The little things that make me happy here on Bliss Road~~Emily Keaton

Monday, February 25, 2013

Ways With Washi: BACKGROUNDS + a Giveaway


Happy Monday, DeNami friends! I am so happy to be checking in with another edition of my monthly feature for the DeNami Design blog, Ways With Washi!

Today I’m sharing ideas on ways you can use washi tape to create BACKGROUNDS on cards or other papercrafted projects. I’ve created three samples for your viewing pleasure, so let’s get to them!

On my first card, I used not one, not two, but EIGHT different washi tapes (all available from the DeNami store) to create a rainbow-striped panel perfect for backing these sweet St. Patrick’s Day chickies. To create the panel, I simply trimmed a piece of white cardstock to the desired size and adhered strips of washi tape to it, side by side, wrapping the tape ends around to the back. I know that some folks prefer their washi tape to look neat, and this is an easy way to hide ragged, jagged ends.

DeNami Supplies: Shamrock Chickies, Leaf Green cardstock, Red Stripes washi tape, Red Graph washi tape, Orange Stripes washi tape, Yellow/White Dots washi tape, Green Graph washi tape, Lime/White Dots washi tape, Blue Stripes washi tape, Purple/White Dots washi tape, Confetti Twine 3-pack

On my second card, I took a more artsy approach to my washi background, letting those ragged, jagged tape ends all hang out. I created this background by adhering strips of washi tape directly to my card base and overlapping the edges slightly. Did you notice that I stamped the sentiment directly onto the washi-tape background? Jet Black Staz-On ink is your best bet for that.

DeNami Supplies: Small Heart Outline, Happy St Patricks Day, Iridescent Emerald Green cardstock, Jet Black Staz-On ink, Green Graph washi tape, White Boutique Buttons   

Finally, on my third card I’ve used three different washi tape patterns to create a unique, almost quilt-like background. I simply cut a 4” x 4” square of white cardstock and adhered strips of washi tape in a concentric square pattern. The overlapped tape ends at the corners create subtle squares in the design that add to its overall visual interest!

DeNami Supplies: Heartfelt Greetings stamp set, Elegant Floral stamp set, Garden Accents stamp set, Magenta cardstock, Black Curly Loops washi tape, Pink/White Dots washi tape, Black Stripes washi tape   

And there you have it—three different approaches to using washi tape to create your own custom backgrounds!

GIVEAWAY

How would you like the chance to play around with some washi tape of your own? I have a brand-new roll of Green Graph Washi Tape from DeNami Design--the same tape that I used on my second project--that I'd love to give away to a reader of this post. Want to be in the running? Just leave me a comment on this post using the word "SHAMROCK." There's no need to be a follower of my blog to enter, but if you are a follower (or become a new follower!), you can have a second entry in the drawing--just leave me a second comment telling me that you are a follower and how you follow. :)

I'll leave commenting open until 11:59 p.m. EST on Wednesday, February 27, 2013, and will draw one "SHAMROCK"-using commenter or follower at random. The winner will be announced right here on my blog on Thursday, Feb. 28, and if I'm able to find an email address, I'll be sure to contact the winner as well.

Thanks for popping in, and have a super day!
Emily

52 comments:

Pam said...

These are all just amazing Emily!!! Love the backgrounds you've created, and the Shamrock Chickies are adorable!!!

Mary-Anne V said...

Wonderful creations with washi...love the shamrocks made using hearts.

Mary-Anne V said...

I am a follower using Google.

Auntie Em said...

Beautiful cards Emily! The first one with all the bright rainbow colours goes perfect with your adorable little St Patty chickens. The raggedy edges on the second one goes great with the buttons and simple image. Love it!
I didn't realize the pattern would show through the tape so well. I like how the stripes made the gingham pattern on the corners of the black and pink card.
As usual, your cards are all gorgeous and so inspiring. Great ideas with the tape!
Thank you for sharing your amazing work! Hope you have a great week! :)

Lisa Elton said...

Hail to the Queen! You are the royalty of Washi girl, love what you've done here!!! Your rainbow background, your divine quilted look and your sweeter than sweet shamrock complete with pretty little buttons ~ awesome!

Houses Built of Cards said...

So cool! Such fabulous ideas! LOVE your "shamrock" card! ;-)

housesbuiltofcards@gmail.com
www.housesbuiltofcards.blogspot.com

Benzi said...

I hope this doesn't post twice. Had a problem the first time.

I adore your cards, Emily. What great ideas for Washi tape. I'm sure I'm going to have to use some them.

I'm going to have to make my hubby a card with a shamrock or two included as he is from Irish descent.

Marisa said...

You are rocking the washi, Emily! Just love the first card with the rainbow theme and the little chicks surrounded by the shamrocks are soooo cute!! The second card is fabulous! Loving all that gree - swooning here LOL! Darlign stitching for the shamrock stem. Big, bold and beautiful on the last one - but alas no shamrock ;) Well done times three!!

Jingle said...

Emily, these are all so fantastic! I am particularly loving those adorable chickies with the shamrocks! SO FUN!

Stacy said...

These cards are fabulous! I really love the shamrock created from the hearts. It is so cute!

~Tammy~ said...

Emily, you are just amazing! I love love that! Oh you do have ways with Washi! I love the stuff! Awesome job!

Marlena M. said...

Emily, I LOVE THE RAINBOW background, the SHAMROCK card, and the quilt-like card. You are SO CREATIVE!!!

