Hi friends, today I have two different ideas for you to create stamped backgrounds. Both these cards use Spellbinders + Fun Stampers Journey Stamp of the Month for Jan 2020. This kit is full of fun stamp images that can be used for both cards as well as envelopes. For both of today’s cards, I am thinking of creating fun stamped envelopes too. Most likely, I will end up sharing it on Instagram (do catch me there, I’d love for you to say hi. My handle is @varadasharma.) Okay, let’s take a look at the cards now:
Background Idea 1:
With this one, the idea is to create a repeating pattern, not quite random, but of course you don’t have to be exactly aligned. It’s still quite forgiving.
For this one, I used only a few of the images – the three closed envelopes and a sentiment for the entire card. I started by laying out where I want the sentiment to be and stamped it using my MISTI + Simon Says Stamp ink on a Neenah Desert Storm panel that is slightly smaller than an A2 cardbase.
Once my sentiment was in place, I stamped
first the row of images on either side of it
the row below and then the row above
I made sure as far as possible two identical images were not exactly below each other. This way I did not have to be precise in my pattern. From here, I went all over the panel stamping my envelopes using the same ink – Hero Arts Artprint Brown ink.
For my focal points, I used 3 patterned papers from My Mind’s Eye My Heritage 6×6 paper pad and stamped one envelope image on each of these. I fussy cut these out (easy!) and added just a little coloring details on each using Spectrum Noir alcohol markers (BG3, GB7, CR2). I also used same BG3, to add similar details on the main panel itself. Finally I foam mounted the three envelopes on my main panel, sprinkled some gems around (linked below) and mounted the panel on one of the cardbases that came in the card kit.
Background Idea 2:
Random stamping on this one.
I find it helpful to
Follow the rule of 3 – stamp each image 3 times in a sort of triangle pattern to create 3 loose clusters. In this case, it almost filled my main panel and I was happy with that too.
Decide colors of each image up front – I picked 3 patterned papers and chose colors from there. I decided to keep most of my images gray color (SSS Slate), but for the smaller ones add blue (Simon Says Stamp Island Blue ink), apricot (SSS Apricot) and red (SSS Watermelon) colors.
Keep lighter / muted colors for larger images, keep brighter / stronger colors for smaller images.
I added detail to the little images using Spectrum Noir markers (IB3, CR2, BG3, CR9). Rest of it is almost similar to what I did with the first one (the sequins on this came from older Spellbinders Card Kits).
So, what do you think? Although this involves stamping, I find this technique a quick one because there is only minimal coloring. If I have not been coloring for several days (like these days, I am playing with die cutting more than stamping coloring), I feel this technique helps me get back into stamping mode swiftly. Do give this a try and let me know how you like it.
SUPPLIES LIST
For your convenience, I am sharing links to the supplies I’ve used or the ones you can use for making similar cards – click on the picture or link to go directly to the product. Wherever available, I have used affiliate links, which means when you make a purchase, I receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) which I use to run this blog. I truly appreciate your support!
Hugs! ~Varada
