Jolly Holly Christmas

I've seen this written on a few forums and blogs that the use of Background stamps seem to be disappearing. Many of the comments to this assertion have always come down to one thing... if the background is versatile and unique, they will always be essential to cardmakers.

I have always enjoyed using background stamps. I love using designer paper, but can often be frustrated when I can't find the right color or theme (or tone). That's where I think background stamps are essential. Depending on what you want to create, you'll have ink that matches and can stamp the right balance with your central image.

I have a few cards this week that will highlight the versatility of Background stamps.

The first card is a Christmas card, made with Cornish Heritage Farms stamps:

Rice Paper Backgrounder

Jolly Holly

Wishing You (Christmas sentiment)

When I saw the Rice Paper Backgrounder, I thought it reminded me of a crocheted sweater or scarf. Talk about versatility!!! I created the background image with a shimmery spectrum pad (Brilliance Peacock) for a variegated "yarn" look.

Here are the steps to make this card:

1. Ink the Rice Paper backgrounder with Brilliance Peacock spectrum pigment ink and stamp on white cardstock twice.
2. Stamp Jolly Holly snowman on white cardstock and again on one of the Rice Paper image.
3. Carefully trim the gloves, scarf, and hat from the Rice Paper snowman.
4. Adhere these pieces to the snowman stamped on white cardstock.
5. Color image with Copic markers and highlight the gloves, scarf and hat.
6. Matte image.
7. Stamp sentiment on background paper.
8. Faux stitch and embellish with twill tape.
9. Add a finishing touch with Liquid Applique and heat to "fluff".

Here's a close-up of the paper-piecing:

Thanks for stopping by,
Lisa