Background ATC's

This month's ATC theme on CC Swaps was backgrounds. We have recently switched so that we do two sets of 5 rather than a single set of 5. For the first card, I chose to do embossing powder enamel. The entire card is covered with embossing powder and then additional colors are added on by sponging on the embossing powder. Then I stamped the diamonds and embossed them in black so that they melt into the enamel. I learned this technique at a demo of Powder Keg embossing powders.

The second card as done by applying bands of color direct to paper and then using lots of impress me stamps to get color. A few of them were stamped with Lumiere gold paint. Then I created strips of gold paint between the bands with a credit card. Thanks to Julie Jarvis of Cornerstone Art Stamps for this one.

Another deco book

These little books are so exciting to receive and work on. And what a great added bonus, you get to see the wonderful artwork of those who have gone before.

I've just received my second deco, and added my pages. For this one, I used a brilliance rainbow pad DTP and stamped some texture for the background. The flower is another Basic Grey Rub On. Hope the eventual recipient likes it!

First Deco Book arrives

I'm currently participating in a round robin deco book swap. Each person's book makes a journey to several other swappers until it's been filled with art by everyone. There's no theme, so you can do whatever strikes you.

I decided to use a background technique I just learned at a class last night. It involves gesso, direct to paper and stamping. I didn't get too adventurous with the colors yet, I didn't want to take a chance. (-;

Leafy Little Beauties

I just finished my second swap of these. Having a theme to stick to was a bit more challenging, and really fun. I happen to know my partner for this one likes birds, so I made sure to include a few. I did stretch the leaf theme a little on the few of these, but every one has at least something leafy, even if it's ginko leaves in the background.

Backgrounds - Acrylic Resist

I can't take credit for this technique, I learned it at Cornerstone, my favorite stamp store.

To create this effect, I painted broad strokes of one or two colors of cheap acrylic paints onto various papers. How much white space you leave changes the end result. After the paint was dry, I sponged on some dye reinkers to fill in the rest of the space, wiping the excess off with a paper towel. The paint resists the reinker, and gives a brush stroked background.

Here are some samples...