The simplest way to create a background with rubber stamps is to choose an image and stamp it randomly around the page. Be sure to put a piece of scrap paper under your cardstock and stamp off the edge so it looks like the design continues beyond the edge of the paper. In the first example I used a watermark inkpad. This is my favourite inkpad for creating a subtle pattern which will not overpower your pictures. You may also want to leave areas free of pattern for printing the title and journaling. To do this, cut or tear scraps of paper and lightly adhere them to the appropriate areas with a temporary adhesive. When the stamping is done remove the scrap paper. In the second example Michelle used brightly coloured ink to coordinate with her pictures and create a fun and energetic look.
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Hero Arts shadow stamps work beautifully for creating background patterns. In the second example I also stamped off the edge of the page, but organized the stamping into horizontal stripes of colour. I used the same stamp three times before re-inking to get darker and lighter shades of the same colour.
Large background stamps are also great for quick and easy backgrounds. In the next example Michelle used her background stamp over the entire sheet. A soft monochromatic look is perfect for the heritage photo and the vellum further softens the look so that the picture remains the focus.
Once you have made your stamped paper you can use it as you would any patterned paper... as a background, as a photo mat, cut into strips or squares etc. The neat thing is that, if you have used the same cardstock to stamp on, your patterned paper exactly matches your solid cardstock. In the next example I cut my stamped paper into strips and mounted it on the solid cardstock with coloured flat top eyelets.
Another simple and fun way to create beautiful backgrounds is by using your brayer. The next two layouts show examples of this. Several sheets of paper were scattered under the cardstock before brayering to give an interesting texture. The denim coloured ink imitates the look of stone washed blue jeans!
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Marbled backgrounds can be made using decorating chalks. Pour about an inch of water into a large flat pan. Using a knife, scrape chalk dust of several different colours into the water. Lay your paper flat onto the surface of the water and lift it off. The chalk will adhere to the paper in beautiful and unpredictable patterns. Don't be afraid to leave some blank space in your layout to show off your paper!
Ink can also be applied directly to paper using any number of textured household objects. Experiment with crumpled up saran wrap or aluminum foil, cotton balls, tissues, paper towel, sponges, pieces of old towels or other rough fabric, toothbrushes etc. In the example layout I used two colours of ink with crumpled up saran wrap to make the background. I used no extra embellishment, but let the paper show itself off.
I hope some of these ideas will pique your interest. A unique home-made patterned paper may be the perfect touch to make your layout special. Have fun experimenting!