Denise Bryant said...

Fun cards and great ideas for using washi tape! I just bought a cute shamrock cupcake stamp and am looking forward to making some St. Pat's cards... the green graph washi tape would be perfect to use! Thanks for a chance to win a roll!
DeniseB

Denise Bryant said...

I am already a follower here!
DeniseB

Linda said...

Your cards are so colorful and cute! Great ideas with the tape...I might just have to try some soon! Also loved your stitching!

Miriam Prantner said...

Cute, cute cards! I really love how you showcased the washi!

Jessi Fogan said...

I guess it's not much of a surprise that I'm in LOVE with the rainbow background!! And of COURSE that fab multi-loop bow ;)
The concentric squares are amazing - I'm going to have to try that for sure. Such a different look! Don't you rock? Yes, yes you do :)

Sue D said...

Fabulous ways to use washi tape--love the rainbow effect on the SHAMROCK chickies card.
slrdowney at hotmail dot com

Sue D said...

I am a follower and love your SHAMROCK card.
slrdowney at hotmail dot com

newbie85 said...

GREAT cards and backgrounds!!! Love all the ideas!!! You INSPIRE us all! Thanks for teaching us how to use the tape so creatively and so beautifully!!!!

newbie85 said...

By the way, as an addition to my post, love the heart SHAMROCK on your second card!!!

Karenladd said...

Already a follower and wishing you a happy SHAMROCK day!!

Tracey McNeely said...

Hi Emily your cards are so amazing, that first one is very adorable those chickie are always so cute. I need to invest in some Denami washi tape. The SHAMROCK you created on your second card is so sweet. Thanks for the chance to win.

Tracey McNeely said...

This is my second comment and I am a follower of your blog Emily. I am really enjoying your segments on washi tape, now to make a SHAMROCK with that green tape, Hmmm.

Amy McCue said...

I follow your blog, so "Shamrock!"

Amy McCue said...

My husband is Irish, so you have to love the shamrock!!!

Bonnie said...

These tapes are really growing on me and these samples make me want some even more. Love the chicks with the shamrocks and the shamrock made from hearts!

SHartl said...

SHAMROCKS, pots of gold, and washi tape...my favorite things for March! Love your adorable cards as always and already a follower!!!

SHartl said...

I guess I was supposed to leave a 2nd comment to let you know that I follow on GFC!!

Unknown said...

ALL of your cards are great... but I'm in love with the Rainbow background you created on the Shamrock chickie card. It's to die for!

Sue Lelli said...

All Fantastic, Emily but if I had to choose, there is just something about the shamrock card that appeals to me the most! YOU my friend are the queen of washi!

MS said...

those are all fabulous! I love the colorful and bright colors on the 1st card and the 2nd is so fun, I love the ripped edges. I could see myself loving this card while drinking a McD's Shamrock shake ;)

MS said...

I follow via email and now by google follers (not sure why I did one and not the other!). Thanks for a chance to win!

Indy's Designs said...

SHAMROCK! I love your use of the tape!!!

Karenladd said...

SHAMROCK!! I forgot to leave a separate comment about following your blog!

Indy's Designs said...

I am so glad I came across your blog! Fabulous ideas! Just became a follower! :)

Julie said...

Your cards are super cute...now I have some ideas on the washi tape that I just had to buy, lol...

Mary Marsh said...

I really like how you are using the washi tape on these 3 fab cards Emily-love the chickies sporting their shamrocks-happy St Patty's day to you

Unknown said...

What a cute shamrock made from hearts on your second card! Love your washi tape ideas!

Unknown said...

I'm a new follower through Google!

Unknown said...

Hi Emily, Your cards are just as cute as can be.. I always enjoy taking a peek at your creations..

Hugs~

Greta said...

Shamrock! Wow Emily--these are all great, but the quilt is stunning! I don't have much Washi, but now that I see yours I think I could make could use of a roll from DeNami! Thanks for the chance.

Greta said...

Not sure why I wasn't a follower already, but I am now. I love your creative style--always something I can learn when I visit you. Thanks also for the sweet comments you leave me. This is my second Shamrock comment.

Carol L said...

Wonderful cards Emily! I clicked Brenda's link and came here to find more washi tape tips and beautiful cards! I'd be hard-pressed to choose a favorite, but that shamrock card is calling to my Irish side :)

Debbie Carriere said...

Emily, these are fantastic!! Love what you did with the washi tape!! Such great ideas!! Hope you are doing well :)

Suzanne said...

OOOOh EMILY!! I love them all but that first rainbow chicks card is so perfectly cute and sweet!

Maria said...

Gorgeous cards...all of them! Great use of washi tape! I must get mine out and use it! Take care!

Darnell said...

Your really are the Queen of Washi, Emily! It's so cool that you have your own segment and adorable banner!

Love that shamrock green tape!!

Darnell said...

I'm a follower. I follow you wherever you lead me. Happily. Via my blog roll.

Larissa Heskett said...

LOVING your BEAUTIFUL card!! THANKS for sharing this fun idea and have a FABULOUS WEEK!! =)

nwilliams6 said...

I love these washi tape posts you do - I have come to look forward to them actually! I am seriously going right now and buying some! Hugz!

Colleen Dietrich said...

Wow! You really know your way around washi tape, don't ya??

Love the rainbow of tape behind the chickies, the green shamrock beauty, and the drama of the black one, too. I can tell you're having so much fun with your special posts. :)