Do You Make Your Own Backgrounds?

[Scrapjanny]

Lately I've been finding that I like to make my own backgrounds for my cards, using the Cover-A-Card stamps by Impression Obsession, the background stamps by Hero Arts, or other background stamps/patterns that I find at shows. Even when I use patterned papers, which I love, I incorporate some stamping in my backgrounds.

Are you finding this to be the case?

[Cinnistew]

I love making my own backgrounds. I have quite a collection of background stamps and use them all the time. I've even stamped two different patterns on the same background... soft stripes and a floral, etc. SO much fun!

[Phantom]

I like to make my own backgrounds, too, most often using a variety of smaller stamps either randomly or in a pattern.

It's also a fun way to use a lot of techniques, for example patterned resist.

So many pretty papers catch my eye and making my own backgrounds helps me to curtail my purchases of them!

[xayide2]

Sometimes. Usually when I'm too lazy to go find a matching patterned paper.

[cat_woman]

I have too much patterned paper and I love it! I rarely make background papers. I just can't get the designs that patterned papers offer most of the time with a stamp. However, I do make my own background papers digitally. To me, this is much more fun than stamping a background. I find for myself, I can get way more creative designing a digital paper with the designs and colours since I'm not just limited to whatever stamps I have on hand.

[Cook22]

I make a lot of my own backgrounds - I have a big collection of background stamps . I love patterned papers, too, but I tend to use them more if I'm following a sketch.

[DianeinSparks]

I don't make my own backgrounds often but I just did one the other day since I couldn't find the right color green leaf paper. I used two different small leaf stamps and was very happy with the finished result. I have a hard time with large background stamps due to arthritis but I'm going to try using them with a stamp press and see if that works for me.

[geogymnast82]

Quote:

Originally Posted by xayide2

Sometimes. Usually when I'm too lazy to go find a matching patterned paper.

Same for me, or when I'm doing a very specialized theme that I know I don't have paper for.

[Phantom]

I'd like to try the Mega Mount from Impression Obsession for background stamps - anyone using it?

[wedgewood]

I would have never thought to try something like that. I also have lots and lots of patterned paper so I never thought to try to make my own.

Thank you for the idea!

[dini]

I love the Mega Mount! The Cover-a-Card stamps are so fun to use, and combine for different background effects. I have a category for them on my blog here...

Mama Dini's Stamperia: Cover-a-Card

[Scrapjanny]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DianeinSparks

I don't make my own backgrounds often but I just did one the other day since I couldn't find the right color green leaf paper. I used two different small leaf stamps and was very happy with the finished result. I have a hard time with large background stamps due to arthritis but I'm going to try using them with a stamp press and see if that works for me.

The Stamp Press is excellent, and I highly recommend it. For large background stamps, I find that this method works very well too:

Turn your stamp over so that the rubber is face-up. Ink your stamp. Lay your cardstock over it. Keeping a few fingers of one hand on the paper so that it doesn't shift, gently press the paper onto the stamp, making sure to get all of the areas of the stamp.

[cheermom]

I have tons of H20's that I forgot I had so I dug those out and made some backgrounds with them. They came out cute. I did about 10 different ones so I have them ready to make a card out of each one ...

[SophieLaFontaine]

Yes, because it's so extremely difficult for me to use patterned paper!

[buggainok]

It's funny how different we all can be with this hobby. I feel like the odd man out sometimes because I do not like to make backgrounds at all. I know some folks just love to do it, and the results are lovely.

I love working with pattern paper and coordinating my cardstock with it. I got to thinking about it... It could be because I have loved to sew and make clothes and things since I was about 9 years old. I begged my mother to let me use her sewing machine, and I've been sewing ever since.

Probably the pattern papers remind me of the fabrics I pick out when making clothing, and that's why pattern papers are so appealing to me.

PS I didn't ever get into tye-dying my fabrics myself either.

[fairsinger]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SophieLaFontaine

Yes, because it's so extremely difficult for me to use patterned paper!

Me too! And I like being able to color-coordinate by using the same ink in the background that I'm using in my stamped image without having to buy matching DP. Great money-saver and simpler for me than trying to choose DP.

[Cook22]

Quote:

Originally Posted by buggainok

It's funny how different we all can be with this hobby. I feel like the odd man out sometimes because I do not like to make backgrounds at all. I know some folks just love to do it, and the results are lovely.

I love working with pattern paper and coordinating my cardstock with it. I got to thinking about it... It could be because I have loved to sew and make clothes and things since I was about 9 years old. I begged my mother to let me use her sewing machine, and I've been sewing ever since.

Probably the pattern papers remind me of the fabrics I pick out when making clothing, and that's why pattern papers are so appealing to me.

PS I didn't ever get into tye-dying my fabrics myself either.

LOL at the last sentence - I can remember my mother tie-dying old sheets to make a gown for my half-sister for a college ball. (OK, so it was the seventies;-)).
I'd say I possibly started sewing even younger than you did and I still love looking at fabrics, but it certainly didn't give me a love of using patterned paper! Unless I'm following a sketch to make it easy, I struggle with it.

