Background papers

Some of my background papers 

I love making background papers. They are such a relaxing and a stress free way of creating a piece of art. 

What paper to use?

You can use any sort of paper specialist craft papers, old magazines, printing paper, photo paper, recycled packaging, wrapping paper, kitchen papers such as baking paper, or pages from unwanted books. Though please don't use any rare books! 

Background paper made from card with colour applied using various Tim Holtz ink pads. 

Paints, Inks and more

I tend to use acrylic paints and sprays but you can use water colours, oils, specialized powders, inks and mixed media pastes. You can paint colours with paint brushes, sponges or the use of a roller ( brayer ) with or without a gel plate. 

Here is a wonderful article on Gel Plates that not only describes them better than I could but also offers a recipe to make your own. I personally purchase premade Gel Plates from craft shops 

https://fromvictoryroad.com/2020/02/10/gel-plate-history-and-recipe/

Decorative items

This is the really fun part!  You can use a huge variety of items to add textures and effects to your background papers. You can apply images and patterns using stamps and stencils, glue on glitter and fabrics, use embossing powders, add paper collage elements and emphemera, or simply doodle with pens and pencils. 

Use of photo paper, embossing techniques and spray inks to produce background papers.

What do you use them for?

Background papers are perfect for card making, tag making, scrapbook/journalling for collage, die cutting, mixed media projects and so much more. They can be used in the background of a project or as the main feature in their own right such as on a card.

I hope this article inspires you to have a go! And remember no background paper is wrong! Even if you make one which is in your view the wrong colour or full of mistakes keep them! It's amazing the amount of times I think something looks wrong only to find out weeks later that it is just perfect for a project! 

Please let me know how you get on, you can natter to me via my Instagram page.

https://www.instagram.com/kraftingwithkathazelton

 

Background papers used to make Halloween cards.
Additional die cut witches were added to moon backgrounds.

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Please note I do not get paid to mention anyone's product or links.
I only share information as part of my love of craft making.
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