Painting With Cardboard

I am always looking for fun techniques to add to my cards. There are so many ways to created interesting backgrounds using other mediums. Today I am using cardboard (toilet paper tube) and paint! You could also use lengths of empty wrapping paper tubes.

You may have done this with your kids to paint fireworks in the summer, or flowers in the spring. I am using this for bursts of love in February! 
First of all I chose my sweet image from Sweet n' Sassy Stamps' Valentine Critters Stamp & Die Bundle. I stamped on Georgia Pacific White cardstock with VersaFine Onyx Black ink and embossed with WOW! Clear Detail Embossing Powder. I colored him with Copics and then cut him out using my Big Shot. Next I cut my toilet paper tube into strips about an inch and a half deep.

I chose my paint colors to match tones in the image coloring. I used inexpensive acrylic paint for my two-tone background, painting large circles to "stamp" my cardboard in. I started with the lighter color, pink, and then used the same tube for the red.

The key here is to have a light touch when you pounce on your paper. Sometimes I would have too much force, and then I got a few blobs of paint.

Pounce as many times as you like to get the look you want. I wanted a more open look, so kept my pouncing to 3-4 times.

I made a couple of sheets and will save the other pieces for another project later. I did find, on my second sheet, that the look is different depending on the color you begin with. I started with the red the second time, and put pink on top. Just experiment and see what you like! These photos are from the first sheet.

Finally, I added some patterned paper from Authentique, lace, and stamped the sentiment when the paint was dry. I popped my bunny up using Stampin' Up Dimensionals. I think he turned out pretty cute, don't you? In front of a burst of love!