Would you like some QUICK Background HACKS? Best of all, today’s ideas use items that you probably already have in your stash!
Welcome Back! I have an exciting new VIDEO series for you! It is a focus on Backgrounds and today is all about ‘Handmade’ ideas. AND, I am going to share with you exactly what I created with those backgrounds right here.
IDEA #1 Watercolour Stripes
Some simple watercolour stripes can take seconds to create but really add some WOW to your card.
PRO TIP: If you are mixing colours ensure to mix enough for your entire project (it’s difficult to make exactly the same colour twice lol)
BONUS IDEA: Why not make it a rainbow? OR, you could try using pencils to create a background!
IDEA #2 Direct Ink to Cardstock
This may sound obvious, but it’s something I rarely do. Why not stretch those ink pads and create a fun background with them.
PRO TIP: I find the mini ink pads are easier for this technique
BONUS IDEA: Why not stretch out of the stripes and add blocks of colour instead, you can even mix colours together!
IDEA #3 Ink Smooshed Background
An oldie but a goodie. You can look like a true watercolour artist with these backgrounds. And the best thing is that no two backgrounds will ever look the same!
PRO TIP: If you don’t want your inks to mix allow drying time between adding colours. OR, speed up the process with a heat tool.
BONUS IDEA: Why not use the smooshed area for your image?
IDEA #4 Alcohol Ink Background
You do need a couple of ‘extra’ supplies for this technique, but it’s so worth it!
PRO TIP: Not happy with your background? No problems, just add Ink Blending Solution and most of it will wipe away with a cloth. Then you can start again.
BONUS IDEA: Why not add a bit of extra shine with a metallic mixative or even some toner foil?
IDEA #5 Cardstock
We all have coloured cardstock in our stash. Have you ever tried using blocks of colour to make your own fun background, in perfect colours to suit your project?
PRO TIP: This is a GREAT way to use those hoarded scraps of cardstock, you could even use Design Paper instead!
BONUS IDEA: It doesn’t have to be stripes… although you may have noticed I angled mine this time. I love ‘blocking’ colour too.
IDEA #6 Ink Blended Background
Another classic, I know. But I had to include this technique today as it really is versatile. I used bold inks on my card but blending looks amazing in light colours too.
PRO TIP: There are many blending brushes on the market, but it’s worth working out which one is the right fit for you. Also, son’t be afraid to try using different inks as well as changing up the cardstock. And remember that dye ink will also ‘smooth out’ after it seeps into the cardstock.
BONUS IDEA: I used an outline stamp today for my example but silhouette stamps or die cuts look amazing on blended backgrounds!
All together now…..
You can see my video here or Watch it in HD at YouTube.
I’d love to know which technique is your favourite, or if you are going to try any of these ideas? And if you do, I’d love you to share them with me on Social Media, I always love to see what you are creating. Sending big CRAFTY hugs your way,
Other Supplies: Artists Watercolors – Sea Shore / Copics – YG00,03,17. Stamps – floral (? retired) Mama Elephant – Organic Blooms.
Affiliate links are used Neenah Solar 110 SSS | AUZ | EH |
 Neenah Solar 80 SSS | AUZ | EH |
 Concord & 9th – Cardstock SSS | AUZ | EH |
 Yupo – Medium AUZ | EH |
 Acetate SSS | EH |
 New Day Heart Frame Die Set ALT |
 Garden Rose ALT |
 Stone Mosaic ALT |
 All About You EH |
 Otterly Love You OTH |
 Mondo Hello EH |
 That Thing You Did EH |
 Hoppy Day SSS |
 Way To Go ALT | SSS | AUZ | EH |
 Courageous You ALT | SSS | AUZ |
 Essential Sentiment Strips ALT | SSS | EH |
 Tuxedo Black SSS | AUZ | EH |
 Nocturne SSS | AUZ | EH |
 Cummerbund AUZ | OTH | EH |
 All That Jazz AUZ | EH |
 Melon Ice AUZ | EH |
 Ink Blending Tool ALT | SSS | AUZ | EH |
 Artists Watercolor 24 Pan Set ALT | SSS | AUZ | EH |
 Watercolor Brushes Round ALT | SSS | AUZ |
 Dew Drops ALT |
 Aqualicious ALT |
 Bamboo Refill ALT |
 Ink Air Blower SSS | AUZ | EH |
 Opaque Bright White SSS | AUZ | EH |
 Gold Hot Foil OTH |
