Batik Backgrounds

Today I was working on creating Batik backgrounds. This technique, like so many other techniques, isn't hard, but it does take some time. For this card, I used Very Vanilla, Mango Melody, and Old Olive cardstocks. For the ink, I used Mango Melody, Old Olive, and Poppy Parade. I also used the Stitched Shapes and Wild Rose dies and the Brick and Mortar embossing plate. All of these supplies are from Stampin' Up!

Unfortunately, I wasn't thinking while I was working on this and didn't take any process pictures to share with you. Hopefully, the description is enough to help you understand the technique.

I started by cutting a dozen or more leaves from Very Vanilla cardstock. I used non-permanent glue on the back of these leaves and stuck down a single layer of leaves on a piece of Very Vanilla cardstock. If you look at my finished card, the leaves that are still vanilla were where I placed this first layer of cut-out leaves.

Using sponge daubers, I added Mango Melody ink in very areas of the paper, sponging right over the leaves that were adhered to the piece of paper. However, I didn't cover the whole piece of cardstock with ink. Then I did the same with Poppy Parade ink, filling in the rest of the blank areas and overlapping the Mango Melody ink in some areas. 
It will be very tempting, but don't remove this first layer of leaves yet!

You should still have plenty of leaves left over that you didn't attach in the first step. I added these leaves in a second layer over the first leaves. Now, your leaves from the second layer will overlap those from the first layer. 

Repeat the inking steps you did before, but this time, use Poppy Parade and Old Olive ink. When you are done, carefully remove the leaves to reveal the beautiful batik background. 

I used a couple of the leaves that I had used as masking for an embellishment under the greeting. I also used some of those leaves on a second card as well. 

I love the batik technique and think it is worth the extra time it takes to create. I'd love to hear about your own experiences with this technique and see your projects, so leave a comment below.