msliz
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Jun 26, 2014 21:32:34 GMT
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Post by msliz on Jul 11, 2017 17:31:50 GMT
With all the specials going on, I've been wasting too much time today looking online for patterned papers. I see so many collections where I only like half the papers, and I can't bring myself to spend the money. The papers I'm attracted to are usually pretty simple in design, and I bet I could duplicate them, or come up with something close, if I took the time. I have cardstock and lots of supplies. I could even use the backside of any scraps I don't want. (see also, When my scrap drawer is full ) Do you ever design and use your own PPs? What are your favorite techniques? |
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Post by grammadee on Jul 11, 2017 18:52:48 GMT
I play around with mixed media from time to time, and have used stamps, inks, sprays and stencils to get different effects. Have used these mostly for cards, or for matts or other elements on a page. Last summer my dgd got me going with washi tape as a resist to create some cool pieces. Here is one of them on a page:  creativation by Gramma Dee, on Flickr If I had the patience, I might try to create a plaid in this way. And for that page, I used mixed media for the spray of colour from bottom left to top right. Here is a page where I used paints and a textured roller:  Feb '17 by Gramma Dee, on Flickr The only bg papers I have designed have been cloudy skies, which I create using white cs, a couple of cloud diecuts and then a couple of colours of ink which I apply with the round TH applicator with a circular motion over the diecuts. Here is one I did this past spring like that:  Off Line Fun by Gramma Dee, on Flickr |
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msliz
Drama Llama
The Procrastinator
Posts: 6,419
Jun 26, 2014 21:32:34 GMT
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Post by msliz on Jul 11, 2017 19:18:13 GMT
grammadee , I really like your cloud background. It's perfect for your page. I'm concerned about my paper getting wet and curling up though. If I want to apply color to my thin paper scraps, should I avoid wet media altogether? Or do I have to treat everything with gesso first? (or iron it afterward, LOL)
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Post by grammadee on Jul 11, 2017 19:37:47 GMT
grammadee , I really like your cloud background. It's perfect for your page. I'm concerned about my paper getting wet and curling up though. If I want to apply color to my thin paper scraps, should I avoid wet media altogether? Or do I have to treat everything with gesso first? (or iron it afterward, LOL) Ink (like on the cloud paper) won't warp your paper. If you mist with water, or use paint, that is another story. I have flattened small pieces between waxed paper in or under a book. And I HAVE used an iron with the pp between unprinted newsprint (KWIM?). That can be a technique in itself, because if you use clear embossing powder as a resist with a stamp or stencil, go on to do other colours, etc, then iron the project between newsprint, the ep will melt off and attach to the newsprint, leaving the page free to be coloured again. Cathie Allen--a regular contributor to The Creative Scrapbooker--uses this technique a lot and has some fun videos out there. |
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Post by LavenderLayoutLady on Jul 11, 2017 23:29:09 GMT
Do you ever design and use your own PPs? No, because I am far too lazy. |
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msliz
Drama Llama
The Procrastinator
Posts: 6,419
Jun 26, 2014 21:32:34 GMT
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Post by msliz on Jul 12, 2017 0:00:45 GMT
Do you ever design and use your own PPs? No, because I am far too lazy. Me too, but I'm also cheap. I want to use the papers I already have. I just want to like them more! Cheap > Lazy |
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Post by scrappyem on Jul 12, 2017 0:09:08 GMT
I do sometimes. I'll scan in my artwork and use that in Photoshop. I use it like a photo and put text or whatever on top. I typically will do it to make my own journaling cards when I'm in the mood for a custom look or don't want to use someone else's art in my project.
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luckylady
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My life is far from perfect but everyday I have many reasons to feel blessed!
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Post by luckylady on Jul 12, 2017 0:23:28 GMT
I have an ebrush and have made some background papers using my spectrum noir pens. I love the effects I can get.
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Post by grammadee on Jul 12, 2017 1:05:10 GMT
justjac can get some awesome results with a technique called stamp smoothing. Another one of Cathie allen's I think.
