Create your own card backgrounds with Josefine

Is it just me or do people send more cards nowadays? Especially during the last months. It probably helps with feeling closer. So, why not show some ideas on how to make a few quick cards, maybe even with a little humor?

I used the Grunge numbers to create two simple backgrounds that are full of texture.

For the first background, I used my stamp platform to stamp all the numbers at the same time. So, I mounted my paper into the platform, arranged the stamps randomly, and stamped using Distress Oxide. I had to rearrange the numbers and stamp again since they didn't quite fill the entire card base. 

Then I used Distress Ink in a slightly lighter color and blended it all over the background. I made sure to leave it splotchy and uneven. I didn't want to go for a perfect and even look.

Next up, I used the Mesh Texture, Bubble Wrap Texture, and actual bubble wrap to add more interest to the background. I used both ink colors to stamp those. I also splattered some water and Distress Oxide ink on top.

To finish it up, I added a frame around the border.

For the second background, I skipped the stamp platform. I wanted the numbers to be closer together, so it was easier to that by hand. Here, I used Distress Oxide again.

Now I blended two Distress Ink colors on top, used the same stamps and bubble wrap to add some texture, and finished it up with a few splatters of water and other inks.

Here are the two backgrounds next to each other.

Now I simply added a few sentiment stickers, paper dolls, and wings to the card and mounted it onto a 5 1/2 x 4 1/4 card base.

I hope you enjoyed my two cards and that you feel inspired to create some of your own :)

Stamps used:

Grunge numbers from Plate 1444

Mesh Texture

Bubble Wrap Texture

Book Week 18 | Sue Plumb

Hi everyone!

It's Sue Plumb here with my latest design team project for you. Today I am sharing an 8.5x11" mixed media scrapbook layout I created to document some photos of my daughter from last year. These were taken when her school was doing a book character parade to celebrate Book Week.

To create my page I first decided where my photos were going to be placed, then painted a quick background using Dina Wakley acrylic paints. Once the paint was dry, I added my stamping using black StazOn ink.

At the top of my page I used the This Book Belongs To: stamp, adding it twice, then once again below my photos. I then added the Chevron Banner and Triangle Banner, so they would adjoin each of my photos and help create flow across the page. 

At the bottom of my page, I added the Be Adorable quote stamp (which is filled with sentiments that I absolutely love that are very appropriate for my daughter). 

I then added a few papery layers to go under my photos. First, I stamped a pair of paint sample cards with the Library Return Card stamp. I love using these cards in my layering, as it makes it so easy to coordinate colours and they are free from my local hardware store. 

I also added some book paper, a paper doily, washi tape, frayed gauze and some black cord into my layers before sticking the photos on top. 

For my title, I used Cocoa Vanilla Studio alphabet stickers, then stamped the "18" using the Grunge 1 and Grunge 8 stamps. 

After that, it was simply a matter of adding some quick journaling with a felt pen and I was done. I couldn't believe how quickly this page came together - I love it when things just fall into place! 

Thanks for stopping by today so I could share this, I hope I have inspired you to get inky too!

Stamps used:

- This Book Belongs To:

- Chevron Banner

- Triangle Banner

- Be Adorable

- Library Return Card

- Grunge 1 

- Grunge 8

Other materials:

- Miracle Tape

- white cardstock

- Dina Wakley Media acrylic paints

- Tsukineko StazOn ink

- paint sample cards

- assorted collage materials (as mentioned above)

- Cocoa Vanilla Studio alphabet stickers

Art Card || "Learning to Sail"

Hey everyone! I have a monochromatic art journal page to share today. Sometimes taking the color choices out of a piece makes it come together super fast. Of course, Banksy stamps help too!

If you want to see exactly how I made this piece, you can check out the video at the bottom of this post.

STAMPS USED:

I'm not Afraid

Banksy Child Fishing in Paper Boat
WayBill Invoice

Mesh Texture

Grunge Number 7

Grunge  Number 0

Grunge Number 1

Row of Numbers

Punchinella Sequin Border

Be a Mermaid | Sue Plumb

Hi everyone!

Sue Plumb here to share my latest design team project with you. Today I am sharing simple a 12x12" scrapbook page I created using one of my favourite stamps as a focus. I have recently been sick in hospital and unable to sit up and create; so a simple yet effective technique was just what I need to get my hands dirty again.

I decided to create this layout to document my daughter's achievements at her school swimming carnival last year, and what better feature shape than with a star? The Squiggly Star Collage is one of my absolute fave pieces of VLVS rubber, so I decided to use it multiple times.

I started by painting some scrap pieces of cardstock using Ranger Dylusions paints. I then stamped out my stars using black StazOn ink, then cut them out and set them aside.

Next, I got a fresh sheet of white cardstock, and used the Row of Distressed Lines stamp to add some structure to my page to begin working from. I kept the background to simple black on white as I wanted the colours of the stars to pop.

I used a small piece of Miracle Tape on the back of each star to adhere them around my page. Once in place, I used the Grunge 2 to stamp a number two onto each of the red stars, and the Grunge 3 to stamp a three onto the green ones to represent the second and third ribbons she won.

I then arranged my photos together, added some cardboard to the back and stuck them onto my page. I used the She Spread Her Wings stamp several times around my page, along with the Star Sliding stamp to reinforce the star theme. 

To finish off, I used the Always Be Yourself/Mermaid stamp to provide a focal quote and title; before splattering some Colour Blast 'Citrus' Colour Artist Ink around my page.

I then added my journalling using a Sharpie pen and stamped the date.

I was really happy with how this page came out with the bright splashes of colour against the white background. 

Thanks for stopping by so I could share this with you. I hope I have inspired you to get inky too!

Stamps used: 

- Squiggly Star Collage

- Row of Distressed Lines

- Grunge 2

- Grunge 3

- She Spread Her Wings

- Star Sliding

- Always Be Yourself/Mermaid

Other materials:

 - Miracle Tape

- White Cardstock

- StazOn ink

- Ranger Dylusions acrylic paints

- Colour Blast Colour Artist Ink

- Sharpie pen

A Little Christmas Journaling With Fiona

Hello VLVS peeps! Fiona here with you today with an art journal spread inspired by CHRISTMAS!!

 One of my favourite colour combinations at Christmas time is red and turquoise. I love the two together. Then I top it off white crisp clean white.... and a touch of black!

 And it's not Christmas anything without a star!

Viva Las Vegastamps! used:

Squiggly Star

Christmas Collage

Grunge 2

Grunge 5

Plate 1444

Plate 1471

See you all again soon xx