Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Taylored Expressions August Studio Challenge


Hello! It's time for the August Taylored Expressions Baker's Dozen Studio Challenge. This is a monthly opportunity for us to share what makes our stamping studios hum. Each month we have a fun, crafty question so we can share our favorites, some tips and tricks, stamping advice and more.


The question for August is:
The Sky's the Limit! There are so many ways to create sky backgrounds for our cards and projects. So often, our blog readers are left staring at a beautiful sky and asking "How'd she do that?". Show us one of your favorite ways to create a pretty sky background and make sure we know how to recreate it!

Typically, when I create a sky background, I use the Cloud Border die and either sponge or stipple my clouds. This is by far my go-to method. I've been in a little creative funk lately, so I decided to try something different. I attempted to create a mixed media sky background for my card today.


I used part of the Beach Border die (palm trees and hammock) and the sentiment is from Hangin' Out - At the Beach. I didn't want to cover up my entire background, so I kept this fairly clean & simple.

Here's a little step-by-step on how I created my background. First I started with a Gelli Arts 8x10 printing plate and a few different colors of acrylic paint. I brayered on the paints then pressed Choice Snow White cardstock directly on to create my patterned paper. Some times I use white cardstock, some times watercolor or mixed media paper. You can pretty much use whatever you'd like - the results vary depending on the type of paper you use as different types of papers receive the paint differently.


I kept pressing cardstock onto the printing plate until all of the paint was gone/dried up. The process is very simple: 1) press cardstock down to get an imprint, 2) use brayer to redistribute paint, 3) repeat until paint is dried up. I was able to get 3 prints. Notice that each sheet is unique.


I took one of the sheets of paper of that I'd just created, cut it to the size I wanted for my card, then I started adding clouds using molding paste. To create my cloud "stencils", I used the Cloud Duo die. I kept adding clouds, letting each layer dry in between.


Next, I wanted to apply a bit more texture, so I randomly added more clouds around and over my molding paste clouds. This time I used fiber paste. Again I had to wait between applications to let each layer dry, then I added more clouds until I was satisfied with end result.


I wanted to have a little more "artsy" look to my background, so I painted some gesso around the clouds and in the lower sky. I also spritzed on some Sea Glass glimmer mist before the gesso dried. The result was some random streaking as well as sparkle & shine (which unfortunately doesn't show in the photos).


Please be sure to visit these Baker's Dozen Designers to see how they create sky backgrounds:


Thanks so much for stopping by!

Supplies from the TE store:


Stamps: Hangin' Out - At the Beach (TE)
Paper: The Pier (Crate Paper), Choice Snow White, Choice Kraft (TE); Smokey Shadow (PTI)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Taylored Dies: Beach Border, Cloud Duo (TE); Gel printing plate (Gelli Arts), Paint (Martha Stewart), Gesso, Molding paste, Fiber paste, Sea glass glimmer mist (Tattered Angels), Foam tape, Thread, Sewing machine.