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scrapnnana
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Post by scrapnnana on Jul 12, 2017 1:10:31 GMT
I sometimes stamp my own backgrounds. But I have a huge stamp stash, so it really isn't "cheaper."
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Post by LavenderLayoutLady on Jul 12, 2017 2:01:59 GMT
No, because I am far too lazy. Me too, but I'm also cheap. I want to use the papers I already have. I just want to like them more! Cheap > Lazy Lol! |
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msliz
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The Procrastinator
Posts: 6,419
Jun 26, 2014 21:32:34 GMT
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Post by msliz on Jul 12, 2017 2:19:58 GMT
justjac can get some awesome results with a technique called stamp smoothing. Another one of Cathie allen's I think. I went looking for a description but had no luck. I found a Canadian scrapbooker/stamper Cathie Allan, but nothing about "stamp smoothing" except as the term relates to something to do with Photoshop. Maybe justjac can point me in the right direction? |
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msliz
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Jun 26, 2014 21:32:34 GMT
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Post by msliz on Jul 12, 2017 2:24:17 GMT
I sometimes stamp my own backgrounds. But I have a huge stamp stash, so it really isn't "cheaper." I don't have a ton of stamps, but I have a black pen and I can draw basic shapes. That should get me somewhere ... |
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msliz
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The Procrastinator
Posts: 6,419
Jun 26, 2014 21:32:34 GMT
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Post by msliz on Jul 12, 2017 2:30:10 GMT
I have an ebrush and have made some background papers using my spectrum noir pens. I love the effects I can get. I had to look it up because I didn't know what the heck you were talking about! That sounds so cool. It's an airbrush for markers!  |
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msliz
Drama Llama
The Procrastinator
Posts: 6,419
Jun 26, 2014 21:32:34 GMT
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Post by msliz on Jul 12, 2017 2:31:45 GMT
I do sometimes. I'll scan in my artwork and use that in Photoshop. I use it like a photo and put text or whatever on top. I typically will do it to make my own journaling cards when I'm in the mood for a custom look or don't want to use someone else's art in my project. I like that idea. Just let the printer do the work! |
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Post by grammadee on Jul 12, 2017 2:51:55 GMT
justjac can get some awesome results with a technique called stamp smoothing. Another one of Cathie allen's I think. I went looking for a description but had no luck. I found a Canadian scrapbooker/stamper Cathie Allan, but nothing about "stamp smoothing" except as the term relates to something to do with Photoshop. Maybe justjac can point me in the right direction? Sorry. I guess my ipad did not like the term Stamp Smooshing. HERE is a link to a blog post about it from a few years ago. Because this technique works best with "juicy" ink pads, I think that the new Oxides might work great with it (Cathie uses Clearsnap chalk inks). You can use one stamp and a limited number of colours, and cover a whole page with a pretty layered look. |
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luckylady
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My life is far from perfect but everyday I have many reasons to feel blessed!
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Post by luckylady on Jul 12, 2017 3:05:23 GMT
I have an ebrush and have made some background papers using my spectrum noir pens. I love the effects I can get. I had to look it up because I didn't know what the heck you were talking about! That sounds so cool. It's an airbrush for markers! I got mine off ebay. I guess it never really took off in the scrapbooking community. I don't know why I love it! My favorite backgrounds right now are ebrushing and blending several colors then using clear texture paste though a stencil. Sometimes I had glitter to the paste to give it a twinkling effect. |
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Post by JaneB on Jul 12, 2017 7:38:30 GMT
I'm a digital girl, so yes, I often make all my own papers/backgrounds. I find it much easier overall, especially being able to get exactly the right sizes for printing/cutting.
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Post by myboysnme on Jul 12, 2017 11:32:14 GMT
No I really don't but I do use memorabilia as a background paper - maps, instruction sheets, wrappers, wrapping paper. I use these only if they are a direct part of the memory I am scrapping. I wouldn't use wrapping paper just because, for example.
