1 Background, 5 Projects: Easy Stamped Ideas for Cards, Tags & Art Journals
One question I am often asked is, “why do you art journal?”
There are many answers to that, but one of the main reasons is that it gives me space to play - with mediums, paints, sprays, and composition - without always needing a finished outcome in mind.
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That freedom to create, or simply play, is something I always come back to.
That then led me down a bit of a creative rabbit hole… how could I share that same love of background building — something rooted in art journaling — in a way that also works for card makers?
In this project, I wanted to see just how far one A4 background could go.
How to Create a Stamped Background
When I first thought about this idea, I wanted to bring in supplies that are often more associated with card making than art journaling — embossing powder felt like the perfect place to start.
For this background, I’m using my Be Not Afraid stamp set from Art Inspirations, which some of you may already have from the release.
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The background begins with simple, repeated stamping and embossing, followed by layers of colour and additional stamped detail.
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Once all the layers are built up, the question becomes… what next?
You could absolutely turn this into an art journal page.
…but what if you’re not into art journaling, and you still want to create your own backgrounds for card making?
Sometimes it’s easier to see the process, so I’ve shared the full video below. You can watch it here, or over on my YouTube channel.
What Can You Make from One Stamped Background?
I always like to see how far I can push a single background in my projects.
From this A4 page, I created four different panels:
- 5.5" (14cm) square to fit a 6"x6" (15cm) card base
- 3 3/4" x 5 3/4" (9.5cm x 14.5cm) to fit an A6 (4" x 6") card base
- 4.5" x 6 1/4" (11.5cm x 15.8cm) to fit a 5" x 7" card base
- 2 3/4" x 5.5" (7cm x 14cm) panel to create my tag
Card Ideas from One Stamped Background
In my YouTube video, I also show how you can create a mop-up piece to use for stamped embellishments and images. As it colour co-ordinates with the background, there is no worrying about if it will work.
For each card and the tag, I also simply inked the edges of each panel with a black ink pad - easy way to give the illusion of mats & layers - common practice for card making.
Square card
I have used one of the main focal images as my main focal point. This is the same image used to create the whole background. I added a stamped panel behind each photo film frame and added to the card front.
It was finished with a sentiment, a few stamped and cut out flowers & leaves.
A6 card
I kept the additional items on this card less cluttered. A simple film frame, sentiment and a few flowers + leaves.
5" x 7" card
I used the same focal image as for the square card but stuck it in place directly on to the background. As the border around the panel is wider than the A6 card, I felt I needed to bring in some extra stamped images which were left white.
This helps balance the card and prevents everything from blending into one piece - if that makes sense?
Bonus tag idea
Now this panel could have become another A6 card idea or part of a DL card but I felt it lent itself to become a tag - or maybe that's my creative bias!
As this is a tag, I did add additional stamping, in black ink, to the background to give it a note of difference from the cards. Then it was layering up the remaining stamped elements I had left.
What do you think of this idea?
For me, it’s a simple starting point, but one that can lead in so many different directions - whether you prefer art journaling, card making, or a bit of both.
You can watch the full process in the video above, or over on my YouTube channel HERE.
If you already have the Be Not Afraid stamps, this is a lovely way to explore just how versatile they can be.
Until next time, take care,
xxx
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