How to Create Mixed Media Backgrounds for Your Cards

Creating mixed media backgrounds is one of the most fulfilling ways to express creativity in cardmaking, and it’s a fantastic way to showcase your favorite tools and techniques. In this project, I flipped my usual process by starting with the background, rather than the focal point. The emphasis here is on the Script Text BetterPress Plate, an intricate design with a vintage, not-quite-legible script that adds the perfect textured backdrop.

🛠 Step-by-Step Instructions

• Start with the Background: For this project, the focus was the Script Text BetterPress Plate. Begin by die cutting an oval template using the Scallops and Stitched Edge Ovals die set. Save the oval itself, but use the negative panel (with the oval opening) as an inking guide.
• Ink with BetterPress: Place the panel over the Script Text BetterPress Plate and use Best Ever Craft Tape to hold it in place. Ink only the oval opening using Black BetterPress ink on Porcelain BetterPress Paper.
  • ✨ Tip: Save your inking guide with your BetterPress plate – it’s reusable!
  • 📌 Link to my blog post: 9 Tips, Tricks and Insights for Spellbinders BetterPress System for lots of helpful advice.
• Important: Remove the inking guide before running the plate through your Platinum 6 machine.
  • 🐢 Tip: Use “SUPER SLOMO” speed to get the best letterpress impression.
• Add a Watercolor Wash: Apply a light Salty Ocean watercolor wash to the center oval portion of your letterpressed background. Let dry completely.
• Stamp Texture: Using Hero Arts Mixed Textures Stamp Set, ink up some paint splatter stamps with Salty Ocean and lightly mist the stamp with water for a more vintage look. Stamp the background 3-4 times.
• Add Paint Splatters: Use a fan brush to add Salty Ocean paint splatters for added depth.
• Distress the Panel Further:
  • Dilute Salty Ocean on your craft mat.
  • Dab a small portion the background panel into the ink pool 3–4 times.
  • Let the ink run slightly for an authentic mixed media effect.
• Die Cut Blooms: Use the Layered Wildflower die set by Lisa Horton to create floral accents. This entire project features elements from Lisa Horton’s Wildflower Collection.
• Sentiment Touch: Use a “For You” wax seal from a previous Wax Seal of the Month Kit.
  • 💡 Tip: Keep a bowl of pre-made wax seals in your craft room to easily find the perfect sentiment.
  • 📌 Link to my blog post: 18 Tips and Tricks for Making Wax Seals
• Final Touches:
  • Die cut the background panel using Nesting Postage Stamp Infinity Dies.
  • Mount onto printed paper from the Paper Roses Blueprints paper pack.

💌 Bonus Project: Layered Die Cut Background

For a second card using the same supplies:

• Begin with a plaid base in navy, merlot, and aqua. This was cardstock I bought at a Cardmaking Convention.
• Layer a Merlot scallop oval, Nautical Navy oval, and a Waterfall stitched oval using the Scallop and Stitched Edge Ovals dies and ColorWheel Cardstock.
• Spotlight a single merlot wildflower die cut from Lisa Horton’s Layered Wildflower set.
• Add a gold bow (included in the die set) for a subtle accent.
• Finish with a “From the Heart” sentiment — a versatile option, perfect for sympathy cards.

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I hope you found some inspiration today.

Thanks for stopping by!