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thriftyjenny
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Post by thriftyjenny on Jul 12, 2017 16:33:03 GMT
I've made a fee backgrounds, but not a lot and most haven't bee too involved. I've made a few polka dotted ones and some triangle polka-dot style ones.
There is one though, it took me a bit of time and a lot of listening to Fall Out Boy on shuffle. I took a white 12x12 and wrote Fall Out Boy lyrics around the edges, about 4/5 lines thick around all 4 edges. Then, at my boyfriend's suggestion, I took a paintbrush and some India ink and did some light patterning behind the lyrics. Lastly, underneath one row of photos (there are 2 rows of layered photos you get to flip through) I painted the most recent fob logo. I love this background a lot and will probably repeat it for Panic! At the Disco and Motion City Soundtrack when I get around to scrapping those concert shots
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scrapnnana
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Post by scrapnnana on Jul 12, 2017 17:20:48 GMT
Well, drawing with a pen might work for you, or using clip art can be similar to some stamped backgrounds, but that is actually different from the kind I was referring to. I've posted this one before, but it is one of my favorite stamped backgrounds. Besides, I am still unpacking from moving and don't want to take time to scan and post something new. If you've seen it, my apologies. This is one way of creating a stamped background:  It was quick, easy, and it gave me the color and pattern that fit my photos. This is a basic tutorial for creating a two color background: 2 Step Stamped BackgroundI was a stamper before I was a scrapbooker, so my first layout was stamped. When I can't find a paper I like to go with my photos, being able to stamp my own background comes in handy. One reason I am so anxious to get my hands on the new Tim Holtz stamp platform is because I am hoping it will make it easier for me to get designs lined up and even when creating my own backgrounds. |
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Chinagirl828
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Melbourne, Australia
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Jun 28, 2014 6:28:53 GMT
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Post by Chinagirl828 on Jul 13, 2017 8:26:44 GMT
I'm amazed by these backgrounds.
I am for the most part far too lazy to create my own. The closest I come would be the ink on packaging technique.
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Post by LisaDV on Jul 13, 2017 11:07:42 GMT
Yep, I've created my own backgrounds too. I used to love to use my stamps to create backgrounds. Then I got into techniques, but mainly used those for cards or small sections on a layout. Then I got lazy. Most of the techniques I use now on backgrounds are lazy techniques: swiping, smooshing, pouncing, spritzing. These are the ones I have on flickr. I only photographed a few before 2014 and until this year, and am still a bit hit or miss on uploading. Mixed media: I thinks it's paint on the background and then acrylic paint, white craft ink and stencil/texture paste for the circles to make the bokah effect.  MyGift by Lisa Davolt, on Flickr This is probably still one of my favorite layouts from 2015. I put dauber tops on my spray ink bottles and did hard pounces to create the background.  YouMakemyHeartSmileW by Lisa Davolt, on Flickr Stencil and texture paste on cardstock (you can also color texture paste with paint or ink)  Smilew by Lisa Davolt, on Flickr Gelatos but on watercolor cardstock (to help the page not to warp and keep me from having to put it under books to straighten)  FunnyFacesWeb by Lisa Davolt, on Flickr The white paper on this layout is stamped with black ink and a flourish stamp set.  L & G Holiday by Lisa Davolt, on Flickr Stamps embossed in white on white cardstock and then a spray ink over the top.  ScraptasticWeb by Lisa Davolt, on Flickr |
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Post by LisaDV on Jul 13, 2017 11:20:05 GMT
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Post by grammadee on Jul 13, 2017 14:01:58 GMT
Awesome stamped bg, scrapnnana. Loving all the examples of mixed media, LisaDV ! Great question, msliz . But in my experience it may not be cheaper to make your own backgrounds. I have collected a LOT of mixed media, stamps, inks, stencils, and tools. And even when I use them to create a bg, that bg doesn't always get used on a page. I tend to try something because I am thinking "what if...", and that something does not always work out the way I want it to. Mostly, I use artsy techniques for the fun of it, and if I get an effect that works for a page or a card, I am delighted and might try it again. A couple of days ago, I tried the "packaging technique" with TH oxides on photo paper, and I think this might end up being the bg for the scenes I want to create on my Christmas cards, but I have no idea if it is reproduceable. |
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scrapnnana
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Post by scrapnnana on Jul 13, 2017 17:26:27 GMT
I love all the different types of backgrounds shown in this thread, it I have to agree that by the time you have bought the supplies to make your own, it is not cheaper, and it also takes time.
