In today’s post, I’ll be sharing some ideas for how to make easy backgrounds for cards while using images that would not typically be used this way.
While most of the time I look at stamps and only see them for their intended purpose, in today’s projects I’ve expanded my thinking just a bit. When you think just a bit “outside the box” and realize that stamps can be used for more than their intended purpose it can be quite liberating and fun! With this in mind, you can make easy backgrounds for cards with almost any stamps you have on hand. There are so many fun possibilities!
For the background on this first card, I’ve used an image intended to be an ice cream scoop.
This stamp comes from the Sweet Ice Cream set and is stamped repeatedly in three colors. I’ve used first, second and third inking to create bands of textured color on a diagonal line. The colors are Real Red, Blackberry Bliss, and Bermuda Bay.
The big bold sentiment comes from the Happiest of Birthdays stamp set and it’s heat embossed on Vellum Cardstock using Clear Embossing powder. That’s not a typo!
Do you want to know how I used Clear Embossing Powder to get my shiny Blackberry Bliss stamped sentiment?
Watch my video at the end of this post to learn how. It’s an awesome little trick that I love.
For this next version of my card, I used the same method for stamping my background with just one difference.
The same inks were used as on the first card but instead of using first, second and third inking to create bands, I used second and third inking to create my bands of color for a softer look!
For this lighter version of my card, I chose to heat emboss my sentiment with white embossing powder which seemed more fitting in this case. Since the background was less bold, the white sentiment stands out against the backdrop and did not need a layer in behind like on the first card.
What do you think about my easy backgrounds for cards?
Before my cards were assembled I took the photo below so you could see the two backgrounds more clearly and side by side. Fun right?
Now during my Facebook live, I assembled these two cards, but I also showed two additional backgrounds.
This background was created with the same stamp as the card above but just in a different color scheme.
The colors used are Real Red, Pumpkin Pie and Daffodil Delight.
Here’s my finished card. Isn’t it so bright and cheerful?
As you can see below, I used the same trick for my sentiment to get the look of colored heat embossing using clear embossing powder. I love how it shines!
For this next background, I used the Create with Friends Stamps Set, which is one of my brand new stamp sets from the Annual Catalog that went live earlier this month.
It’s a completely different look because I used sentiment stamps for my background.
The stamping is done in three of the new 2021 – 2023 InColors including, Fresh Freesia on the left, Positively Pink in the center, and Pale Papaya on the right. I haven’t yet had a chance to design my card but I did manage to lay out some pieces and ribbon to begin creating. I’m envisioning the ribbon like streamers to Celebrate!
I chose “Celebrate Friends” because I wanted to acknowledge and celebrate YOU, my stamping friends, for helping me to earn my upcoming trip to Maui!
Thank You so much! I couldn’t have done it without you!
Stay tuned for the finished card coming soon.
I hope you’ve enjoyed seeing my ideas for how to make easy backgrounds for cards!
I hope you’re inspired to go create!
At the end of this post you’ll find card dimensions and a complete supply list in case you’d like to purchase any of the products I’ve used. You’ll also find my Facebook Live video there too. Make sure to watch to learn all the tips and ideas shared.
Happy Crafting!
Melissa 🙂
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Learn how to make easy background for cards in my video tutorial here:
The project demonstration begins at around 6-½ minutes in case you’d like to jump ahead.
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Project Dimensions:
- Blackberry Bliss or White Card Body: 5-1/2″ x 8-1/2″
- White Background Layer: 4″ x 5-1/4″
- White Layer Behind Vellum: 2-5/8″ x 2-5/8″
- Vellum Cardstock Sentiment Piece: 3″ x 4″
- White Inside Piece: 4″ x 5-1/4″