 WOW Heat Tool SSS | AUZ | EH |
 Sparkling Clear SSS | EH |
 Fashion Gold AUZ |
 Essential Black & White Enamel Dots ALT | SSS | AUZ | EH |
 Copic Markers SSS | EH |
 Tweezers ALT | SSS | AUZ | EH |
 Silicon Finger Gloves AUZ |
 Crystal Clear Droplets EH |
 Scissors SSS | AUZ | EH |
 Bone Folder Altenew ALT | SSS | AUZ | EH |
 Stamping Mat ALT | SSS |
 Cutting Mat ALT | SSS |
 Mini Score Board SSS | AUZ | EH |
 Gemini Junior SSS | AUZ | EH |
 MISTI SSS | AUZ | EH |
 Precision Tip SSS | AUZ | EH |
 Multi Medium Matte SSS | AUZ | EH |
 Gina K Dotted Adhesive SSS | AUZ | EH |
 Zig Chisel Glue Pen SSS | AUZ | EH |
 ATG SSS | AUZ | EH |
 Foam Tape ALT | SSS | AUZ | EH |
Hi, Therese. Hope you are well. You sou ded a bit under the weather in the you tube video. These are all fantastic backgrounds. You always have the best ideas and color combos. The greens and tealy blues you used here are my absolute favorite colors. I didnt see the flower set in idea#2 listed. What is that one? Take care, Kim
Hi Kim, yes, I’ve been sick but on the mend now thank you so much for asking. Glad that you liked the video and colour combos and as for the flower I acutally don’t know where it is from as I was stamping with friends and ‘borrowed’ it… from memory it may be from Lawn Fawn… maybe WPlus9 but I couldn’t see it. Hopefully someone can help us out here? Crafty hugs, Tx
Hi Kim, I found out who made the stamp set, it’s Mama Elephant’s Organic Blooms which I don’t think is available anymore. Thanks again, Hugs Tx
Thank you, Therese, it is still available on mama elephants site, but LOL, I already have it. 😉 so glad you’re on the mend. Be well. Kim
Thanks, Therese. I’ve just been inspired to go and play with some of my old sprays (and a couple I’d never opened!) from scrapbooking days and die-cut some frames so have a some new backgrounds and embellishments to use.
Yay! That’s wonderful news Steph, I don’t know about you but my mojo needed a little kick along and this helped me. I hope you had fun!
Hi Therese…I loved all the backgrounds! I never thought of using my cubes for direct-to-paper; it really would be easier and I love the bold stripes!..(planning to PLAY with those soon.) Thanks so very much for all your inspirational design work!♥ Feel better soon!
Thanks so much Clelie, I am certainly getting better every day. Hope you have fun with these techniques!
I might be forced to choose a fave – one from the beautiful category: card 6 – gorgeous colors, and I love the simply-stamped floral! The other is TOADILY that frog!
Off to watch – I’ve missed you!
=]
Yippee! It’s great to be back and I’m so happy you like these Michele. Ps that frog is just too cool for school!
These are all so inspirational Therese and the colours have quickly become my favourite. I was wondering you used quite a bit cp, they appear to be really vibrant and I’ve noticed quite a few people using them. Are they a favourite? That frog card gave me a laugh. Glad to hear you are feeling better too, this weather seems to be hitting quite a few of us this year, take care xx Aileen
Thanks so much Aileen, glad you like them! Yes the Catherine Pooler inks are lovely and the colours are bright and vibrant which ticks a few boxes for me lol. They are quite different to use than the Altenew inks as they are a foam pad (you can’t put too much pressure) and you really do need the refills as this style of pad is so juicy you need to reink more often. At the moment the only inks I am buying are the Altenew and Catherine Pooler, depending on what colours I want as they are both dye inks. Hope this helps. I know that Neha sells them in Australia and the mini sizes are great. ps Looks like the wedding finally happened, how very exciting, the photos were amazing!
These backgrounds are all fun and look wonderful with the images you colored on holiday! I love to color on vacations most of the time. I find I relax more and usually my coloring improves.
Another great video. Thanks for the tips and reminders. Great backgrounds. I need to get back to my inks! been spending a fair bit of time with the sewing machine & knitting needles – oh to have more time or more hands!!