If you were ordering your first background stamp . . .

[hawktwins]

I've been reading some threads on everyone's favorites . . . but . . .say you didn't have any so far :oops: . . . and were getting ready to order your first . . . which would it be? I've been making a lot of cards recently and like to use a patterned paper to add interest . . . but sometimes it's hard to find a good match, but the background stamps in the matching ink would obviously be perfectly coordinated. What's a good one to start with?

[mahodgman]

I don't own any background stamps yet, but my first purchases are going to be French Script and Canvas. I absolutely love the examples I've seen here with both of these!

[CrabbyAbbe]

I actually don't have any either, but i would go with canvas, just jeans & groovey lines

[koren_n]

Canvas would have to be my #1 but remember you have to get it by the end of feb. or hope it makes next years catty. Second I too love French Script. I is great too but not so much for guys cards. Hope this helps!
Koren

[noblerubies]

Canvas goes with everything, and after that I would buy French Script. It goes with almost everything, and I personally use it ALL the time.

[plaid pony]

Canvas is a great one! I also love By Definition. It goes great with Lexicon of Love from the SAB sets! OOh! Also, Geometric. Yes, I purchased all three at the same time because I couldn't decide which one to order first! :oops:

Michele Y

[redapron]

French Script and Canvas are my favorites. But take a look at the type of stamping you do most frequently.

Would Groovy lines work better with your favorite stamp sets? I'd match the style of the background stamp to the type of stamping I do most.


Another thought is to get one of the background sets, such as Fresh Fillers or Itty Bitty Backgrounds.

HTH

[Consuelo]

Those are the ones I own and use all the time...French Script and Canvas. If Canvas doesn't make it to the next catty I will be SHOCKED! :shock:

[sandy McCulloch]

Definitely French Script. Canvas would be a great choice as well.
Sandy

[qcbetty]

Um......all of them?
I love my background stamps!!

First one was Soft Swirls (very versatile and "soft")
LOVE my Just Jeans and Canvas

I have lots and use lots. They make a quick card easy to do!

[RoxieStamps]

Well....I love French Script. I just bought and received yesterday Canvas, By definition and Just Jeans! The stipple plaid is great also. Wow this is hard to say which I love best... I guess all of them

I guess that wasn't much help was it. :?

[Benniesma]

My favorites are also French Script and Canvas. But, French Script might not always go with your project and sometimes Canvas just isn't quite enough of a pattern for me. Have you thought of something like Simple Stripes?

And of course, it's not a big background but my all time fave is Itty Bitty Backgrounds. The splatter and bold dot stamps are the best!

[AndyJoe]

I have to agree with the majority, Canvas and French Script for sure. I have about 10 including the above and they are the ones that I use the most. I also use my sponge brayer a lot for a great looking background that goes with just about anything.

[Jenmouer]

I am getting ready to put in an order tonight and on it will be my first background stamp - CANVAS....

I am so hoping that maybe just maybe they will come out with a background stamp that has the swirling, twirling lines like the small stamp in By Design....they have designer paper with the design on it - but I would love a background stamp of it

[sscrappystamper]

By Definition and Canvas....my two faves!!! I am thinking of getting French Script...it is very collage-y....

[seewah]

My vote would be:

Canvas
Just Jeans
French Script

HTH!

[Soozie4Him]

I can't believe that no one has mentioned Soft Swirls!!! I also have Just Jean, French Script, By Definition, and Canvas! If I had to pick two, it would be Soft Swirls and Canvas.

Susan

[dawn g]

Since I have most of the ones mentioned already, my next want is the soft swirls with the little hearts. I see so many pretty cards in the gallery that use that one. After that, probably the stipple plaid

[hawktwins]

I agree, Itty Bitty Backgrounds is an awesome set to be so small and inexpensive!! I use that one a lot!

[GAMom2ChelNJustin]

I have to agree with everyone... I would go with the French Script... but I love the By Definition.

I have seen the canvas and will definately be ordering it.

[CandCsMom]

Soft Swirls was my first background stamp purchased. I just ordered Canvas last week.

