Dare to get Dirty!!!

Have you checked out the DARE TO GET DIRTY CHALLENGE ‘09 on Splitcoast? If you’re a SCS Fan Club member you can find out challenge information here. If you’re not a SCS fan club member, what are you waiting for? The challenges are fun!!! I am so thrilled to be hosting a Dirty Challenge for you today. My challenge for you is called "DP by ME" and all the information can be seen here.

For my card today I used Strawberries by Flourishes. There are NO designer papers used. All the backgrounds were stamped using images from the set, colored, shadowed, and sponged to create coordinating images to go along with this delicious focal image in the set. I used Flourishes Copic Color Collections in Buttercup, Daffodil, Dusty Rose, Poppy, and Fields. I used some Nestabilities and a touch of black gingham, with four little silver pearl domes that I colored with a permanent black sharpie.

Here are a few of the reasons I like to make my own designer paper.

• Sometimes it is frustrating to find coordinating papers that work with what I am doing. By the time I dig through my stash, I could have stamped a background to use.


• Also, many packs of designer papers often have a few patterns that I love and use up quickly only to be left with some patterns that I do not particularly like(I sometimes use those to created altered designer papers).


• By stamping backgrounds, I always have an endless supply of beautifully coordinated designer paper that works perfectly with the stamp set(s) I am using.


• I also stamp my own designer paper just because it is fun and I love to see what I can create!!

Here are a few of my background stamping tricks

• I work better in smaller areas. I often start with a 5 X 5 piece of white cardstock or the white side of some designer paper I do not like. My cards are generally 5.5 squared so this works for me.


• I choose images or backgrounds that I think will look good with my focal image.


• I often sponge the edges and sometimes sponge color throughout the background so that I can create some depth to the stamp images.


• Lately, the copic C1 has become a very useful tool to add shadow and dimension around images to make items pop and to give the illusion of dimension.


• I also love to add texture or the look of texture with a textured stamp.


• I love to layer some images. Not necessarily a collage look, but more layered patterns and textures to mimic designer looks.


• There are also times when I stamp a background and do nothing to it. Some images are perfect alone and require none of the above add touches. It really is a matter of person preference and style.

Hope this helps!!! I look forward to seeing all your wonderful designer "DP by ME" creations!!!

As always, thanks so much for stopping by!!!