Altenew Academy Level 2: Beyond Basic Backgrounds

I was so pleased to learn that I passed my Level 1 Final Exam Project so I am able to start on Level 2.  The first course I took in Level 2 is Beyond Basic Backgrounds.  My two favorite lessons were Perfect Spacing and Water Bleaching.  Lydia Evans had great projects and tips and I was inspired to create a pattern stamped background.  These rainboots are a favorite stamp and I thought they would make a cheery get well card. 

In Lesson 2, we learned how to use a grid to evenly space our images.

• I made an "X" on my panel by using a clear ruler.  I lined up the top edge in the upper left corner and the bottom of the ruler in the bottom right corner and then I drew a light pencil line.  I repeated this from top right to bottom left.
• I then stamped my boot in the center of the X so I could decide how to space the rest of the images.  
• I chose to space my lines 7/8" apart, so I used my ruler to draw lines parallel to my first "X" 7/8" apart.
• Once my grid was complete, I started freehand stamping with an acrylic block by placing a boot in the middle of each intersection.  
• Once the ink was dry, I used a good eraser to erase my grid and then Copic colored in a variety of colors.
• I finished by adding a black heat embossed sentiment strip and mounting on a fog A2 card base. 

After studying my card, I wondered if the spacing was too close so I decided to make a second card adding an additional 1/8" so that my grid lines were 1" apart.  I was surprised to see that 1/8" really changed the layout of the card!  On the second card I added a die cut sentiment that fit in between the boots.

Here is a side by side of the 7/8" and 1" spacing.

I wanted to include this process photo also as it has the gridlines still intact.

Supplies used:

Altenew Garden Grow stamp set

Altenew Jet Black Crisp Die Ink

Tim Holtz Clear Ruler

Pencil

Arch Foam Eraser

I am so pleased you stopped by.  Let me know which spacing/card you like better.

Karen