Once yesterday’s card with the stenciled background was finished, there still was paint left over on the palette. Not one to let supplies go to waste, I proceeded to create a few more backgrounds. Besides another stenciled background, I also made two backgrounds very similar to Julie Fei-Fan Balzer’s dash background, and then smeared a book page with the last little bits of paint.

In Julie’s True Scrap class, she free hand painted quite a few circles. That reminded me of a circular frame stamp I got in a Studio Calico kit a couple years back, so I added that to this background. And then I went, “wait, I think that just made this ugly.” Rather than throwing it out, I just kept working it.

Since the blue dashes reminded me of water, I added a few shell stamps that were embossed, and then colored them with copic markers. If you’re looking for some ideas on how to use copics, check out Cara  Miller’s class on copics. Very useful if you don’t have access to anyone local who can give you hands on instruction.

It still seemed off a bit, but then my son suggested adding an “Aloha” to the card. Somehow, that one sentiment seems to make it all go together now. Maybe not. This may be a card only a mother could love.

Quick tip for today: Detail clear embossing powder is your friend. If you have clear embossing powder, you can create embossed images in any color pigment ink you have. These images were stamped with Versamagic gingerbread ink, and embossed with clear powder before coloring. You are also less likely to pull the color off your embossing onto your copic markers if you use a clear powder, rather than a colored powder.

Don’t forget, if you want to get a card in the mail from me, you need to sign up for my email list!

One of the great techniques from Julie Fei-Fan Balzer’s True Scrap Class Dirty Fingers Clean Design, (affiliate link) is this fun one using a stencil and paint to create a one of a kind background.

Don’t you just love how only three colors of paint and a foam sponge make this stenciled background rock? A few incidental stamps and a fussy cut focal image, and this card is DONE!

If you want even more ideas for things you can do with stencils, you should also check out Lain Ehmann’s class on stencils. (affiliate link)

Today’s quick tip: Don’t let a lack of specific word stamps or letter stickers keep you from creating a one of a kind sentiment. Use a label maker or individual alpha stamps or rub ons to create your own sentiment. You could even create a sentiment on your computer, and print and trim it to add to your card. Experiment!

Don’t forget, if you want to get a card in the mail, make sure you’re on my email list!

Once you’ve mastered the basics of stamping, there are so many ways you can use it. (If you are new to stamping, or are having problems with stamping, sign up for my email list. There’s a great (if I do say so myself) PDF and video on what the most common mistakes are in stamping, and how to avoid them.)

One of the most fun things to do with stamps is to create your own background papers. One of my very first blog posts from way back when shows you the basics. It’s even part of Julie Fei-Fan Balzer’s Dirty Fingers Clean Design True Scrap Class. (affiliate link) It’s definitely one of my go-to techniques when pulling out the stamps.

A quick tip for you: to create a sophisticated look for your background, use a stamp with strong structure that lends itself to a tiling motif, and use an ink pad similar in color to your paper. For a more subtle look, you could even use versamark ink, which creates a lovely watermark effect.

Don’t forget, if you want to get a card in the mail, make sure to sign up for my email list!

Now, I’m off to make more cards. If you’ve got a technique or design question, or a tool or supply that stumps you, comment below, and I’ll add your request to the card-making queue.