The advantage is if you either enjoy doing your own, or if you just can't find a background that you like to go with your photos.
I've had so little time to scrapbook since before we started the move, that I have gone for easy rather than creative. Now that we are mostly settled in our new home, and my scrapbook loft set up, I can hopefully spend more time being creative.
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msliz
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The Procrastinator
Posts: 6,419
Jun 26, 2014 21:32:34 GMT
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Post by msliz on Jul 14, 2017 3:09:45 GMT
scrapnnana, I couldn't really see your gorgeous backgrounds while I was peaing on my phone the other day, but now that I see them on my laptop I can really appreciate everything that went into them. They really are gorgeous designs! LisaDV, yours are really amazing too! I think my favorite is the embossed white on white cardstock with the ink sprayed on top. I can't wait to try that with a snowflake stamp. Thank you all for sharing your talents and ideas. I know I said I wanted to save money, but the thing is, I already have most of the supplies you've been talking about. I have inks, acrylics, a few stamps, embossing powders, etc. And I have stacks of card stock and the backsides of a bunch of PPs that I bought years ago and just never used. What I was lacking was ideas, and mostly just nerve.  Thank you all so much. I wasn't sure what kind of response my question would get, but I'm glad you all seem to be enjoying the discussion as much as I am!
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Post by grammadee on Jul 16, 2017 14:30:47 GMT
Here is a link to a credit card painting technique by Vicki Boutin as seen in Scrapbook & Cards Today summer '17 issue. She claims this technique causes less paper buckling than water painting with a brush. I was thinking that this technique with some pen line designs on top would be awesome. What do you think, msliz? link |
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msliz
Drama Llama
The Procrastinator
Posts: 6,419
Jun 26, 2014 21:32:34 GMT
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Post by msliz on Jul 16, 2017 17:55:32 GMT
Here is a link to a credit card painting technique by Vicki Boutin as seen in Scrapbook & Cards Today summer '17 issue. She claims this technique causes less paper buckling than water painting with a brush. I was thinking that this technique with some pen line designs on top would be awesome. What do you think, msliz ? linkI think the success of it might depend on the quality of your paint. I have some nicer acrylics in tubes that would be too thick to use on their own (there might be cracking), and I have cheapo craft acrylics that might or might not work. I'd have to try. The article also reminded me of a dry brush technique with acrylics that would give a feathery kind of look, and no buckling since there's no extra water added. Using the tips of a dry fan brush or a stenciling brush, the paint isn't applied thickly as she does with her credit card. Thanks for the ideas grammadee! |
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Post by justjac on Jul 20, 2017 3:47:32 GMT
I've tried a variety of techniques. Most of the wet ones have ended up with warped, buckled paper. These two I did using the stamp smooshing technique. You basically load up your stamp with ink and then smear it on your page and then stamp a few clear stamps over top. You can also use a sponge to fill in some of the page with ink. I used a large J and D on the first one and a Tardis stamp on the second one.  Stamping by Jacqueline Bruce, on Flickr  cake by Jacqueline Bruce, on Flickr This one I did using Dylusions sprays on glossy paper and then covering it with crumpled saran wrap/ cling film and letting it dry.  Something Old by Jacqueline Bruce, on Flickr I did this one using my distress oxides using the packaging technique: put ink on plastic packaging, spritz with water, smoosh on paper. The paper warped and they did not turn out like Jennifer McGuire's Youtube videos led me to believe they would!  Arty by Jacqueline Bruce, on Flickr |
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