dark abstract backgrounds
dark abstract backgrounds
Backgrounds which clash with or overshadow your pictures can spoil the effect of a lovely scrapbook, so how can you be sure to preserve your memories by creating a scrapbook as beautiful as they are? The best page backgrounds pick up colors from the photographs displayed. It can be difficult to do this with a store bought background, but it is very easy to achieve yourself.
Choose two colors from the background of the photographs you are using and match these to a watercolor ink (Tim Holtz Ranger Distress ink is a good one) Dab the ink pads themselves onto plain card, then use a slightly damp cloth to spread the ink in swirls at random around the page. Leave it to dry and repeat with another color, or let the two watercolor ink's run together. If you want your page to reflect a particular theme, create an abstract pattern with the ink pads and a damp cloth or brush, then, once that has dried, use one color of ink and an appropriate stamp to stamp evenly across the surface of the page. Acrylic stamps are especially useful for this as the transparent mount makes it really easy to see exactly where the stamp is going.
Another approach is to dab the ink pads on the page and follow with a small damp sponge. (A cosmetic sponge will do) If the ink is wet enough you should be able to place another sheet of card on top of the original sheet, rub them together and then pull apart, leaving an abstract, swirling colored background behind. (This works better on card than on paper which may be too thin). Creating two pages at once is ideal for a two page layout. Finish your scrapbook background with a stamped embellishment in the top left of one page and the bottom right of the other. A swirl or other general ornament is great for general purpose pages, or choose something appropriate to your theme. The size of the stamp should be proportional to the size of the photographs you intend to include. Stamping the same motif at the top right and bottom left tells the eye to move across both pages and creates a unified two page layout.
What if things go wrong? One of the glories of this method is that even if you don't like the effect of the water color inks on the whole page, you'll find the pattern pleasing somewhere. Cut out the portion you like and use it to create a cut out or a mat for a photograph. In scrapbooking, nothing is ever wasted! You'll find the method works just as well for dark colored card as it does for white, cream and pastels. Use light colored inks on dark colored card for a very different look using exactly the same method.
While watercolor inks are very effective for this type of abstract background, colored chalks can also be used. Use a purpose made chalk applicator rather than a damp sponge and you will find the colors spread and blend very well.
With only a little work you're guaranteed a background page that will enhance those precious pictures and provide an excellent base for the embellishments and journaling which will help complete your scrapbook and preserve your memories for many years to come. Why not give it a try? It's fun!
Creating your own backgrounds makes your scrapbook even more personal, but be careful to use the right type of watercolor distress ink. Ink pads, acrylic stamps and other scrapbooking supplies are available from from Dinglefoot.
dark abstract backgrounds
dark abstract backgrounds
dark abstract backgrounds
dark abstract backgrounds
dark abstract backgrounds
dark abstract backgrounds
dark abstract backgrounds
dark abstract backgrounds
dark abstract backgrounds
dark abstract backgrounds
dark abstract backgrounds
dark abstract backgrounds
dark abstract backgrounds
dark abstract backgrounds
dark abstract backgrounds
dark abstract backgrounds
