Wednesday, February 5

Tutorial - Patterned Paper Background


Patterned paper is one of the most popular items used to decorate backgrounds. It's versatile, accessible and comes in a huge variety of colours, patterns and designs. Today I want to show you a simple way to combine different papers to create fun backgrounds.


1. Start with two, three, or four pieces of patterned paper. I want to end up with 4" squares, so my papers measure 4" high by 41/2" wide. (The extra 1/2" will be trimmed away later).


2. Run a thin line of glue down each side of one piece of paper, then lay the other over the top to secure them together. If you are using multiple papers, continue this process until all pieces are joined together.


3. Use a large pair of scissors or a kraft knife to cut the paper into strips. You can make them any shape you like.


4. Break the strips apart and rearrange them so the colours alternate. Since you've cut them exactly the same, the strips will fit together like a jigsaw puzzle.


5. Glue or tape them onto a piece of base paper and trim to size. If desired, you can add some ink to the edges of all the pieces before reassembling. You might also like to run your complete piece through an embossing folder for a little more texture. Now they're ready to use on your cards!



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7 comments:

Mel C said...

Love this Beccy and you get two backgrounds!

Liz said...

Love this card Beccy, a very clever way of making a background.
Liz xx

Megan J said...

Hi Beccy, two gorgeous cards with our Fairy Wrens, love the wavy cuts for the background, I have been working on using up some of my scraps, a good way to fill in time when we have had storms and a black out. Thank you for the inspiration... Megan

karin said...

Great tip Beccy, thanks for it

Teresa said...

A fun way to get new and different backgrounds. Thank you.

Colinda said...

What a great way to use matching DP!! Beautiful cards!

Conniecrafter said...

Neat background and love the birds!