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How To Make 3 Beautiful Backgrounds

4 beautiful cards made with Stampendous' new collection Beautiful Backgrounds.

This blog will guide you through creating three beautiful backgrounds using Stampendous stamps. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, these techniques and tips will inspire you to craft like never before.Creating a beautiful card is as much about the background as it is about the main design. Imagine the joy of giving or receiving a handcrafted card with a stunning, personalized background. If you’re a card maker or a creative crafter looking to elevate your card-making game, you’re in the right place.  

Why Beautiful Backgrounds are a Game-Changer

Every great card starts with a compelling background. It’s the foundation that sets the stage for your central design, adding depth and interest. A well-crafted background not only captivates the viewer but also enhances the overall aesthetic of your card. With a beautiful background, even the simplest design elements can pop and shine.

Stampendous Beautiful Backgrounds Collection:  Floral Garden Cling Stamp

Stampendous Floral Garden Cling Rubber Stamp Set from the Beautiful Backgrounds CollectionSpellbinders Paper Arts

One of the most versatile stamps in your toolkit can be the Stampendous Floral Garden Cling Stamp. Its intricate floral patterns make it perfect for creating an eye-catching background.

Card Made with Floral Garden Stamp

Watercolored birthday card created using Floral Garden from Stampendous Beautiful Backgrounds Collection

Imagine a card adorned with lush, blooming flowers. The Floral Garden stamp can create a vibrant backdrop that elevates your card to a work of art. This stamp is ideal for birthday cards, thank-you notes, or any occasion that calls for a touch of elegance.

Steps to Make the Floral Garden Card

  1. Prepare Your Workspace:

Gather all your supplies and ensure your workspace is clean and well-lit. Lay down a protective mat to avoid any ink or paint spills.

  1. Heat Emboss the Background:

When you’re using these big 6″ x 6″ stamps you can stamp them one of two ways:

  • Stamp them using a stamp positioning tool, like the Misti.  Just be sure to remove the pad.  Press the Floral Garden stamp into your ink pad. Make sure the stamp is evenly coated. Then, firmly press it onto your card stock. Repeat as needed to cover the entire background.
  • Fasten the stamp to your worksurface, ink it up and place the cardstock on top.  Then rub over the cardstock with your fingertips.

Because we’re heat embossing,  you want to use watermark or pigment ink.  And, for this card we’re using white embossing powder.  Read Mastering the Basics of Heat Embossing for tips on how to create high quality results.

  1. Add Color and Details:

Use watercolor paints to add pops of color to the floral patterns. Blend colors to create a gradient effect for added depth. Allow the paint to dry completely before moving on to the next steps.

  1. Create the Sentiment:

Use crisp black pigment ink on white cardstock to create a stunning sentiment.

       5. Assemble the Card:

Trim the watercolored background to 5″ x 5″ and pop it up on a 5 1/2″ x 5 1/2″ card base using a foam sheet.  Read How to Make a Card Base if you need help.  Die-cut or fussy-cut the sentiment and pop it up by creating extra layers with cardstock and liquid glue.

Supplies to Make the Floral Garden Card

Stampendous Beautiful Backgrounds Collection:  Agapanthus Cling Stamp

Stampendous Agapanthus Cling Rubber Stamp Set from the Beautiful Backgrounds CollectionSpellbinders Paper Arts

The Stampendous Agapanthus Cling Stamp offers another stunning background option. Its delicate floral design brings a sense of sophistication to any card.

Card Made with Agapanthus Stamp

Agapanthus Happy Birthday card made with the Agapanthus stamp from Stampendous' Beautiful Backgrounds collection.

A card featuring the Agapanthus stamp is perfect for occasions that call for a touch of class. Whether it’s a wedding invitation or an anniversary card, this background will leave a lasting impression.

Steps to Make the Agapanthus Card

  1. Choose Your Color Scheme:

Decide on a color palette that matches the theme of your card. Soft pastels work well for a subtle background, while bold colors can make the design stand out.  I sent with bright and bold.

  1. Build Your Background:

Begin by randomly blending shooting star and break up blue on a piece of white cardstock. 

Coat the Agapanthus stamp with watermark ink and press it onto your card stock. Heat emboss the design with bright coral embossing glaze.

  1. Enhance with Details:

Add extra pops of color to the flowers using bright colored inks to watercolor with. 

  1. Create the Sentiment:

Use watermark ink with white embossing powder on deep purple cardstock to create a stunning sentiment.

       5. Assemble the Card:

Fasten an A2 piece of light blue cardstock to an A2 card base with a tape runner.  Read How to Make a Card Base if you need help with the card base.  And, How to Align a Card Panel if you have trouble getting panels straight on your card bases . 

Trim the background to 3 3/4″ x 5″ and fasten it centered on top with your tape runner.  Die-cut or fussy-cut the sentiment and pop it up by creating extra layers with cardstock and liquid glue.

Supplies to Make the Agapanthus Card

Stampendous Beautiful Backgrounds Collection:  Streamers Cling Stamp

Stampendous Streamers Cling Rubber Stamp Set from the Beautiful Backgrounds CollectionSpellbinders Paper Arts

For a fun and festive background, the Stampendous Streamers Cling Stamp is a go-to choice. Its playful design is perfect for celebratory cards.

Cards Made with Streamers Stamp

Whether it’s a birthday, graduation, or any milestone celebration, a card with a streamers background adds joy and excitement. This design is sure to bring smiles and cheer.

Steps to Make the Streamers Card

  1. Select Your Colors:

Pick bright and cheerful colors that convey a sense of celebration. Primary colors or a rainbow palette work wonderfully for this design.  Or, you can go metalllic for an elegant look.

  1. Stamp the Background:

You can stamp or heat emboss the background depending on the vibe you’re looking for.  Either way, you need to apply ink to the Streamers stamp and press it onto your card stock. For a dynamic effect, use different colors to create a rainbow like my Rainbow Birthday card.

  1. Assemble and Add Finishing Touches:

Trim a color panel to the size of your chosen card base size and fasten it with a tape runner.  Then, trim the stamped panel by 1/8″ on all four sides and attach it with the tape runner as well.

Either create a sentiment or use one from your stash. Use glitter glue or sequins to add sparkle to the streamers. This extra step enhances the festive feel and makes your card shine. Allow the embellishments to dry thoroughly.

Supplies to Make the Rainbow Streamers Card

Supply List For Elegant Anniversary Streamers Card

Conclusion

Creating stunning backgrounds for your cards doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right tools and a bit of creativity, you can transform plain card stock into a masterpiece. The Stampendous Floral Garden, Agapanthus, and Streamers Cling Stamps offer a range of designs to suit any occasion. Each stamp brings its unique charm, allowing you to craft beautiful backgrounds effortlessly.

Remember, the key to a captivating card is in the details. Don’t rush the process; take your time to experiment with colors, layers, and embellishments. Your effort will shine through in the final product, making your cards memorable and cherished by all who receive them.

Ready to elevate your card-making game? Gather your supplies, follow these steps, and start creating beautiful backgrounds that will leave a lasting impression. Go to Card Ideas for more beautiful card inspriation. Happy crafting!

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ABOUT AUTHOR
Teri Duncan - Author
Teri Duncan

Teri has over 30 years of experience as a cardmaker.  Her work has appeared in Spellbinders Paper Arts’ blog as well as with some of their products and on Altenew’s blog. Outside of work, she enjoys gardening, stained glass, and teaching. She and her husband live in Crystal River, Florida with their three dogs and a cat.

Teri Duncan - Transparent Lg
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