Monday, May 4, 2009

Background Inking

When I saw this video tutorial on Tami's blog, Dapple Designs, on making distress backgrounds lighter and brighter for spring, I knew I would try it. Eventually. Thankfully, 'eventually' finally became 'now' over the last two days. I was a little short on time, but it was really easy to break this up by making the backgrounds on Saturday and putting it to work on a card on Sunday.

Using all four SU classic ink yellows, I swished and swirled my paper into the ink I pressed on to my craft mat. Just a side note here: I've had my craft mat for about a year now and this is only the second time I've brought it out! Smack me on the head now please! What have I been thinking....or not thinking, to be more precise! This is one fabulous simple little necessity to have in your crafting tool bag! And flashing back to the card..... It took several passes. I also forgot about using any water. The excitement to ink up the cardstock took over, I think. In the end though, I really like how it turned out. And without the water, it gives the paper a texture that is almost like suede. I really recommend checking out Tami's blog and seeing what great inspiration she has there!

Breaking out SU's Best Blossoms again, I stamped the flower in three colors and the stamp with the leaves on the stem several times and then cut them out. I adhered the two flowers on the outside with 1/16" foam tape and the one in the middle with 1/8" foam tape. The bottom layer of the ribbon is satin ribbon, with the wrong or back side facing up and on top of that is the pink twill. I adhered them to each other and to the card with my trusty ATG.
So much inky fun was to be had that I inked up two more backgrounds, one with purples and one with blues, that I hope to use in the near future!

Supplies:
Cardstock: Stamper's Select White, New Leaf - PTI
Stamps: Best Blossoms - SU; Thank You - Rubber Soul
Ink: Summer Sun, YoYo Yellow, So Saffron, Barely Banana, Positively Pink (retired), Cameo Coral, Regal Rose, Garden Green - SU; Vintage Sepia - Versafine
Ribbon: Hibiscus Pink twill, New Leaf Satin - PTI

16 comments:

  1. Oh, I really like this; once I find time, must go check Tami's distressed BG's post out! I need to be more "distressed" - not "stressed"!!! LOL!
    Thanks for your sweet comment on my blog, Karen!!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. You kill me with your adorable explanations of "the journey!" What a beautiful, springy card, Kare! I love it!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Some of my favorite colors! So sizzling hot and full of fun! What a fun background technique. Glad you made nice with your craft mat...I was doing some crystal effects with a shape it would spill off of and it peeled off no problem once dry. Just liek your technique, had me saying Yay craft mat :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Oh how fun! I guess I need to get a craft mat huh, and and ATG gun? Great inspiration...

    ReplyDelete
  5. That technique does make a fun and vibrant background for your flowers.

    ReplyDelete
  6. So fun to read about your journey with the technique. Your card is stunning and so fresh. I completely agree with you about the craft mat. It's always on my craft table now. Love that little beauty.

    ReplyDelete
  7. What a beautiful product from what sounded like a fun process! I love those bright vibrant colors paired together.

    ReplyDelete
  8. What a pretty card Karen! Love the bright colors. Thanks for you kind comment on my blog. :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. This is just so cool! Love how it turned out and that super yellow combo!!!

    Tami rocks, doesn't she????

    ReplyDelete
  10. this came out great!! I love how cheerful it feels
    :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. Tee Hee...guess I ought to use my craft mat as well! It sits really well on top of my Scor-Pal...looking pretty...LOL

    What a gorgeous card! That BG is magificent!

    ReplyDelete
  12. I love this background. It is beautiful. What a great look it gives. These are colors I rarely use. Thanks for the inspiration.

    ReplyDelete
  13. The colors you chose are nice and bright! I think you inspired me to craft with paper especially with mother's day around the corner

    ReplyDelete
  14. What a great card. Love the technique that you used and the look it gives the background.

    Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving such a nice comment.

    ReplyDelete
  15. The background of this card is just so you! Bright, cheery and truly inspirational!

    Siri

    ReplyDelete
  16. Great technique! I love the way it came out!

    ReplyDelete

Thank You for visiting! I appreciate and am grateful for all of You who craft some of Your time to leave me comments!

Blog Widget by LinkWithin