[parisotremba]

The ones I use ALL the TIME are
1. Canvas
2. French Script
3. By Definition

[I-Am-Serendipity]

I've been on a background kick lately. I started with Soft Swirls as my first one, back in May. Since then, I've bought By Definition, French Script, and Canvas. Next purchase will be Just Jeans and Geometric. The more I buy them, the more I use them. I have to have a background stamp before I stamp anything lately.

[rozie640]

mY #1 go to is stipple plaid. Goes with everything! Stipple stripes is pretty darn good and my absolute favorite is french script but doesn't go with everything (baby, guys). Canvas is great as tone on tone or color onto white.

[born_to_stamp]

My three favorites right now are "stipple plaid", "by definition", and "filigree". I absolutely love "fresh fillers" It all depends on the style of card you are making. Hmmmmm . . . I am going to have to start thinking about getting the canvas background, since everyone has such good things to say about it

[stampcrazygirl]

I only have a few, but I use French Script and By Definition the most. I have Just Jeans and haven't even mounted it yet. My canvas is mounted, but I haven't had a chance to play, but I see lots of potential for it being a good neutral background.

I also like the background that looks like Soft Swirls but has flowers instead of hearts (sorry, can't remember the name of it).

Like others have said, look at the sets you currently have and see what goes best with your style. By Definition and French Script are totally different styles, but both very versatile.

[grazina]

My favorite has been French Script. Lately I have been using Canvas a lot and loving it.

[kellestamps]

I just received Canvas and, in a very short time, have used it more than any other background stamp that I have! I also love By Definition and French Script.

HTH,
Kelle

[kahoogstad]

I'm going to have to go with most of what's been said to far and tell you to get Canvas and French Script. They truly are the most versatile ones!!

[JulieHRR]

Quote:

I'd match the style of the background stamp to the type of stamping I do most.

Very wise advice for someone who is just starting out. Take a look at your stamps and match the BG stamp to those images.

That said, I own probably 8 or so of the background stamps. The ones I use most frequently are:

French Script
Canvas
Filigree
By Definition

I'm glad I have the assortment I do to draw upon.

Also, someone else mentioned that if versatility is what you are most seeking, you might consider one of the 4 piece background sets like Fresh Fillers, Petite Patterns, Background Basics--also very wise advice for someone just starting out.

[likens2stamp]

Canvas!!! I love it!

[chercher]

There's just something about the cards made with french script and canvas that just stands out to me. Also by definition.

[tomoly]

I just wanted to say that this is a great post cause I've been thinking about getting a couple background stamps cause I also have NONE!

Thanks for posting this and for all the great ideas!

[jl_ladybug10]

I know it's not a big one but Itty Bitty Backgrounds but I use it ALL the time. I never even put it away!

[bzuchowski]

I have always loved my soft swirls, it is so versatile. My newest one - canvas is becoming a favorite too.

Bev
(SCS#16459)

[addicted2stamps]

I LOVE background stamps they add so so so much to a card.

I think canvas is awesome (I'm ordering it myself this weekend)

As far as ones in the current catalog I would say either french script or by definition depending on what style stamps you have. If you have "pretty" stamps (flower sets and things like that) french script is great. If you have funkier, modern, etc. I would say by definition. Both are really great!!!!

good luck choosing! You'll get addicted!

[maryp]

My first 2 were Just Jeans & Simple Stripes. After I saw the Just Jeans in
person I wasn't that crazy about it & almost traded it. Sooo glad I de-
cided not to. Have had lots of fun doing cards with it.
I JUST got French Script & Canvas when Brown delivered my order yes-
terday. I LOVE both of them.
Oh yeah, I also have a retired one. It's either called Victorian Lace or
Antique Lace. I'm not sure. But I love that one too.

[texasjodylynn]

Canvas
JJ
French Script
By Def

[LaurieF]

I only have one background stamp, it is Soft Swirls and I love it! I am planning on buying a few more - Paisley Print, Simple Stripes, Filigree, Groovy Lines, and Canvas.

[Lisa M]

I love Soft Swirls which was my first one. I just ordered Canvas because it is so versatile. But Bitty Blossoms will be my next purchase. Whichever way you go, you will love them. They are all great.