[lylacfey]

I love to make my own backgrounds. I love pattern paper too. I have a paper addiction. I love pretty paper. I am addicted to background techniques and tutorials. I also create digital background papers too.

[Stamping Servant]

Although I have lots of patterned papers in my stash, my first inclination is always to create my own. I love the creative challenge of making my own background designs with stamps or inking techniques.

[Phantom]

Quote:

Originally Posted by buggainok

It's funny how different we all can be with this hobby. I feel like the odd man out sometimes because I do not like to make backgrounds at all. I know some folks just love to do it, and the results are lovely.

I love working with pattern paper and coordinating my cardstock with it. I got to thinking about it... It could be because I have loved to sew and make clothes and things since I was about 9 years old. I begged my mother to let me use her sewing machine, and I've been sewing ever since.

Probably the pattern papers remind me of the fabrics I pick out when making clothing, and that's why pattern papers are so appealing to me.

PS I didn't ever get into tye-dying my fabrics myself either.

I love patterned paper, too, and you reminded me of the idea that it started with fabric! I have always loved fabrics but don't have any talent for sewing. Also, I see pretty fabric patterns and I think, I could make that color combination or pattern with paper and ink!

There was a time that I was drawn to beautiful linens and always wanted to buy a new tablecloth or sheets that I saw. Now I recognize that I just love the patterns and substitute the thought that I could make a card like that, and the urge to purchase goes away. Just another example of how stamping *saves* me money ;) ;) !

[Scrapjanny]

I'm enjoying reading these answers. I also scrapbook, so that's probably why I'm so addicted to the patterned papers too. Do any of you scrapbook, and do you think that adds to your love of patterned papers (if you have one)?

[winnieu]

Love to use stencils for backgrounds, alcohol inks, embossing folders etc. I do them when I have time to spend time on them. Patterned papers can be hard for me, and I am forcing myself to use them more often. I sure love them.

[smriti]

I too recently bought a few IO cover-a-cards and I think almost every other card that I make has a background that I made I feel as if the card is naked without my background stamps! So yes I too am loving making my own!!

[hbrown]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scrapjanny

Turn your stamp over so that the rubber is face-up. Ink your stamp. Lay your cardstock over it. Keeping a few fingers of one hand on the paper so that it doesn't shift, gently press the paper onto the stamp, making sure to get all of the areas of the stamp.

That's exactly what I do. I have tons of backgrounders and scrapblocks from Cornish Heritage Farms, and this is the easiest way to stamp with them.

[MSBetsyZ]

Long, long time ago, when we'd get stuck for ideas or were just playing with new techniques, we just did whole sheets of paper either with the technique or all over stamping. "One Sheet Wonder" is just a phrase somebody coined for doing just that, lol!

It really does jump start the imagination, though, to just sit and "play" with your paper, inks and tools. Then when you're all done, you have a big stash of background papers to use. Or, as in the case of ugly (in our own view, I mean) brayering attempts, they are perfect to use to punch or use for techniques like Joseph's Coat. Never, never throw away!

[TeeGeeDee]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MSBetsyZ

Long, long time ago, when we'd get stuck for ideas or were just playing with new techniques, we just did whole sheets of paper either with the technique or all over stamping. "One Sheet Wonder" is just a phrase somebody coined for doing just that, lol!

It really does jump start the imagination, though, to just sit and "play" with your paper, inks and tools. Then when you're all done, you have a big stash of background papers to use. Or, as in the case of ugly (in our own view, I mean) brayering attempts, they are perfect to use to punch or use for techniques like Joseph's Coat. Never, never throw away!

The only times I've done the "One Sheet Wonder" technique I've stamped my own backgrounds even though that would be a good reason to sue patterned papers as the technique is to help get many cards designed quickly LOL!

[lylacfey]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scrapjanny

I'm enjoying reading these answers. I also scrapbook, so that's probably why I'm so addicted to the patterned papers too. Do any of you scrapbook, and do you think that adds to your love of patterned papers (if you have one)?

No, I don't scrapbook. I love looking at LO's though. Scrapbooking is a beautiful art form. I use pattern paper for my altered art, Blythe & Pullip accessories, card making and other paper crafting. I buy individual sheets of paper more than the stacks of paper. Right now I only own two stacks of paper. The DCWV Immortal stack & the Wizard of Oz stack. Can't remember off the top of my head who created the Wizard of Oz stack.

I do enjoy stamping on pattern paper. I love stamping/paper piecing pattern paper.

[Scrapjanny]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lylacfey

Can't remember off the top of my head who created the Wizard of Oz stack.

I do enjoy stamping on pattern paper. I love stamping/paper piecing pattern paper.

Graphic 45?

[Louisa May]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TeeGeeDee

The only times I've done the "One Sheet Wonder" technique I've stamped my own backgrounds even though that would be a good reason to sue patterned papers as the technique is to help get many cards designed quickly LOL!

"One Sheet Wonder" or "Masterboard" they're extremely handy to have around. Sometimes the colors or patterns I have don't match the mood I want, or I have one pattern and need another to compliment it. Then I make my own. I cut them up for matching embellishments and borders too.

