Creating a background is such a completely satisfying process. Without
relying on pretty patterned paper for the layout, anything is possible. I
am the first to admit, a blank 12' canvas can be a bit intimidating but
also so exciting. My best advice, "just go for it." I just had to start
even though I didn't know exactly where my project would end up. I
began by simply picking a stencil and color scheme.
A Closer Look:
Directions:
1. Prepare the canvas by securing the stencil to the canvas in 5-6 spots using double sided tape. Spray 1-2 squirts of mist (because a little goes a long way) and while firmly holding the stencil, work the paint into the canvas with a make-up sponge. Continue to apply additional colors and blend.
2. Next, dry emboss white cardstock with a damask pattern and then apply Distress Ink on the raised image. Tear one edge of the embossed paper and then brush on a generous swipe of Crackle Paint so that it just peaks out the sides when the photo is attached. Allow it to dry thoroughly before mounting the photo on the embossed card. Tear one edge of the velum paper and mount the photo cluster onto it.
3. Stamp the Vine Silhouette image onto cardstock with VersaMark ink, sprinkle embossing powder, and heat emboss. Cut the embossed image in half, tear both edges, and adhere it vertically behind the photo cluster.
4. After the canvas is dry, prepare your stamps using an acrylic paint dabber. Stamp randomly over the misted canvas with three different images. Remember to check to see that the stamp is evenly inked and look for any excess ink that should be removed so that it doesn't spoil the impression. Also, you may like to dab your finger along the outer edges of the stamp to lighten the applied ink so the image will have a gradual fade out and a more distressed look.
5. Finally, (the best part)...embellish the layout with rose trim, lace, butterflies, gems flourishes, charms, chipboard bird, and a title or quote. I stamped leaves onto transparency and embossed them in silver. Lastly, I stamped a quote onto transparency and heat embossed it with silver powder so that I had the ability to place it on the layout over dry embossed textured paper that would have been impossible to stamp on directly. To finish off the layout, lightly dust the edge of the canvas with a hint of pink chalk.
Supplies: 12x12 Canvas Scrapbook Page-Linnie Blooms,
leaf vine stencil-Prima, pink/teal/lavender mist-Perfect Pearls Spray,
silver acrylic paint dabber-Ranger, damask embossing folder-Darice,
Tattered Rose Distress Ink-Ranger, Tattered Rose Crackle Paint-Ranger,
Script Border stamp set-Heidi Grace, Flourish Script stamp-Ditto, Silhouette Spray stamp-N180 Stampendous, Fern Background stamp-Posh Impressions, Possibility stamp-Tim Holtz Stampers Anonymous, VersaMark
ink-Tsukineko, transparency, Pearl & Silver embossing
powder-Stampendous, heat gun, vellum, blush rose trim-American Crafts,
butterfly embellishments, skeleton leaves, chipboard, gems, charms,
chalks- Inkadinkado
Don't forget to stop by the
LB Shop to see all the wonderful canvas products.
If you feel nervous or uncertain about the placement of the stamped images, stamp your chosen design on scratch paper multiple times. Cut them apart and use them to plan your stamping to see what works. Try different arrangements before taking the big leap to stamp directly on the canvas. Keep in mind that, using 3 repeated designs in a triangular formation around the focal point is the ideal number for balance, as groups of odd numbers are the most appealing. If you still can't decide between placements, you can photograph the different layouts to compare them on the computer screen side by side. This takes the guess work and uncertainty out of stamping so you can get back to creating. By taking a few moments to do these preparations, you will be happier with the final result.
