It's in the background

Hi everyone,

Did you have a good weekend? Did you wish that it wasn't Monday already? Well the good news is that Monday starts with a new challenge at Simon Says Stamp and Show! And this week you can collect all our background stamps and get them all inked up and ready to go. Because it's all about background stamping!


Recently I was hanging out on YouTube and saw a video about how you could make your own stamps out of foam. And it looked really amazing and so easy. Unfortunately I did't save the link, but made you a small tutorial how I made this tag from start to finish.

These are all the materials that you need for making your own background stamp. A foam sheet, a heat tool and something that you want to have the imprint of. In my case an embossing folder from Tim Holtz.

  
Make the foam sheet hot with the heat tool, but beware that you don't melt it, because then that part is ruined. As soon as it's hot enough, press the object in the foam and put some force on it, so that you get a good imprint. That is actually all you need to do to make your own stamp. Simple right?

 
To create more depth in the project, stamp a main focal image and also make a mask of it. Put it over the stamped image so that part won't get inky.

   
Now is the time to get your own stamp all inked up. Place the tag or card face down on the stamp and put a piece of paper over it. This will prevent your hands from getting inky too. Rub gently over it so all the ink can transfer on the tag/card. And voila, you have an amazing stamped background.

 
Pull the mask off and now it seems like the hot air balloon is in front, as intended.
I generally use household sponges for applying the Distress Ink. Especially for the detailed coloring is very convenient. Here I used 3 different shades of blue to create some depth. Peacock Feathers, Faded Jeans and Tumbled Glass.

  
The rest of the stamp is too detailed to color with the sponges, so I used the Distress Reinkers and a water brush. Of course I had to distress the edges with Distress Ink, and deliberately left the edges of the hot air balloon alone so it pops more.

  
I know, the Word Play letters again. Just can't help myself, I think they're really cool. This time I painted them black first and then with did the Dry Brush technique on it to give it an old and rusty metal look. With the Label Letters, some Gears and a Spinner it's a wrap!

To join in all you need to do is make a project that fits this weeks challenge and you can be the winner of the $50 gift voucher that our amazing sponsor Simon Says Stamp offers. This prize will go to a random entry. So go over to the Stamp and Show Challenge blog, let the DT members inspire you and join in the fun!

Thank you for stopping by! Love to see you next time!

Hugs,
Sandra