Hi everyone, it's Colleen here! Today I'm going to show you how to create beautiful backgrounds using a stencil! Varada Sharma has a line of stencils with Maker Forte, and the one I used today for my cards is called Pretty Petals layering stencil. Although it's one stencil, you can create layers with it!
I had so much fun with this technique that I made two cards!
For my first card, I started with a white card panel sized 5.5x4.25. Next, I grabbed 4 ink colors and the stencil and ink blended the layers until I had a nice, colorful background. The stencil is numbered next to each design so it's easy to see what comes next in the layering process!
Here is the process to creating a nice background:
1) Use an odd number of designs because it's pleasant to the eye. For example, I ink blended the large pink flower and leaves 5 times, the blue & yellow flowers 3 times. Then I fill in the gaps where there's open space.
2) Visualize the layout before you start. How do you want it to look? Use patterned paper as a reference for ideas on how to jazz up your backgrounds! Don't hesitate to add an odd item in there, such as a leaf or a small sentiment!
3) Plan to add "fill-ins" where there is excess space so that the background looks balanced.
4) Use colors that coordinate with one another. A color chart is a great resource, and many companies have inks that coordinate together!
5) Deliberately stamp a few of the items off of the page so that it looks natural (think about what it looks like when you trim down a piece of 6x6 or 12x12 patterned paper).
6) Make several backgrounds so you have them on hand for future use! You never know when you're gonna need a last-minute card!
When the background was finished, I die cut an oval shape through the middle of the card panel, propped the center part onto foam tape, and adhered everything down to a white card base. I finished with the sentiment.
I absolutely ADORE this elegant background, I want wallpaper in my bedroom like this!
For my 2nd card, I followed the same process as card #1, only this time I placed the background behind a vellum card base. This created a more subtle look, although the background still showed through nicely as you can see below.
After I chose my sentiment, I decided that I wanted a little something on the front card panel, so I inked up another set of flowers, fussy cut them and placed them over the top of the vellum card base. I thought that added a nice touch and it draws the eye to the background hidden behind the vellum! My card was finished with yellow sequins.
Here is a closer look at the card when it's opened up. Oh, I almost forgot to mention that I adhered a yellow card panel to the back of the vellum, behind the background. That way I can write a heartfelt note to my recipient!
I hope you enjoyed today's tutorial and will grab your favorite stencil and some ink and create a bunch of backgrounds! Here are some links that can help you further:
- To shop Varada's stencils, click here.
- To visit her IG page, click here.
- To shop her new release, click here.
- For my Instagram page, click here.
Thanks for stopping by today!
~Colleen