cloud backgrounds??!!
 

How do you make those great cloud backgrounds??!! Does anyone know of a good tutorial? I've heard/read that they can be done with chalks and a stencil, but I need a little bit more to go on. Is there a technique? Do you use brushes or a sponge?? Help!


For an example of what I'm talking about check out these awesome cards:

http://sgtstamper.com/blog/?p=1711

Here's a video. You can substitute larger scalloped for a different look:
http://stamptv.ning.com/video/quick-and-easy-clouds-1

Hope that helps. :)

It helps big time. I have never thought of using nesties and scallops for the masking.......much better than cutting post its up and moving them all the time.

Thanks Gina.

Thanks Gina that clip helped me so much, it's appreciated!

Thanks!!

For my sky backgrounds I have a little template that I cut from scrap piece of acetate, that way I can use it over and over again. I tend to add my clouds after my image is on the card and colored. By using the acetate, I can see exactly where the image is underneath to place my clouds where it's easiest and looks best.

I mostly use pastels/chalks. (I have an OLD set of Stampin' Up chalks from 1998 actually!) I use my finger to rub the chalks on. I find that by applying with my fingertip, I get the right pressure and I can get right up against the edge of the acetate cloud template for a crisp line. The chalks clean right off my finger with a baby-wipe then. Every once in a while to get really close to an image, I might use a q-tip.

Then I use the same technique as in Gina's video...start at the top and apply the chalk as I move the template down.

I have also used ink using the same cloud template. When I used ink, I would wrap my finger in an old piece of t-shirt to apply it for the same reasons I use my finger with the chalk. (just that ink doesn't clean off my finger as easily)

I can try to put a tutorial together this week on my blog if you still need one.

Hugs, Jami

Thanks! That helps alot. I didn't think it would be so easy! (well, it looks easy-- but we'll see what happens after I give it a try! LOL)

Hi there Jami!

First, I LOVE your blog! Your creations are just amazing!

Second, thanks so much for taking the time to give such a detailed answer to my question. I can't wait to give it a try. Your clouds always look so soft and light---just perfect! Acetate is a great idea for making a template, since it's see through!

Third, I have one more question. Do you use the same color/shade of blue or do you mix them? I really love the soft fading of your clouds and I'm wondering if the different blues are the result of pressure/application or if you actually use different colors. Does that make sense?

Thanks so much!!

You've gotten some great advice! I tried the scallop method and I guess I was too impatient with it. I've been freehanding the things since then and having a blast with them! Hard to mess them up really. Here are some samples if you're interested...
Here, Here, and Here.

Tim

I stink at clouds - I get very frustrated when I try - I will give Gina's video a go and see what happens!

Thanks Erin!

I do tend to use the same shade of blue - usually a pale blue chalk. I apply a little more pressure around the edges of the acetate to get the crisp edge, then lighten the pressure as I move out from the acetate.

I will try to put together a tutorial this weekend - I'm a visual learner, so I think it's easier to show than explain. :D

Thanks!
Jami

I don't know why this thread caught my eye....I never really venture into the techniques....but I do happen to have a video tutorial on how I make my clouds that I made and put on my blog after people asked how I do it. Don't know how *good* it is...but I will put a link here and if you wanna check it out you can!

There are many wonderful stampers that can make awesome clouds here at SCS...I guess this is just how I do it!

http://mothermark.blogspot.com/2008/...pvideo_18.html