6 QUICK & Easy Card Background Ideas #2: Stencils + Video!

Would you like some QUICK Background HACKS? Today’s card focus on using Stencils in 6 different ways!

Well I’m officially back and running, if you missed it I did a LIVE video today and it was such fun to just play with stencils and try out these techniques with you.


IDEA #1 Ink Blending

This doesn’t have to be boring, you can ink blend any way you like, how about tone on tone, ombre, or even rainbow, it’s such a fun way to use your stencils!

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PRO TIP: Try out different brushes or cardstock if you are not getting smooth, even results.

Lostinpaper - Background Series - Stencils (card video) 12

BONUS IDEA: Why not try layering stencils? Check out this video HERE

IDEA #2 Embossing With A Stencil

Did you know that you can make an ‘impression’ of your stencil on cardstock using your die cutting machine and a ‘rubber’ or ‘tan’ mat?

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PRO TIP: Having trouble? Add an extra shim of cardstock or give your card a ‘spritz’ of water before you run it through your die cutting machine.

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BONUS IDEA: Watch it again LIVE on this stencil HACK video right HERE.

IDEA #3 Watercolour Through A Stencil

It may sound scary but it’s not that hard to do. You can get a watercolour look very easily with this technique. Especially if you use layering stencils.

Lostinpaper - Background Series - Stencils (card video) 12

PRO TIP: I prefer to let my colour dry naturally but you can always speed things up with a heat tool (preferably on a low setting if you have it)!

Lostinpaper - Background Series - Stencils (card video) 12

BONUS IDEA: Check out the tutorial linked to card at Ellen Hutson right HERE.

IDEA #4 Add Paste

Seriously the sky is the limit here. Today I decided to create a layered stencil background so that I could add some Clear Paste to only the part of the image.

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PRO TIP: If you don’t have clear paste why not try adding colour with inks to your embossing paste to add a fun textured element to your design.

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BONUS IDEA: Why not try adding a glittery highlight using Nuvo Drops, check out my video right HERE.

IDEA #5 Stamping With A Stencil

I’m sure I’ve done this before…. but maybe I haven’t. I struggled to get the sandwich right but in the end it turned out great!

Lostinpaper - Background Series - Stencils (card video) 12

PRO TIP: Hey, why not try a brayer or use your embossing machine, I found out that it certainly helped me today lol.

Lostinpaper - Background Series - Stencils (card video) 12

BONUS IDEA: Nope, can’t help you here.

IDEA #6 Ink Spraying

Another classic, but it’s a technique I rarely do. It took a minute but I found a spray that had a lovely fine mist and that really helped this delicate stencil come to life.

Lostinpaper - Background Series - Stencils (card video) 12

PRO TIP: I thought about adding some ink blending with the sprays, so that could help be a save…

Lostinpaper - Background Series - Stencils (card video) 12

BONUS IDEA: My Ink Spraying worked much better on these 2 cards HERE.

You can see my video here or Watch it in HD at YouTube or if you want to watch the EDITED REPLAY you can see that right HERE.


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:

Affiliate links are used
Neenah Solar 110
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Neenah Solar 80
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Concord & 9th - Cardstock
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Bristol Smooth Cardstock
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Knitted Background Stencil
Knitted Background Stencil

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Mega Rose Stencil
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Polka Dot Buds Stencil
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Bubble Wrap
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Leaf Bed Stencil
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Layered Dahlia Stencil A
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Layered Dahlia Stencil B
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Limeade
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Lime
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Frosty Pink
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Coral Berry
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Sunray
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Snapdragon
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Ink Blending Tool
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Clear Stencil Paste
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Palette Knife
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Palette Knife Set
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Embossing Paste
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Medium Palette
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WOW Heat Tool
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Bone Folder Altenew
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Glue Tape
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Pixie Spray
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13 thoughts on “6 QUICK & Easy Card Background Ideas #2: Stencils + Video!

  1. Wow Therese, i wake up after watching your live late last night and you’ve made all these beautiful cards. It’s lovely to see how you finished them off, especially the large rose stencil, that’s turned out beautifully. Lovely to see you back. It was a fun night wasn’t it? 😀

    1. I really enjoyed myself, just playing with these stencils, they really are so very versatile! Thanks for sharing your time with me and for taking the time to comment, it really does mean the world. Hugs Tx ps I’m off to bed soon lol.

    1. Yay! I’m so happy that I got the idea to work, I had this most gorgeous spray that I bought at Brisbane Papercraft convention years ago and don’t think I had even used it more than once…. but now it came to the rescue lol!

  2. So happy to watch the replay this morning, Therese! What a fabulous array of creations you’ve made using those stenciled backgrounds!! I really will be trying the brushed water color technique – instead of the sponges I used – magnificent results!!
    =]

  3. It was great to see you create these different backgrounds in the live yesterday and then how you turned them into 6 beautiful cards! All great ideas and easy to do. Thanks Therese and so glad your back!

    1. Yay! Thanks so much Stef, I really had fun playing with these stencil ideas, it was choosing the sentiments that always takes me too long lol.

  4. Great ideas, Therese. I haven’t tried the watercolor one and I love the results you got. I’d like to know where the sentiment “Have a nice day” comes from.

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