Jean's Junk Drawer #2 Background Stamps

Because of my Cuttlebug and all the embossed background folders I own, I forget about my background stamps. With Nicole's background stamp requests from our Design Team, I figured it was time to dig out my old stamps to try a new technique. I found it in my Technique Junkies Newsletter. It's called "Burnished Backgrounds". (Oct. /Nov '09)

This technique creates a richly colored background that brings out the detail of the background stamp.











Materials:
Black or Dark Pigment Ink or VersaMark
Black Embossing Powder
Dye Inks in Complementary Colors
Sponges or Daubers
Background Stamps

First, Stamp and emboss the background Image on a light, Ultra Smooth Cardstock.

Next, starting with the lightest color sponge various spots on the background. Continue using the next to lightest color etc. (Yellow, Orange, Red) Once the whole background is colored, go back over each spot again to bring out the richness of the colors. My card above uses the Maple Leaf Background Stamp, Single Maple Leaf and Pumpkin.




Using a smaller background stamp (Swirls), I could create a fun ATC using Blue, Purple and Pink Inks. Other stamps used were the Dreams Take Flight and Faces half sheet.


Suggestion of the Week: Dig around for those old background stamps and some sponges. The results may surprise you. If I did these again, I would wear rubber gloves while swirling my colors.(I'm a messy Stamper!)