Family Background

Benjamin Franklin once said, "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results." Well if that’s true, then this method for creating the Family Card background is completely off its rocker!

You can use a stamp you’ve inked up who–knows–how–many times to create something entirely unexpected… a custom background using inexpensive cardstock and a bit of creativity.

Start with plain cardstock and choose an ink color (this works for cards, scrapbook pages and other projects, too). I started with teal paper and used a contrasting blue ink for the circle background and stamped text.

Paper/Ink Variations:
1.    Try using similar ink and paper colors for a subtle tone-on-tone look. 
2.    Use clear embossing ink and powder to create a raised tone-on-tone effect.
3.    Watermark inks will produce subtle stamp designs.
4.    Use pigment ink pads in contrasting colors to make the design really pop.
5.    Experiment with metallic inks for a shimmery look.

Now for my favorite part… picking the stamp! I picked two sizes of a circular stamp with a scalloped edge. Stamp randomly for a modern look (I don’t mind if you steal my design one bit). Create stripes by using a small stamp in vertical or horizontal lines across your paper. Make polka dots. Try turning your stamp 90 degrees each time for a random pattern.

This is a method you can use time and time again and achieve different results each time.   Now that’s not so crazy, is it?

Your friend,
Mary