2016 #20 Patchwork Backgrounds {by Anneke de Clerck}

2016 Topic 20: Squares and Grids

Hi everyone Anneke here.

I'm happy to be back here tonight with a post about "Squares and Grids". For this topic I've created patchwork backgrounds made from inchies. If you follow my blog you'll know I did inchie backgrounds before. It's a really fun and easy way to add interest to a project. In the past I've punched inchies out of coffee filters, tissue paper, painted paper scraps...This time I've chosen to work with patterned paper. I've created a set of tags using JOFY stamps and the paper piecing technique.
Let's get started.

Step 1: I dug up my leftover scrapbook paper and punched out a bunch of inchies to start with.

Step 2: I worked on 3 Manilla Tags (size 9). I picked 6 or 7 colors for each tag and tried different color combinations until I was pleased with the result. I made a mix of patterned paper and plain paper. 

Step 3: To attach the inchies I've chosen double sided tape. A quick and easy method if there are lots of inchies to glue down.

Step 4: I worked from the bottom to the top and removed the 'backing' on the go. 

Step 5: To tone down the background before stamping I glued tissue paper to each tag using Golden Polymer Medium. On the left you see a background without tissue paper, on the right one with tissue paper on top.

Step 6: I stamped greenery on the tags using various stamps from stamp sets....

JOFY 09

and JOFY 42 

Step 7: I wanted to repeat the patterns from the background on the focal piece. So I've chosen the paper piecing technique to decorate the girl. I stamped the girl on pink paper using Archival Ink Jet Black, cut out and used this as a base to glue the dress, boots and hair on. Hair, dress and boots were cut out of paper that matched with each background.

Step 8: I colored the flowers, leaves and grass with Faber Castell PITT artist pens and acrylic markers.

Step 9: I drew on the tag with a white pen.

Step 10: I added shading to the girl using a black pencil.

Step 11: Each tag was decorated with a few matching pompoms. On the dresses I added enamel dots using Tim Holtz Enamel Accents.

I usually work with paints or inks to create backgrounds but from time to time I like to work with patterned paper as well. Making this set of tags was kind of time consuming but I'm pleased with the result so it was worth the effort.

I love the effect of the tissue paper on the patchwork backgrounds. I could have used a layer of gesso instead but this would have hidden the patchwork backgrounds too much in my opinion. If you fancy using this technique make sure to let the tissue paper air dry entirely before stamping and coloring on it. 

This technique is a perfect way to use up scraps by the way! I'm sure we all have lots of patterned paper scraps we never use anymore. But his technique would work well with scraps of painted paper or scraps of gelli plate prints as well. I hope I inspired you to grab your inchie punch :) 

I would love to see what you create, so join the challenge. 

Thanks for stopping by!

Anneke

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I really love the idea of the tissue paper to soften the grid background! I imagine it must also give you a fairly smooth and even stamping surface too for the next layers! Your little dots of enamel accents, and the shading brings it all to life so beautifully, what a lovely way to spend an afternoon with some JoFy stamps! Thankyou! ~Leandra

All of our bloggers love to see your twist on their ideas,  particularly if you were inspired directly by their post, so if you can spare a moment to comment or make your own creative item, they love to see your feedback and what do do more than you realise!

We would love to see how you interpret this Squares and Grids topic by linking what you make to our 2016 Challenge #20: Squares and Grids, on this page HERE. The 'Squares and Grids' link will close 17:00 (London Time) Sunday, Oct 30th 2016. The winner will be announced 2  hours later at 19:00.

All links go in the draw to win a £50 voucher to spend on products of your choice from the PaperArtsy online store.