me cover the costs of my blog and other expenses, and allows me to continue to provide you with FREE inspiration and tutorials. If you want to learn more about what an affiliate link is, you can see my full affiliate and product disclosure statement here. Thank you so much for your love and support!


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