Category: Background Stamps

How to Use the Watercolour Technique With Background Stamps

How to Use the Watercolour Technique With Background Stamps – Moody Leaves – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up Demo – UK

How to Use the Watercolour Technique With Background Stamps – Moody Leaves – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up Demo – UK

If you love the look of soft, artistic backgrounds but don’t consider yourself a watercolour expert, this technique is a wonderful place to start. Welcome to Technique 3 in my 1 Stamp Set, 5 Different Techniques series featuring the beautiful Moody Leaves background stamp.

This simple watercolour stamping technique creates beautifully blended impressions with very little effort. By allowing the ink to move naturally across the paper, you get a soft, painterly effect that looks different every single time.

For today’s cards, I’ve created one design in Old Olive and another in Cajun Craze, proving just how versatile this background stamp can be with different colour palettes.

How to Use the Watercolour Technique With Background Stamps - Moody Leaves - Crafting with Ashee - Independent Stampin' Up Demo - UK
How to Use the Watercolour Technique With Background Stamps – Moody Leaves – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up Demo – UK

Why Watercolour Paper Matters

One of the most important parts of this technique is using Fluid 100 Watercolour Paper.

Unlike standard cardstock, watercolour paper is designed to handle moisture without warping or becoming damaged. It also allows the ink to spread gently across the surface, creating those lovely soft edges that make this technique so effective.

If you try this on ordinary cardstock, you’ll find the water simply sits on the surface or causes the paper to buckle, so I highly recommend using proper watercolour paper for the best results.

How I Created the Background

This technique couldn’t be much easier.

After inking the Moody Leaves background stamp with either Old Olive or Cajun Craze, I lightly misted the Fluid 100 Watercolour Paper with water before stamping. This gives the ink somewhere to move as soon as it meets the paper.

Once I’d stamped the image, I gave the surface another light mist of water. This second spray encourages the ink to soften and blend just enough while still keeping the beautiful leafy detail visible.

The trick is not to overdo the water. A light mist is all you need. Too much water can cause the design to lose definition, whereas a gentle spray creates that perfect watercolour finish.

Every background will turn out slightly differently, making each card completely unique.

How to Use the Watercolour Technique With Background Stamps - Moody Leaves - Crafting with Ashee - Independent Stampin' Up Demo - UK
How to Use the Watercolour Technique With Background Stamps – Moody Leaves – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up Demo – UK

Keeping the Rest of the Card Simple

Because the background is the star of the show, I kept the remaining design clean and elegant.

The sentiment comes from the Greenery Lane stamp set and is simply layered onto coordinating cardstock to help it stand out against the detailed background.

To finish each card, I added embellishments from the Mix & Match Ephemera Packs. These provide just enough decoration without distracting from the beautiful watercolour effect.

The result is a card that looks artistic and sophisticated while being surprisingly quick to make.

Try Different Colour Combinations

One of my favourite things about this technique is experimenting with different ink colours.

The Old Olive version has a fresh, botanical feel that’s perfect for thinking of you or get well cards, while the Cajun Craze version creates a warm, autumn-inspired look.

You could also try:

  • Berry Burst for a bold floral feel.
  • Blueberry Bushel for a cool contemporary design.
  • Pretty in Pink for soft feminine cards.
  • Misty Moonlight for elegant masculine projects.

Each colour gives the same stamp an entirely different personality.

Technique 3 Complete!

This watercolour technique is a fantastic way to get more from your background stamps while creating something that looks beautifully artistic with very little effort.

If you’ve been following my 1 Stamp Set, 5 Different Techniques series, I hope you’re discovering just how versatile a single background stamp can be. Sometimes all it takes is a little water to completely transform the look of a stamped image.

If you give this technique a try, I’d love to hear which colour combination you choose.

Thank You for Stopping By!

I hope you enjoyed this papercrafting project and found it inspiring! Below, you’ll find a supply list linked to my online shop and a video tutorial to guide you step by step. You can also check out my Basic Craft Products, which include the essential tools I use regularly.

Product List

Join the Crafting Fun!
Stay connected and get more creative inspiration by following me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram. I also run a Facebook Group where we share projects, exchange ideas, and chat about all things crafty. I’d love for you to join and share your creations!

Online Card Club – Each month in my Facebook Group, we make three beautiful cards and a 3D project. It’s a fun and interactive way to craft together. Click here for all the details.

In-Person Crafting Classes – If you’re in North Lincoln, come craft with me in a friendly, hands-on session. Click here for upcoming dates and details.

