Creating backgrounds for a masterboard

Last month I tried to create a masterboard using paint and stamps, including those I made from styrofoam, but the project took on a mind of its own.

For Day 6 of AEDM, I'm starting with some of my handmade shimmering mists, as well as my choice of paper.  I've mentioned before that you should choose your paper (which is the substrate) based on how you are going to use your backgrounds or masterboard.  If creating ATCs, moos, or inchies, heavy cardstock weight paper is probably best.  The cardstock can be either 12 inch by 12 inch (what I'll be using) or a different format, depending on what country you live in and what is available in your area.

For postcards, you need even heavier paper, such as 300 lb. watercolor paper.  If you choose to layer part of the masterboard over a greeting card substrate, consider using printer/copier paper, which will keep the cost of mailing the card down.

My friend Sally was getting rid of this.  I'm not sure what it's called, what it was originally intended for, or where it came from, but it reminded me of plastic canvas, only with larger windows.  Since she didn't want it, I brought it home, and am finally going to see if it will make a background or a mess.  It is a bit rubbery, so it will wash well, too.

I smoothed the folds out over one of the substrates, and had a second one ready to lay over the top.

With the overlay in place, I sprayed various shimmering mists on the paper.  While the paper and the overlay were still wet, I laid the second cardstock on top and pressed lightly.

When I turned the top page over, all I could say was "oh WOW."  I'm in love.  In love with this technique, that is.

I got five backgrounds or the first layer of a masterboard out of this one bit of spraying, and it took practically no time at all.  The hardest part was getting the various sprays to spray properly before everything dried.  I'm sure anyone who has used those sprayers/misters has had trouble at least once!

Next, I added a different rubber piece to the mix and sprayed.  Once again, I liked the second paper I laid over the rubber circle even better than the one that sprayed through the rubber piece.

I forgot to show the piece I used for a second layer, and washed it before I took a photo.  Here it is after it was washed and dried.  Remember, sprays should be cleaned off any mask or stencil after use or the moisture from the spray mists could activate the previous colors.  That could be a good thing or a disaster, depending on the colors you activated.

I hope you enjoyed this new background technique, brought on by a piece of rubbery material that was headed for the recycle bin.  I will add it to my Tutorials page so you'll have it for future reference.  

Today is Day 6 of AEDM and I created some backgrounds that can be turned into a masterboard.  As always, I appreciate your visit and continued support of this month's projects.