Hello everyone! When I set out to create a project for you today I was instantly inspired by the new Layering Love Stamp Set (141965). The images are large, the font is beautiful, and the greetings are fab!
I got creative with ink to make a variety of different backgrounds and really had fun! And I promise that there were a few reject backgrounds along the way. As you’re creating I’m sure you’ll experience the same thing. It’s only paper—so let loose and have fun!

I have 12 cards which made it off of the cutting room floor, and here they are!

Cut Whisper White Cardstock (100730) to 4″ x 5–1/4″ for your card fronts. You may want to cut 15–20 card fronts so that you can experiment as you go. (Remember those rejects that I mentioned?)

Here are some ideas:

Watercolor Stripes

Use an Aqua Painter (103954) and a Classic Stampin’ Ink Refill to watercolor horizontal stripes.

Drop Mint Macaron Classic Stampin’ Ink Refill (138331) onto a clear acrylic block. Drop a few drops of water from your Aqua Painter into the ink and mix.

Play with painting thin lines or thick lines. Try painting lines the entire length of the card or shorter lines in just the center of the card. To add splatter to the background, flick your inked Aqua Painter at the cardstock.

Once the background is dry, use the Work of Art Stamp Set (134114) and Peekaboo Peach ink (141398) to add dots or a heart.

Watercolor Swirls

Now that you have your Aqua Painter and ink all ready to go, try painting swirls on the cardstock!

Watercolor Wash

Don’t put that ink away just yet! This time I used a 1-1/2″ paint brush (from the dollar store) and water to paint. Dampen (don’t saturate) the paint brush with water. Dip the brush into the ink and water mixture and swipe across your cardstock.

Stamp

Of course you need to stamp a background! I used the Perfectly Wrapped Stamp Set (141960) and the Work of Art Stamp Set (134114) to stamp this one. Both of these sets have a number of great stamps that are perfect for artsy backgrounds!

Sponging

You’ll need a Stamping Sponge (141337) and Mint Macaron ink (item 138326) for this technique. Punch circles in a piece of cardstock to create a mask. Place this mask over your background cardstock and sponge the Mint Macaron ink through the holes.

Try playing with the new Sponge Brayer (141714). Here I inked the brayer and rubbed it in the center of the cardstock.

Ink Pad Smudge

Dare I say that this could be the trickiest technique? Don’t be afraid . . . give it a try! If you’re worried about wasting paper, try it on a sheet of Grid Paper (130148) or scrap paper first. Practice makes perfect!!

Open your Classic Stampin’ Pad and drag it across the cardstock. You’ll want to use a gentle touch when you’re dragging. If you add too much pressure you’ll have dark smudges. Play with using the corners or one of the edges of the ink pad.

I finished all of these darling cards off with a layer of Mint Macaron (138337) or Peekaboo Peach Cardstock (141417) and a Peekaboo Peach Enamel Shape (141410). Pinch your four fingers together with your thumb, raise them to your lips, and kiss as you open your fingers . . . muah! Perfecto!

I’m sure that there are dozens of other backgrounds that you can create with ink. Unleash your inner artist and give them a try!

Thank you for taking the time to visit . .  and have a creative day!

Krista Frattin
Artisan Design Team 2015–2016