Request a Craft Catalogue – Want a copy of the latest catalogue? Simply click the Contact Me button, and I’ll send one your way. And don’t forget—you can shop online 24/7 from the comfort of your home.

I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below or on my YouTube channel—your feedback means the world to me.

Until next time, Enjoy Being Creative!
Ashee xx

Love & Hugs – Stamp Your Own Background.

Love & Hugs – Stamp Your Own Background. – Greenery Lane. Crafting with Stampin’ Up! – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – Lincoln UK.

Love & Hugs – Stamp Your Own Background. – Greenery Lane. Crafting with Stampin’ Up! – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – Lincoln UK.

Create Beautiful Handmade Cards with a Custom Stamped Background

One of my favourite ways to get more from a stamp set is to create my own patterned backgrounds. Not only does it make your projects look unique, but it also allows you to customise the colours to suit any occasion. These cheerful Love & Hugs cards were created using the Greenery Lane stamp set and are a perfect example of how easy it is to make a striking background with just a few simple stamped images.

For today’s cards, I created two bright and colourful designs. The first combines Melon Mambo with Shaded Spruce for a bold and vibrant look, while the second uses Daffodil Delight and Shaded Spruce for a fresh, sunny feel.

Love & Hugs - Stamp Your Own Background. - Greenery Lane. Crafting with Stampin' Up! - Independent Stampin' Up! Demo - Lincoln UK.
Love & Hugs – Stamp Your Own Background. – Greenery Lane. Crafting with Stampin’ Up! – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – Lincoln UK.

Build Your Background One Stamp at a Time

The Greenery Lane stamp set includes a wonderful selection of leafy images and small floral elements that work beautifully together. To create the background, I randomly stamped the foliage images in Shaded Spruce across a piece of Basic White cardstock.

Once the larger leafy images were in place, I filled the gaps with the smaller floral stamps. On one card, the flowers were stamped in Melon Mambo, while the second card features flowers stamped in Daffodil Delight. This simple colour change creates two completely different looks while using exactly the same layout.

Don’t worry about making the stamping perfectly even. A slightly random arrangement gives the background a natural and organic feel, making each card unique.

Love & Hugs - Stamp Your Own Background. - Greenery Lane. Crafting with Stampin' Up! - Independent Stampin' Up! Demo - Lincoln UK.
Love & Hugs – Stamp Your Own Background. – Greenery Lane. Crafting with Stampin’ Up! – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – Lincoln UK.

A Simple Focal Point

With a busy background already doing most of the work, the focal point can remain simple and elegant.

The sentiment, “Love and Hugs”, was stamped to coordinate with each card and then punched out using a circle punch. To help the sentiment stand out against the patterned background, I layered it onto a larger gold circle, adding a touch of shine and sophistication.

The gold accent draws the eye straight to the centre of the card while complementing the bright colours beautifully.

Why I Love This Technique

Creating your own backgrounds is a fantastic way to stretch your stamp sets and make them work harder for you. It’s also a great technique when:

  • You want coordinating patterned paper but don’t have the perfect design.
  • You need a quick card with minimal layers.
  • You want to use up scraps of cardstock.
  • You enjoy experimenting with different colour combinations.

Simply changing the ink colours can completely transform the finished design, making this technique suitable for birthdays, thank you cards, sympathy cards, congratulations cards, and so much more.

Try Different Colour Combinations

These cards would look beautiful in many other colour combinations too. Why not try:

  • Coastal Cabana and Pretty Peacock
  • Fresh Freesia and Gorgeous Grape
  • Petal Pink and Mossy Meadow
  • Pool Party and Night of Navy

The possibilities are endless, and every combination creates a completely different mood.

A Quick and Effective Card Design

If you’re looking for a card design that is easy to recreate, uses minimal supplies, and looks impressive every time, stamping your own background is definitely worth trying. The Greenery Lane stamp set makes the process simple, and the results are always beautiful.

Whether you prefer the bold contrast of Melon Mambo and Shaded Spruce or the bright freshness of Daffodil Delight and Shaded Spruce, these cards are sure to bring a smile to someone’s face.

Thank You for Stopping By!

I hope you enjoyed this papercrafting project and found it inspiring! Below, you’ll find a supply list linked to my online shop and a video tutorial to guide you step by step. You can also check out my Basic Craft Products, which include the essential tools I use regularly.

Product List

Join the Crafting Fun!
Stay connected and get more creative inspiration by following me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram. I also run a Facebook Group where we share projects, exchange ideas, and chat about all things crafty. I’d love for you to join and share your creations!

Online Card Club – Each month in my Facebook Group, we make three beautiful cards and a 3D project. It’s a fun and interactive way to craft together. Click here for all the details.

