Home with a heart inside.

I've had my art journal for well over two years now. Except for creating the cover, it has been sitting empty.  WHAT, this can't be true?!?  Sadly it is. Today I jumped in with both feet and it felt great!

I've been browsing Pinterest and watching some video tutorials but I really have no clue what I'm doing yet.  I know it is a learning process and with each page I will likely learn something new.  Today I learned that Dylysions sprays don't show up as vibrantly over gesso.  Noted.  :)

I wanted to do a page about what home feels like.  My family is what makes my house a home and I wanted to write a little something about family and home.  I left the right hand side mostly empty because I want to journal there.  Not sure how to leave some of the background showing through but still make sure my journaling is readable.  Maybe vellum?  Suggestions appreciated.

I also am not sure what medium is best for adhering, setting my page.  The last time I used Mod Podge over watercolors it smeared everything.  What do you use?

All stamps used are by Unity Stamp Company
Le Mason (house), Classified Newsprint, Plump Polka Dots, April 2014 SMAK (leaves and family), Here and Now (heart), Quotes a la Happy (sun).

Mediums used are gesso, Dylysions sprays, watercolors, Tim Holtz distress inks, Ranger archival ink, Faber-Castell pitt pen, and DCWV stencil

Please leave a comment and let me know what you think.  I really had a great time creating this page and want to do more very soon.  Any art journal/mixed media tips or tricks are greatly appreciated!!!