The bubble background has been created by gently pressing the paper into bubbles that have been blown in a mixture of diluted paint and washing up liquid. The technique is very easy to adapt, simple variations will give an almost endless supply of backgrounds. Large bubbles create big, wide circles on the page, whereas small bubbles create a texture that looks like foam.
The bubble effect works well as a backdrop for many rubber stamping projects. Pink toned bubbles are great for girly themed stamping projects, vibrant oranges would be great for a 70's feel and a very pale color would create a sophisticated feel.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: Quick
Here's How:
- See this Step by Step guide for more detail and photographs.
Gather materials together. Cover the work surface with newspaper to protect it against drips. - Dilute the paint with a little water in a small bowl. The paint should be runny, yet still give a strong color. Half a cup of diluted paint will be fine for this project. Add a squirt of dish washing liquid to the paint mix (this is not a precise technique - the amount of dish washing liquid will depend on the brand used and the desired finished effect).
- Use the straw to blow bubbles into the bowl. The bubbles will rise above the rim of the bowl. Press the paper into the bubbles, allowing the bubbles to 'pop' against the paper. When the bubbles pop they leave a circular impression on the paper.
- Continue to blow bubbles and press the paper into the bubble mass until the desired effect is achieved. Leave the paper to one side to dry.
- Incorporate the finished designs into rubber stamping projects as required. Enjoy!
Take a look at this Fish Card for an example of how this technique has been incorporated into a stamping project.
Tips:
- Different effects can be achieved by building up patterns of different colors or using colored background papers.
- This is also a fun technique for children and could be a great vacation or rainy day activity. Give a youngster a pile of paper and the paint mix and allow them to come up with a pile of bubble background papers to keep you in supplies for months to come.
- Although this is a very simple technique, there are one or two common sense precautions that ought to be taken. Blowing bubbles in paint is a messy activity, therefore ensure that the work surface is covered – and do remember to blow and not suck into the mixture!
What You Need:
- Tempera paint
- Dish washing liquid
- Drinking straws
- Small bowl
- Paper or cardstock
- Old newspaper or cloth to cover work area
