My Go-To Background Technique—With a Twist You’ll Want to Try

Ever find yourself stuck on what colors to use? That was me recently—completely uninspired and unsure where to start. I mentioned it to a crafty friend, and she gave me the best advice: look at a piece of patterned paper for inspiration.

Hello My Friend Card by Juliana Michaels featuring Tim Holtz Stampers Anonymous June Curation and Distress Oxide Stamp and Smudge Technique

So I went to my stash of patterned papers, which I'll admit is quite small compared to some. As I looked through them, I came across the Tim Holtz Abandoned Paper Pack and as I flipped through the papers I found a piece that instantly sparked something in me. The colors, the mood—it was exactly what I needed!

That inspiration led me back to one of my favorite background techniques: Stamp & Smudge using Distress Oxide Inks. But this time, it felt brand new!

WHAT TO EXPECT

In the video, I share the following tips, tricks & techniques:

How I pulled the color palette from the patterned paper
The Stamp & Smudge technique in action
Tips for selecting your stamps and laying them for a balanced background
A look at the Tim Holtz Stampers Anonymous June Curation stamps

It’s amazing how one little nudge—thanks, friend!—can turn creative block into something beautiful. I hope this twist inspires you too.

WATCH THE VIDEO

You can either watch the video below or head over to my YouTube Channel HERE to check it out.

Please feel free to use products from your stash to recreate something similar. However, if you are interested in any of the products I’m using, you can find the supply list with links down below. Using these links does not cost you anything extra and it helps support my business. It also allows me to continue offering free content and keep my class costs low. I appreciate your support!

Have questions? I'd love to know if you've ever tried using patterned paper as inspiration for your color combination? Are you inspired to try it now? Drop a comment below—I love hearing from you

SUPPLIES

Below you can find the supplies I used to create this card and the swatches. When you shop through those links and whether you purchase that exact item or something else entirely, you’re supporting me at no extra cost to you. The commission I receive helps me cover the costs of my blog and other expenses, and allows me to continue to provide you with FREE inspiration and tutorials. If you want to learn more about what an affiliate link is, you can see my full affiliate and product disclosure statement here. Thank you so much for your love and support!

DISCLOSURE

FTC COMPENSATION DISCLOSURE STATEMENT
I am blessed to work in an industry I love. In the spirit of full disclosure, I am currently working as a freelance designer in some capacity for the following companies: Scrapbook.com and Tim Holtz. While I am compensated by these companies, either monetarily or in product, I maintain the freedom as an independent designer to say what I truly think of their products. I will never recommend something that I don't personally use and enjoy.

My site does incorporate affiliate links. The affiliate programs I use include Scrapbook.com, Simon Says Stamp, Sizzix, Ranger Ink, and Amazon. By using affiliate programs, that means I receive a commission when products are purchased through links here at this blog. This is at NO additional cost to you and, as I stated above, I only share what I love and use.

COPYRIGHT ©2024 JULIANA MICHAELS
The designs, images, and instructions listed on this blog are for personal use only and may not be distributed or sold in any form without specific permission from Juliana Michaels. You're welcome to link to 17turtles or use a single image with a brief description to link back to any post. Republishing posts in their entirety is prohibited. Feel free to pin on Pinterest!