[Nancy McKay]

I enjoy making my own background. Reciently, my friend shared with me, cut the end off the celery stalk you have a perfict rose. I made the one sheet wonder for my classes

[from the heart]

I make all my own backgrounds for cards. I just don't like the look of dp on my cards. I use stamps, mists, alcohol inks etc. but my favorite is using Distress Inks and blending them to make a custom looking colours. But for scrapbooking I use dp all the time. Love the look on my scrapbook pages, just not on my cards.

[Harley Queen]

I'll make my own backgrounds or use DSP/printed paper depending on what strikes my fancy or what the project calls for. I had a card the other day where I didn't have a printed paper that would work and made my own (clicky)

[inkyfingersrsexy]

I subscribed for a year to the Technique Junkies newsletter but I so rarely used any of the techniques that I didn't renew it. There are lots of great ideas but I so love patterned paper and it is so much easier to just reach for it than mess around making my own that I find I very rarely do it. Embossed backgrounds with embossing folders are about the only real exception.

[papernut123]

I have tons of pattern papers. There are times when I like to resort back to my original stamping like I did before pattern paper became the norm.

There are so many different ways to do it besides the large background stamps. It is easy to match colors when you want to do a card but can't find the pattern paper with the colors you want.

One of my favorites is to take a ruler and lightly draw angled lines from corner to corner, across the card or top to bottom with a pencil. This way I can erase it afterward. Then I stamp along the lines to match the card. Or use one or more matching colors with markers to make stripes. You can make them as wide or narrow as you want. Plaids with a ruler are easy too.

Try lines and stamps together. Lay down the stamp first and then when you draw the lines just stop on either side of the stamp so it doesn't run over the image. Makes a nice background and is anothe of my favorites.

Scor-Pal makes beautiful patterns as does inking up embossing folders and running through my Cuttlebug.

And of course there is always the stamp at random background.

[TeeGeeDee]

As I keep reading the replies to this thread I realized I make my own backgrounds more often than I originally thought.

For example, almost every time I stamp anything I keep a good sized piece of quality cardstock (usually CF or a half-sheet of 80# or 100# white) and stamp off onto it before cleaning my stamp. The stamping off is random and could involve lots of colors. If I like the result when it's fully covered it will become a background. If I don't like it too much I try punching/diecutting shapes out of it and that is usually pleasing. If I really like it I make a color-scan and save it as a pdf before I use it!

I've also done this using paper towel sheets used to wipe off brushes when using my H20s. That gets color-copied and printed and painted with Oyster H20 to get back the shimmer. Here's a sample from my gallery (apologies for the blurry photo; it's old and the card is even older): Dold-embossed Dragonfly on Handmade Background by TeeGeeDee at Splitcoaststampers

I like that this makes my cards more uniquely my creations.


Happy Crafting!
Tina aka TeeGeeDee

[jeanne3579]

I LOVE making my own backgrounds! I use all sorts of techniques, stamps and embossing. I prefer doing it myself, but over the years I've also bought individual background paper because it pleased me and I use that as well. Then there are magazine pages, napkins, wood/bark, fabric, etc, etc,etc to use for backgrounds as well---never ending fun!

[Scrapjanny]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TeeGeeDee

As I keep reading the replies to this thread I realized I make my own backgrounds more often than I originally thought.

For example, almost every time I stamp anything I keep a good sized piece of quality cardstock (usually CF or a half-sheet of 80# or 100# white) and stamp off onto it before cleaning my stamp. The stamping off is random and could involve lots of colors. If I like the result when it's fully covered it will become a background. If I don't like it too much I try punching/diecutting shapes out of it and that is usually pleasing. If I really like it I make a color-scan and save it as a pdf before I use it!

I've also done this using paper towel sheets used to wipe off brushes when using my H20s. That gets color-copied and printed and painted with Oyster H20 to get back the shimmer. Here's a sample from my gallery (apologies for the blurry photo; it's old and the card is even older): Dold-embossed Dragonfly on Handmade Background by TeeGeeDee - Cards and Paper Crafts at Splitcoaststampers

I like that this makes my cards more uniquely my creations.


Happy Crafting!
Tina aka TeeGeeDee

That's lovely, Tina! Great ideas!

[TeeGeeDee]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scrapjanny

That's lovely, Tina! Great ideas!

Thanks! I think it'd be fun to see some of the backgrounds created by other folks following this thread!

[stamps4funGin]

OK ladies, I would like to see some of the examples, especially with the stamp press, as I have had one for years and it is just collecting dust.

[Cook22]

I don't have a stamp press or a MegaMount (I'd love one of those, but have to wait as I know it will up the carriage on any order I make!).
But this is done with the CAC map for the background: WT373 Love Reaches by Cook22 - Cards and Paper Crafts at Splitcoaststampers, stamped and then sponged.
This is the same stamp again - SC383 Open Sea by Cook22 - Cards and Paper Crafts at Splitcoaststampers
This one is their music score: IC334 Blue Birds by Cook22 - Cards and Paper Crafts at Splitcoaststampers