Hi Stampers!
Do you like options? I always enjoy options - especially when it comes to card making. For example I like card layouts that work well in either portrait or landscape orientation. I really like stamp sets that have both image outline stamps and stamps to fill in the color for those images. This means I can color in the images with markers or water colors, or just stamp the color! Today we are going to talk about a background technique that gives you options, and it all starts with stripes! I call this the STRIPES TO STRIPS TECHNIQUE. Let’s take a peek at today’s cards:
VIDEO
CARD LAYOUT #2614
WHAT YOU NEED
* Cardstock
Card Base A-2 size; 8 1/2” x 5 1/2” scored and folded at 4 1/4” OR 11” x 4 1/4” scored at 5 1/2”
Mat - 5 1/4” x 4” or appropriate size for background piece
Inside Panel - white or light colored cut at 5 1/4” x 4”
Other - for focal image and / or greeting
* Striped Paper - Rectangle 5 1/2” x 4 1/4” minimum - 6” x 5” is what I use mostly.
Patterned paper striped (vertical / horizontal or diagonal)
Created with cardstock and markers (alcohol, dye ink, etc.)
Created with cardstock or watercolor paper and watercolors
* Paper trimmer
* Printer paper or scrap patterned paper (this will not be seen) 5 1/4” x 4”
* Adhesive sheet or snail adhesive
* Embossing folder (small design) and die cut machine (optional, but highly recommended)
* Stamps, inks, dies, punches, and other items needed to complete the card
WHAT TO DO
* If creating the striped paper place your cardstock / watercolor paper in landscape orientation and use the markers / watercolors to create 4 1/4” stripes across the page using 2-3 colors (more if you like)
* Put the 4 1/4” side of the striped paper at the top of the paper trimmer at 4” and cut, move to 3 3/4” and cut. Continue moving 1/4” to the left and cutting the 1/4” strips. Be sure you are cutting across the stripes.
* Place adhesive sheet or other adhesive on the printer paper (cardstock or patterned paper) and begin placing the strips an across the paper until the panel is covered. Trim edges.
* Place this panel in an embossing folder and run through die cit machine.
* Adhere panel to the mat and adhere to card base.
* Add greeting and focal image to card front.
* Stamp inside panel and adhere to inside of card.
STACKED BUTTERFLY BIRTHDAY
Black mat- 4 1/4” x 3 1/2”
Background piece -4” x 3 1/4”
(Happy Birthday - scrapbook.com; All other supplies - Stampin’ Up!)
BIRTHDAY WALRUS
Purple mat - 4 3/4” x 3 1/2”
Background piece - 4 1/2” x 3 1/4”
(All supplies - Stampin’ Up!)
A LITTLE BIRDIE BIRTHDAY
White Mat - 5 1/4” x 4”
Background piece - 5” x 3 3/4”
(All supplies - Stampin’ Up!)
SEAS THE BIRTHDAY
White mat - 5 1/4” x 4”
Background piece - 5” x 4 1/4”
(All supplies - Stampin’ Up!)
VIDEO CARDS
I created these two cards using the strips I demonstrated in the video.
SAILING ADVENTURE
Striped paper - Created with alcohol markers
White mat - 4 1/4” x 3 3/4”
Background piece - 4” x 3 1/2”
(All supplies - Stampin’ Up!)
BIRTHDAY BOY
Striped paper - Created with alcohol markers
Orange mat - 4 1/2” x 3 3/4”
Background piece - 4 1/4” x 3 1/2”
(All supplies - Stampin’ Up!)
TODAY’S CARDS
I know this technique might not be for everyone. It does take a bit of patience and some extra time. I think the results are worth it. I found creating my own striped papers relaxing. Cutting the strips does not take long. It is repetitive, but I cut the strips for one card, put it together, then moved on to the next card. Why not give this background technique a try?
That’s all for today. I am so glad you stopped by. Until next time. . .
Stamp Happy!