Need More Background Ideas...Let Me Help!

Do you ever struggle with what kind of background to add to your cards? I used to until I figured out these 3 tips that incorporate a stamp set that includes images and text...

   1) Stamp a tone-on-tone background using the images, sentiments or both!

   2) Use your stylist to create an embossed checked or lined pattern.

   3) Use the text in the set to create a contrasting background.

My card to day is going to include #3 and used the A Child is Born stamp set from the September Mini Catalog.

I began with an A2 Basic White card base.  I used Misty Moonlight ink to stamp various sentiments from the set on the front of the card.

Tip: I start with the largest sentiment, then work down to the smallest sentiment to fill in the white space.

I heat embossed the manger and stars on a piece of card stock cut by the Textured Note dies. On a separate piece of paper, I embossed baby Jesus and only a portion of the Holy Family image. I used gold embossing powder for all of these images.  

I colored the images using my Stampin' Blend Markers, then put a light watercolor wash over the panel using Misty Moonlight ink. 

I cut a slit in the manger, fussy cut Baby Jesus and placed him in the manger. I also stamped a few stars around the embossed ones and adhered this panel to a Misty Moonlight card stock panel. I adhered both panels a little off to the right on the card front to create interest to finish off my card.

If you haven't tried this background idea, I hope you will give it a try!  I think you will be happy with the outcome!