Introducing Background Basics: Spots & Dots

Lisa Johnson's stamp designs have been on fire lately , especially last month's new release, Life.  It has been fascinating to see her thought process evolve into amazing sets that customers truly appreciate.  Her new background building set is one of those that caught me by surprise.  Now, don't get me wrong.  I loved this set from the start.  But it wasn't until this month's countdown started that I was really able to appreciate just exactly what this set is capable of doing. 

In case you missed it, you need to see THIS and THIS!

When I began playing with the set, the first thing I wanted to do was make it look soft and vintage, which isn't the first thing that would come to mind when looking at these image in black & white.  I began by stamping this long pattern strip diagonally down the length of my Sweet Blush card front using Versamark ink. 

I was then able to go back in and add this single cluster of spots & dots in between the rows in select places.  The end result is a beautiful grid-type of pattern.  Pretty, isn't it!

(click the photo for a closer view)

Once my hand-stamped pattern paper was applied to my card front, I went in and used my paper piercer at the center of each cluster.  I really like the *homespun* look & feel that this small detail achieved.

Notice my little stitched monogram detail?  It was really easy to achieve and just took a few quick steps.  First, I stamped the monogram of my choice with sweet blush ink onto cream cardstock.  I used a paper piercer to create small holes along the lines of the letter.  These will be my stitching guides.

Use a small needle and three strands from a coordinating embroidery floss to do the stitching.  I use scotch tape on the back to hold the ends in place instead of fooling with a knot. This type of technique really makes a project look and feel more handmade, which I love to do when making a gift for someone.

 
I cut my monogrammed piece into a strip and notched the end.  A small slit in the background paper created a special resting place for it and adding a wonderful bit of special detail.  And don't you just love those Sweet Blush buttons!  (insert me swooning!!!)

(click photo for larger view)

This card was designed to go with a very special gift.  I created a matching stationery set, using Lauren's new April Timeless Template, From the Desk of. I thought this would be a beautiful gift for perhaps Mother's Day, a spring birthday or even for a new bride!

I honestly think it truly is her *BEST* one yet!  You would think that this might not be all too sturdy since it is after all made from paper, but it is REALLY rugged and would be very functional and have a lot of longevity.  I embellished the front of the box in the same way as the card. 

The divider that Lauren designed for the inside is SO professional looking.  There are so many fun ways you could fill this up!

(click photo for larger view)

The interior of the box holds notecards, envelopes & stationery sheets.  Both the notecards and the stationery sheets feature the same patterned strip I used to create the pattern above, only as a border.  The monogram is used as well.  Paper pierced holes accent the border, giving it a pretty vintage look.  I used linen resume paper for the stationery sheets, which worked out beautifully (and was inexpensive too!).

Now, as a drastic contrast, I wanted to show you another piece to this set with a more bold and modern card.  I stamped this image repeatedly using Palette Noir ink onto Vintage Cream cardstock.

I then used Copic markers to color in the dots, developing my own fun pattern.  Can you just imagine all of the different looks and color combinations you could use?

(click on photo for larger view)

Here is my completed birthday card.  Quite a different look from the first project, isn't it?  With the two projects I have shown you today, along with what Lisa has cooked up today, there is no reason not to add this power packed $15 stamp set to your cart Tuesday night!

Be sure to leave a comment on today's post to let me know what you think about this AMAZING background set that Lisa has brought to you!

One lucky winner will receive Background Basics: Spots & Dots for FREE!

This contest will end at 8am EST, Monday, April 13th.  The winner will be announced shortly thereafter, by noon EST on our April Release Prize Winner page.  Please play nice, only one entry per person.  Good luck!

 

Don't forget to check out Lisa's blog for more projects using this set!

Both Lauren & Kelly have projects to share using Lauren's new From the Desk of Template!  You will NOT want to miss these!

Dawn has some amazing projects to share using her new set, Scattered Showers.

Heather has a few more peeks as well into her new sets, All Star Team & Additions.

Monogrammed Stationery Set & Card
Stamps: Background Basics: Spots & Dots (available April 15th), Ambassoder Monogram Edition
Ink: Versamark, Sweet Blush
Paper: Vintage Cream, Sweet Blush, linen resume paper cut into 5.5 x 8.5" sheets (Office Depot)
Other: Sweet Blush Vintage Buttons, embroidery floss (DMC), paper piercer, Sweet Blush Grosgrain Ribbon
Finished Size: 6"H x 6"W x 2.5" D (stationery box), 3.75" x 5.5" (card)

Bold & Bright Birthday Card
Stamps: Background Basics: Spots & Dots (available April 15th), Handwritten Notes (sentiment)
Ink: Noir Palette, Frayed Burlap Distress ink (Ranger)
Paper: Pure Poppy, True Black, Vintage Cream
Other: Copic Markers, black pen (American Crafts)
Finished Size: 4" x 5.5"