Simple, colorful card backgrounds are easy to make using acrylic paints and acrylic stamping blocks. I love this look, especially for larger stamp images—and it’s a great way to create simple and clean look. You can see step-by-step photos below, and watch a quick how-to over on Facebook.
First, start with your acrylic blocks and your paint. I’m using PaperArtsy Fresco Finish Acrylic Paint, plus a block that measures 2 3/4″ x 4″.
Squeeze a bit of paint onto the block.
Use a brayer to spread the paint out onto the block.
If you want, mist the block lightly with water, then stamp the block onto cardstock. I have a mouse pad underneath my paper, which helps to give a bit of “bounce” when I stamp.
Let the paint dry—it won’t take long—then you can use the background for a stamped image, or add additional paint or block stamping. Here’s simple stamping:
I stamped the seashell collage from Eclectica ESN61, using VersaFine Clair ink in Pinecone. I embossed it with WOW’s Clear Gloss Super Fine embossing powder. One tip: Be sure the paint is totally dry before stamping, in order to get a crisp stamped image.
Acrylic blocks come in all shapes and sizes, giving you lots of options. Here’s a square block stamped with Aqua Duck Egg and stamped with a leaf image from Eclectica ESN41.
You can also layer one block of paint onto another. The card below has a rectangle of Mustard Pickle at the bottom left, with a square of Aqua Duck Egg at the top right. There’s also a spattering of Autumn Fire paint.
Spattering paint is easy and adds a fun bit of contrast, especially when the spatters extend past the stamped shape of the block. I’lI start with an Aqua Duck Egg block print—
When that was dry, I added a spattering of watery paint on top. I’m using Autumn Fire for contrast.
Simply load the waterbrush or paintbrush with watery paint, hold the brush perpendicular to the paper, and tap the barrel of the brush.
Here’s another look at the card:
I stamped the “dream” word with Pinecone and clear-embossed it for texture. Some gold embroidery thread adds a touch of texture and softness.
That’s it—easy! And, it’s a great way to put your paints and blocks to use for easy and colorful backgrounds.
Enjoy! Since next week is school holiday, I’ll see you again in two weeks’ time!
