Friday, March 4, 2011

Layered Background

Happy Friday everyone!

I finally had some time to watch Shari's technique video, showing how to make a watercolored, layered background. I tried 3 different times to get the correct results, with no luck! So I decided to try and do it without watercolor paper.




I stamped the Old Letter Writing and white embossed. Instead of using an acrylic block to get color in the background, I distressed over the embossed text with Old Paper and Antique Linen distress inks. I then stamped the Graph Background with Soft Sand shadow ink. The Fern was then inked up with four different colors, spritzed with water and stamped. The Graph Background is also embossed in white on the white card base. The lace, flowers and gems are Hero Arts too, as well as the sentiment, which was cut apart to fit better with the design.

This was a fun one and I'm glad I didn't give up on trying to get a similar look to Shari's card.

Thanks for stopping by today! I want to thank everyone for the sweet, caring comments on my last post. It is so appreciated! Have a wonderful weekend!

36 comments:

Karina Beck said...

Good thing that you didn´t give up!! This is so pretty. I love the soft colours.

Dawn T said...

Just lovely Barb. Glad you did persevere. This is perfect. Love the soft blue matting

Sanne said...

Such a beautiful stamping here Barb love the colors on the ferns - gorgeous!

Scrumplescrunch said...

Well I am pleased in one respect Barb that you had the same problems as me with Shari's technique, I failed with the swooshing and the stamp, and inked it up as you did.
Your card is beautiful, the ferns are wonderful.
Smiles:)

Lynn said...

Well..it is stunning! I love the look...way to keep trying!

Cathy Fongjoyo said...

wowwww...lovely sweet card!!!

Brenda said...

Beautiful Barb! Those ferns look so real! Love the colouring! (I have to say that I really still struggle to bed down this technique, it just does not come out as clean as Shari's).

Lin said...

Wow, you did a great job with all the layers, Barb! Love the result. And thanks for your sweet comments on my last post.

Jennifer said...

This is beautiful, Barb...I too, am glad you didn't give up! Thanks for the tips, it's nice to know what you went through and how you remedied it :) Gorgeous card...
(Jenifer Ann)

Tanya said...

Barb, This is gorgeous, love all the layers and the colors! So sorry to hear about your friends son, I cannot imagine.

Vera Yates (Ling) said...

Wow, Barb! This is GORGEOUS! Love everything about this card!

CanadianScraps43 said...

I am so happy that you didn't give up either. This is so beautiful. I love the fact that you didn't give up too. I know it can be so frustrating when this happens. I love the soft muted tones that you used here and really love how the white embossed wording is peeking through. Your work is amazing and so inspiring.

Leni said...

Love the soft colors of the fern and how you placed it "under" the script!

Clare said...

So pretty - the way you used that technique is amazing! Making me want to come out of my beginner-inker shell and try something like that!
I also love the paper you chose to mat the stamping with - really makes it pop!

GrammySue's Creations said...

Hi Barb, this card is gorgeous and I am glad that you didn't give up on this card. You did a wonderful job.

ivy said...

this definitely looks like you got the layering thing down! wonderful layers!

Jacqueline said...

Love the colors you used on the ferns - this is a beauty!

Rosemary said...

it perfectly lovely, barb!

Tracey said...

Barb!!!!! This is GORGEOUS!!!!! shouting this :) You have sooo inspired me to give this challenge a try today!!!

Michelle said...

This is so pretty Barb! I just love the shaded ferns! Gorgeous wash of colour:-)

Joy said...

So love your layered stamping on this card Barb, a total beauty, the softness of your card is truly stunning!

alexandra s.m. said...

Well, I'm glad you didn't quit because the result is superb!!

Pajalu said...

Wow what a stunning card Barb!!! I am so glad that you didn't give up :D, this is one gorgeous card xoxoxoxo

Anonymous said...

This is so beautiful Barb!! I'm glad you didnt give up because you did an amazing job! The background is stunning :)

Anette said...

Advanced stamping, Barb! This turned out gorgeous!

Anne said...

Beautiful card Barb- love all the different colors on the fern and great layers of stamp here!

Sue McRae said...

Love your multi-coloured ferns on your soft background, so pretty Barb!

Tina said...

Barb, your stamping is perfect! The colours of the ferns are great on the elegant BG.

Nat said...

beautiful layers, love the colours and mix of stamps. The added lace and flower is perfect for this design!!

Anonymous said...

I love that layered background so much, Barb! Your card turned out absolutely beautiful!

Kathy (krolski) said...

Barb, this is just gorgeous!! I'm glad you didn't give up trying either because this is beautiful!!

Suzanne C said...

Wonderful background. Love the effect of the grid with the ferns. Beautiful!

Tiffany Ervin said...

Wow! This is really stunning! And love that effect on the background! I haven't had too much success with watercolor looks, especially with a paintbrush, I just can never get enough impact on the colors I want, I'll have to give it a try again!

Michelle said...

I love this layered card, Barb!! It's beautiful! I'm going to check out those stamps now!

stampingandstitching said...

Wonderful card, Barb! Your layered bg is fab and I love your embellishing!

Ellie Knol said...

Don't say that you don't make beautiful cards!
This is gorgeous!