In-Person Crafting Classes – If you’re in North Lincoln, come craft with me in a friendly, hands-on session. Click here for upcoming dates and details.

Request a Craft Catalogue – Want a copy of the latest catalogue? Simply click the Contact Me button, and I’ll send one your way. And don’t forget—you can shop online 24/7 from the comfort of your home.

I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below or on my YouTube channel—your feedback means the world to me.

Until next time, Enjoy Being Creative!
Ashee xx

Making the Most of Background Stamps – Technique 2.

Making the Most of Background Stamps – Technique 2. – Moody Leaves – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – UK.

Making the Most of Background Stamps – Technique 2. – Moody Leaves – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – UK.

Welcome back to the second instalment in my monthly series, One Background Stamp – 5 Different Techniques. In this series, I’ll be taking one background stamp and exploring five completely different ways to use it in your cardmaking projects.

This month, I’m working with the beautiful Moody Leaves background stamp, and today’s technique is all about heat embossing on vellum with Stampin’ Blend alcohol markers.

This technique creates such a soft and elegant look while still allowing the background stamp to take centre stage. It’s also a fantastic way to get even more versatility from your background stamps and your vellum stash.

Heat Embossing on Vellum with Stampin’ Blends

For both of these cards, I started by heat embossing the Moody Leaves background stamp onto vellum using white embossing powder. Heat embossing on vellum gives a really delicate, almost frosted appearance, and it works beautifully with alcohol marker colouring.

The fun part of this technique is that all the colouring is done on the reverse side of the vellum. By colouring on the back, the embossed detail stays crisp and bright on the front while the colour appears softer and slightly diffused through the vellum.

It’s a simple technique, but it gives such a professional finish.

Card One – Peaceful Pine

For the first card, I used Peaceful Pine for the layering and colouring. Rather than colouring the entire background, I chose to colour only the inside of some of the leaves.

This creates a softer and more subtle design while still highlighting the gorgeous detail in the stamp. Leaving some areas uncoloured also allows the white embossing to stand out beautifully against the vellum.

The sentiment from Scalloped Blooms keeps the design clean and elegant without distracting from the background technique.

Making the Most of Background Stamps - Technique 2. - Moody Leaves - Crafting with Ashee - Independent Stampin' Up! Demo - UK.
Making the Most of Background Stamps – Technique 2. – Moody Leaves – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – UK.

Card Two – Lemon Lime Twist

The second card uses Lemon Lime Twist, and this version has a much bolder look.

Instead of colouring inside the leaves, I coloured all the non-embossed areas on the reverse of the vellum. This makes the white embossed leaves really pop and creates a much stronger contrast.

It’s amazing how different the same technique can look simply by changing where you place the colour.

The bright Lemon Lime Twist paired with the white embossing gives this card a fresh and modern feel while still keeping that soft vellum elegance.

Making the Most of Background Stamps - Technique 2. - Moody Leaves - Crafting with Ashee - Independent Stampin' Up! Demo - UK.
Making the Most of Background Stamps – Technique 2. – Moody Leaves – Crafting with Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – UK.

Why This Technique Works So Well

One of the things I love most about this technique is how versatile it is. You can achieve completely different looks depending on:

  • Whether you colour inside or outside the embossed areas
  • How much colouring you add
  • The colours you choose
  • Whether you use bold or subtle contrasts

Heat embossing on vellum can sometimes feel intimidating, but it’s actually very forgiving and such a lovely way to create elegant handmade cards.

If you haven’t tried colouring on the reverse of vellum before, I’d definitely recommend giving it a go.

Measurements

  • Peaceful Pine / Lemon Lime Twist Cardstock – A6 Card Base – This is an A4 sheet cut in half and then folded in half.
  • Basic White Cardstock – 14.35cm X 10cm X 2 pieces
  • Vellum – 14.85cm X 10.5cm.

Technique Series – One Background Stamp, Five Ways

This is Technique 2 in my monthly series featuring the Moody Leaves background stamp.

I love finding ways to stretch my crafting supplies and show how one stamp can create multiple completely different looks. Background stamps are often overlooked, but they can be some of the most versatile products in your craft room.

I can’t wait to share the remaining techniques with you over the coming weeks.

Video Tutorial

Be sure to check out the full video tutorial where I walk you through the process step by step and share extra tips for working with vellum and heat embossing.

Thank You for Stopping By!

I hope you enjoyed this papercrafting project and found it inspiring! Below, you’ll find a supply list linked to my online shop and a video tutorial to guide you step by step. You can also check out my Basic Craft Products, which include the essential tools I use regularly.

