2021 is coming to a close in twelve days and as I become reflective (as we tend to do this time of year) about what has occurred in the past year I am filled with love and gratitude for the people who have touched my life. That’s what it all boils down to most of the time, right? People. People. People! I feel especially thankful for all the people that I get to connect with because of my little stamping business.
Little did I anticipate that when I made my very first Facebook Live video tutorial in Dec. 2020 that I would still be making videos and enjoying it a year later. But thanks to YOU who have followed, liked, commented, encouraged, subscribed and helped ME in 2021, I have a very full heart. THANK YOU!!!
For my last Papercrafting Playdate video of 2021 I wanted to focus on 2 things:
- How to use stamping as a way to relax, unwind, destress and fill your creative soul.
- Fast and easy stamping that allows you to make multiple cards (perhaps thank you notes).
I find it very soothing to create my own background paper using just stamps, ink, Basic White cardstock and some ink blending tools. The act of organizing images randomly onto paper to make it come to life makes me so relaxed and calm. Simply blending ink into the paper’s fibers is like magic to me. This is art therapy in its most basic form. Your senses are engaged, your brain becomes positively stimulated, and happiness chemicals are released! I challenge you to make some time to gift yourself some art therapy time whenever you need to turn around a stressful day or hit the reset button.
Watch the video tutorial and download the free pdf and get started today!
To create your own background paper with stamp images you need the following supplies. I am showing this technique with a half sheet of cardstock but you can very easily do this with an entire 8-1/2″ x 11″ piece of cardstock.
- Neutral cardstock – Basic White or Very Vanilla are perfect (but you can also use colored cardstock)
- 3-4 ink pads in coordinating colors
- Blending brushes – or any way to apply ink from pad to paper like daubers, sponges, or brushes
- Multiple images of varying sizes
- Optional – sentiment image
Tips for creating an interesting piece of background paper (while enjoying art therapy):
- Start with the largest image first and stamp it in a triangular pattern to keep it evenly spaced.
- Use the next largest image next with a different color ink. Tuck this image in and around the first image.
- Move to the smallest image and fill in where the “holes” are left in your design.
- Gently blend ink over all the stamped images using the same color as they are stamped in.
- Optional: Use a word or sentiment image and stamp over all the other images. Stamp the words going in the same direction across the cardstock.
Now that you have completed your art therapy background paper you can walk away happy OR cut it up and use it on card bases. By adding a coordinating cardstock matte and a simple embellishment you can put together some very quick and easy cards. Below you will see some efficient ways to cut up the background paper. Again, I have shown how to create 4 card elements from a half sheet (trimmed to 5″ x 8″) of 8-1/2″ x 11″ cardstock but you can very easily design an entire sheet and cut it to make 8 card elements. Download the pdf for all the measurements.
Cutting Design #1 – The first way to cut up the trimmed half sheet (5″ x 8″) is to cut it into four pieces measuring 2 1/2″ x 4″. Before adding to the card base you can dry emboss these pieces using an embossing folder and mount on coordinating cardstock pieces measuring 2 3/4″ x 4 1/4″. Add a simple greeting and an embellishment to finish the card.
Cutting Design #2 – The second way to cut up the trimmed half sheet (5″ x 8″) is to cut in half at 4″ first, then cut those pieces diagonally from opposite corners to make 4 triangles. Repeat the same sequence of cuts on a half sheet (5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″) of coordinating cardstock to create 4 pieces to mount the triangles on before putting onto the card bases.
Cutting Design #3 – The third way to cut up the half sheet (5 1/2″ x 8″) is to cut into 4 pieces measuring 1 7/8″ x 5 1/2″. This will create long narrow pieces that go all the way across the length of the card base. Cut pieces from a half sheet (5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″) of coordinating cardstock to create 4 pieces for mounting.
Cutting Design #4 – Lastly, you can cut up the half sheet (5″ x 8 1/2″) into 4 pieces measuring 2 1/2″ x 4 1/4″. This will create pieces that go all the way across the width of the card base. Cut mounting pieces of coordinating cardstock from a half sheet (5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″).
Product List
|
||||
|
|
Give this simple stamping method a try and I guarantee you will find something therapeutic from the process and with any luck you will have also made some quick cards! Leave me a comment and let me know what kinds of stamping tutorials you would find interesting in 2022! -Robin
Just watched your play date. Loved it. Can’t wait to try these fun, simple,therapeutic cards! Thanks, Robin, for keeping us creating with all these beautiful papers, inks, stamps! Love every minute! You are the best!
Dear Judy, your comments are always so meaningful and encouraging to me. Thank you for sharing this fun hobby with me!😁