Be Inspired Blog Hop – Creating Backgrounds

Hello, my crafty friends!

Welcome to the July Be Inspired Blog Hop! If you’re not starting the hop here, you’ve probably arrived from my wonderful friend and super talented Emma Goddard (aka the Coastal Crafter) and as always, I’m so grateful you’ve stopped by. This month’s theme is Creating Backgrounds.

Creative Backgrounds

Creating your own backgrounds is such a fun way to add interest and personality to your handmade cards. There are so many techniques to try, from applying ink directly from the ink pad, using blending brushes, brayers, Aqua Painters or stamping blocks, to simply creating your own stamped backgrounds or using patterned paper.

My personal favourite, though, is reaching for an embossing folder! It’s such an easy way to add beautiful texture and dimension with very little effort.

For today’s Be Inspired Blog Hop I’ve used the Lazy Daisy 3D Embossing Folder to create a selection of backgrounds using White Willow cardstock and Soft Sea Foam Two-Tone cardstock. It’s amazing how many different looks you can achieve from just one embossing folder. You can use either the embossed or debossed side, partially emboss your cardstock, add ink after embossing, or even apply ink directly to the embossing folder before running it through your machine.

On the two-tone cardstock, I lightly sanded the raised design to reveal the white core, creating even more texture and contrast.

I’m a little short on time this week, so rather than sharing all the finished cards today, I’m just sharing the one below and I will be featuring the projects made with these backgrounds over the coming days here on my blog and across my social media. This card was made using bits and bobs on my desk.

I hope my backgrounds have inspired you to take another look at your embossing folders and experiment with creating your own unique backgrounds!

Be sure to continue around the hop for even more inspiration from the talented Be Inspired team!

Happy crafting 💜

Be Inspired Design Team Blog Roll:

• Andrea Sargent
• Angela Meireitz-Reid
• Annette Ball
• Annette Elias
• Brian King
• Emma Goddard
• Lynn Cheesmur (you are here 💜)
• Maheswari Rajaguru
• Melanie Hockin

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