Make Your Own Background Papers

Today is my turn to post a Tip & Technique on the Noel Mignon Layout blog. This time I decided to demonstrate a couple of ways to create your own background patterns. Can you spot the two techniques I used on this page? :)



First, I pulled out my Sea Monkey Vibez by Shimmerz Paints. We're all familiar with misting our cardstock, . . . this time I will be using a mask to create a pattern on my page.

I used my Silhouette to out a large polka dot pattern to use as a stencil. If you don't own an electronic cutting machine you could also create a polka dot pattern using the grommet punch by Making Memories.



Lightly tape your pattern to your cardstock. Use additional sheets of paper or paper towels to cover up the exposed edges of cardstock sticking out past the edges of your mask. Covering the edges will ensure that you won't get a line of "overspray" while you are misting. Spritz the openings with your Vibez spray ink. If you need to, move and line up your pattern around the page until you reach the desired result.




For my second technique, I decided to use acrylic stamps to create my own patterned paper.

First, I created a document on my computer that looks like a large scale sheet of graph paper. I used the "hairline" line thickness at 20% opacity in a grid across the entire sheet. The lines are spaced 0.5" apart. Print your graph onto white cardstock. You will be stamping directly onto this sheet. The grid marks will help you keep your pattern straight and even.



Next, choose one or more stamps to work with. I chose the spikey flower stamp from a stamp set by My Cute Stamps called "Spunky Nature". The ink pad I used is by My Mind's Eye. I stamped directly on top of the grid, using the lines to position my image. When the design is complete, the graph underneath will be barely noticeable. Now you are ready to incorporate your custom patterned paper into your next papercrafting project!



And here is my completed page! Everything else on this page is from the NEW Sonoma County Kit . There are just a few left! Pick yours up in the Noel Mignon online store HERE . (Click on any image to view larger.)






Thanks for coming by today!
See you soon!
Jana