Galaxy backgrounds are a fun way to play with your Distress Oxide Ink. They can be used on masculine or feminine cards depending on the base colours you use. In this masterclass, I have used more feminine colours to give a pink/purple/blue undertone to the galaxies, but you can mix it up and try a yellow/orange/red version or even green/blue/yellow to produce striking results. You can co-ordinate the base colour scheme to the recipient’s favourite colours too.

My preferred method to create a galaxy background is to start with a watercolour base coat of the vibrant colours. Once dry, use an ink-blending tool to add deep blue Distress Oxide Ink and black Distress Oxide Ink to re-create the darkness of a galaxy. Using regular Distress Ink instead of Black Soot Distress Oxide Ink creates the translucent effect – this means you don’t completely obliterate the bright colours beneath the surface, just tone them down a little. I also like to add three layers of stars; this adds more depth to the background.

My biggest tip for this masterclass is to leave the galaxy backgrounds to dry for 48 hours before attempting to heat-emboss onto them. You can dry them using a heat tool but letting them dry naturally really helps to ensure there is minimal moisture left in the cardstock. It is also a good idea to use an anti-static tool before heat-embossing to ensure you get a nice crisp embossed impression.

1

Select purple, pink and blue shades of Distress Ink to create the initial layer for the background

2

Squash each inkpad onto a glass mat, add water and use as a paint to create a galaxy background. Use a paintbrush to apply the colour in bands, for lighter and dark channels

3

Once the first layer is dry, use an ink-blending tool to apply deep blue Distress Oxide Ink and Black Soot Distress Ink. Apply more ink in some areas for a darker look as shown

4

Tap a little water using a small brush and leave to dry. Repeat using Nuvo Aqua Shimmer for added sparkle and leave to dry

5

For more prominent stars, flick watered-down white gesso onto the panel as shown. Leave to dry for 48 hours so the heat-embossing process will give a crisp finish

You’re a star Square Card
Create this card using My Favorite Things Written in the Stars stamp set, Distress inks, Gloss White Nuvo Crystal Drops & Nuvo Aqua Shimmer Glitter Gloss pen
Stamping1 min read12 Sep 2019
DISCOVER

You will need

  • white 12.5cm-square tent-fold card blank
  • white cardstock
  • My Favorite Things Written in the Stars stamp set
  • Lawn Fawn Simply Sentiments stamp set
  • Picked Raspberry, Shaded Lilac, Blueprint Sketch, Wilted Violet, Faded Jeans & Seedless Preserves Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Oxide Ink
  • Black Soot Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Ink
  • VersaMark inkpad
  • white embossing powder
  • white gesso
  • Gloss White Nuvo Crystal Drops
  • Nuvo Aqua Shimmer Glitter Gloss pen
  • Golden Years Nuvo Pure Sheen Confetti
  • white gel pen
  • ink-blending tool
  • heat tool
  • paintbrush
  • 3D foam pads
  • White 12.5cm-square tent-fold card blank
  • White cardstock
  • My Favorite Things Written in the Stars stamp set
  • Lawn Fawn Simply Sentiments stamp set
  • P

This article is tagged as:

Stamping Mixed media Contemporary Galaxy effect Masterclass step-by-step Distress Oxide Ink space inky backgrounds stars night sky Distress Ink watercolour PE166 Papercraft Essentials papercraft how-to