You Stamp My Background, I’ll Stamp Yours

Great backgrounds for rubber stamping projects can be created using a few basic techniques. It is simple to make rubber stamping backgrounds and create dramatic effects using supplies that are readily available without the need to buy any fancy equipment.

This is a great way to ensure the perfect backdrop for a rubber stamping project. Knowing how to create your own backgrounds gives you an almost endless supply of interesting and unique papers, while also saving money over shop bought papers. The backgrounds can be varied and adapted by using different color schemes and papers to create wonderful effects.

Bubble Backround

Bubble BackgroundThe wonderful bubble prints that this technique produces belies its simplicity. All that is required is paint, water and a squirt of dish washing liquid. This technique is fun to do and is ideal for a whole range of projects.

Go to ‘How To’ page

Create a Background with Chalk Shavings

Chalk shavings used to create a background for rubber stamping projectsChalk shavings create wonderful swirls and patterns on wet paper. Each sheet is totally unique and the effects range from subtle to dramatic.

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Cling Film and Inks

Background created with paint and clingfilmScrunched up plastic, such as cling film, creates complex textured backgrounds for rubber stamping projects and works well with ink or paint. This technique is easy to adapt and vary to create a wide range of results.

Go to ‘How To’ page

Doily Background

Card with a doily stencil backgroundThe humble paper doily can produce lovely lacy patterns when used as a stencil. This is ideal for many projects and is a versatile technique. This works particularly well with simple rubber stamping designs.

Go to ‘How To’ page

Tips for Using Backgrounds

  • Tear around paper to create textured edges. For a professional finish color the edges with a color to coordinate with the project.
  • Use paper punches to punch shapes from scraps of background paper to use as embellishments.
  • Keep a supply of scrap paper to practice with – old printer paper is ideal.
  • Simple rubber stamp designs look great with complex backgrounds, whereas detailed rubber stamp designs are complimented by more simple backgrounds. A very detailed stamp design combined with a complex background may look overly ‘busy’ whereas a simple stamp design and background may look ’stark’. However many fantastic effects can be achieved by disregarding all design rules – so experiment and see what works for you!

These project descriptions and photos are Copyright © Kate Pullen, a rubber stamping author at About.com.

2 comments


  1. Great techniques, I never thought of cling wrap!

    on August 13th, 2008 at 4:05 am
  2. great tutorials! love your blog :) thanks for sharing your creativity and knowledge!

    on August 13th, 2008 at 5:47 am

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