Abstract Paper -those red paper strips again

I’ve been trying to work out how to control the effects I get but at the moment I still don’t understand.  I’ve been using a mix of dark and bright blend modes and changing the white balance.  I guess I just need to be a bit more systematic and write things down.  The problem is I lose my notes.  perhaps I just have to accept that I’m happy with trial and error and a few happy accidents.