« Back  ||  HeroArts.com » Learning Center Home » Techniques » Basic Techniques » Creating Backgrounds with Letter Stamps


An example of a subtle background of thanks with soft tones to coordinate with printed papers.





A bold statement of BOO in black is stamped for a delightful halloween card.





Soft tone on tones were used for a friendly feminine card.



More Resources
Tip: These cards are amazingly quick to create, make a few extra while you have your supplies handy to use later.

Suggested Materials:
Hero Arts Clear Design Stamps, Notecards, Shadow Inks,Holiday rubber stamps, ribbons and flower embellishments.

Creating Backgrounds with Letter Stamps
By Shari Carroll

Have you ever thought of Language as an inspiration for card making? I was thinking of the saying "Whispers are always heard" and got an idea to apply this theory to card making.


Instructions:
Consider creating a subliminal message by using just a hint of color with soft shadow or VersaMark ink. The soft touch will prompt you take a closer look as if leaning in to hear the whisper. Another option would be the bold approach with bright or dark colors to really get the message across. These words become an important factor in your cards as there are no other messages used on the cover.

For this article I've decided to use clear stamps because of the variety of letter sizes that are available on the sheets. The clear designs also allow me to set up a word on the block and stamp repeatedly without any mistakes. Another advantage is that I can see where I have stamped and where the placement of the next word should go.

One of my favorite things, patterned paper! By using a coordinating shadow ink it is almost as if the words were printed with the paper. Stamp "thanks" several times with sand ink for a light "whisper". Complete the card with strips of paper, a bit of ribbon and a flower embellishment.

By stamping in black, the message is clear. The bold colors on the card invite the darker ink color. Simply stamp "BOO" several times to fill the entire card with black ink. Notice that I mixed the fonts on this one, not only was I able to use two stamps from the "O" Clear Designs; I was also able to create a sense of whimsy with the mix. All that was needed was a pumpkin and additional Halloween colors to complete the card.

For a soft feminine look, try stamping on light toned paper with shadow ink. We’ve always referred to this as "Tone on Tone". The green ink sits gently on the yellow paper giving it a soft look. Stamp your message several times with Soft Green ink. Add strips of solid cardstock ribbon and flower embellishment to finish.

Try your hand at background words to create your personal messages for family and friends.