Product List

Join the Crafting Fun!
Stay connected and get more creative inspiration by following me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram. I also run a Facebook Group where we share projects, exchange ideas, and chat about all things crafty. I’d love for you to join and share your creations!

Online Card Club – Each month in my Facebook Group, we make three beautiful cards and a 3D project. It’s a fun and interactive way to craft together. Click here for all the details.

In-Person Crafting Classes – If you’re in North Lincoln, come craft with me in a friendly, hands-on session. Click here for upcoming dates and details.

Request a Craft Catalogue – Want a copy of the latest catalogue? Simply click the Contact Me button, and I’ll send one your way. And don’t forget—you can shop online 24/7 from the comfort of your home.

I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below or on my YouTube channel—your feedback means the world to me.

Until next time, Enjoy Being Creative!
Ashee xx

New Series – One Background Stamp. – Five Different Techniques.

New Series – One Background Stamp. – Five Different Techniques. – Moody Leaves – Crafting With Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – UK.

New Series – One Background Stamp. – Five Different Techniques. – Moody Leaves – Crafting With Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – UK.

I’m so excited to kick off a brand new series here on the blog! Over the next five months, I’ll be focusing on one background stamp and sharing five different techniques to help you get even more from your supplies.

This month, we’re starting with the beautiful Moody Leaves background stamp, and I’m showing you a simple but striking technique that creates bold, colourful impact with minimal effort.

New Series - One Background Stamp. - Five Different Techniques. - Moody Leaves - Crafting With Ashee - Independent Stampin' Up! Demo - UK.
New Series – One Background Stamp. – Five Different Techniques. – Moody Leaves – Crafting With Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – UK.

This Month’s Technique – Stamped Strips

For this first project, I stamped the Moody Leaves background in each of the new In Colours:

  • Hydrangea Hue
  • Gold Glow
  • Peaceful Pine
  • Crisp Cantaloupe
  • Barely Blush

Once all the panels were stamped, I cut them into strips and then reassembled them, mixing the colours to create a fresh, modern design. This technique is such a great way to stretch your stamped backgrounds and create multiple card fronts from just a few pieces.

New Series - One Background Stamp. - Five Different Techniques. - Moody Leaves - Crafting With Ashee - Independent Stampin' Up! Demo - UK.
New Series – One Background Stamp. – Five Different Techniques. – Moody Leaves – Crafting With Ashee – Independent Stampin’ Up! Demo – UK.

Why You’ll Love This Technique

This is one of those techniques that looks really impressive but is incredibly easy to do. It’s perfect if:

  • You want to use multiple colours without overthinking placement
  • You love clean but eye-catching designs
  • You enjoy getting the most out of a single stamped panel

Each card turns out slightly different depending on how you arrange your strips, making every project unique.

Design Details

I kept the layout clean and let the background do all the talking. The bold leaf pattern really shines when broken into strips, and the variation in colour adds depth and interest.

To finish, I added a simple sentiment—“Best Wishes”—which works perfectly for so many occasions. One version is kept minimal, while the other is stepped up slightly with a mat layer to frame the sentiment and add a touch of elegance.

Measurements

  • Hydrangea Hue / Peaceful Pine Cardstock – A6 Card Base – This is an A4 sheet cut in half and then folded in half.
  • Basic White Cardstock – 14.35cm X 10cm X 3 pieces.

What’s Coming Next?

Next month, I’ll be back with another technique using the same Moody Leaves background stamp. I love how this series will show just how versatile one stamp can be—so make sure you check back to see the next idea!

Thank You for Stopping By!

I hope you enjoyed this papercrafting project and found it inspiring! Below, you’ll find a supply list linked to my online shop and a video tutorial to guide you step by step. You can also check out my Basic Craft Products, which include the essential tools I use regularly.

Product List

Join the Crafting Fun!
Stay connected and get more creative inspiration by following me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram. I also run a Facebook Group where we share projects, exchange ideas, and chat about all things crafty. I’d love for you to join and share your creations!

Online Card Club – Each month in my Facebook Group, we make three beautiful cards and a 3D project. It’s a fun and interactive way to craft together. Click here for all the details.

In-Person Crafting Classes – If you’re in North Lincoln, come craft with me in a friendly, hands-on session. Click here for upcoming dates and details.

Request a Craft Catalogue – Want a copy of the latest catalogue? Simply click the Contact Me button, and I’ll send one your way. And don’t forget—you can shop online 24/7 from the comfort of your home.

I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below or on my YouTube channel—your feedback means the world to me.

Until next time, Enjoy Being Creative!
Ashee xx