Ideas for Using Background Stamps In Card Making

Do you ever wonder how to use background stamps? Today, I am going to share two ideas for using background stamps in card making. I will be using Among the Swallows a new Stampin’ Up Online Exclusive. The dainty design of florals and swallows immediately caught my eye.

When you first look at a background stamp, one might think it lacks versatility. What can I do with it other than create a background. Today, I am sharing two ideas for using Among the Swallows background stamp. Both ideas use the stamp as my primary layer and focal point, as well as, heat embossing with gold embossing powder.

Background Stamps & Heat Embossing Create An Elegant Focal Layer

Above, I created a “thinking of you” card using the background stamp as a focal layer with heat embossing. First, I stamped the image using Versamark Ink on Basic White card stock. Next, I applied gold metallics embossing powder and used my heat tool to set the image. After trimming the embossed layer to 4″ x 5 1/4″, I wrapped the Blackberry Bliss & Gold 1/2″ Textured Ribbon around the front of the layer securing it in the back with scotch tape. Instead of adding a bow, I tied a knot using a small piece of ribbon in the center and trimmed the edges. I then adhered the embossed layer to a Blackberry Bliss card base to showcase my ideas for using background stamps.

To finish up, I heat embossed using Gold Embossing Powder, both the greeting and inside sentiment.

I, also, added a 3/8″ strip of the embossed layer that had been trimmed off to a 1/2″ strip of Blackberry Bliss. The combined strips were added to the edge of the Basic white inside layer.

Background Stamps With Heat Embossing & Alcohol Blends

My second idea for using the Among the Swallows Background Stamp added coloring the heat embossed image with Stampin’ Blends. Coloring the embossed image with Stampin’ Blends completely changed the look of my focal layer. Just as I would for an emboss resist technique, I gently wiped the layer with a microfiber cloth to remove any of the color from the gold embossing once I was done coloring. This is another example of ideas for using background stamps in a creative way.

I used Basic White Thick for the card base. The Deckled Rectangles were used to create a frame for my focal layer. Here, I chose to use Mossy Meadow for the frame and greeting. For embellishments, I color Linen Thread with the Dark Mossy Meadow Stampin Blends and created a simple bow adding a Brushed Brass Butterfly.

I used the Deckled Rectangle Die to cut layers for the inside of the card. I simply carried the gold heat embossing through to the inside of the card with the sentiment.

Ideas For Using Background stamps Video Tutorial

In the video tutorial below, I demonstrate how to use Among the Swallows background stamp to create a focal layer in card making. In the video, I also go over recommendations for heat embossing clean, crisp images and incorporating your focal layer into your card. Hopefully, you will gain some great ideas for using background stamps from watching.

I hope you enjoyed these ideas for using a background stamp in card making and consider giving them a try. I would love to hear your thoughts on these ideas and how you use background stamps in your creating!

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