BOKEH BACKGROUND TECHNIQUE ~ LIZZY HILL

Hi there! Debbie kindly contacted me to ask if I'd like to share
with you lovely

scrappy folks how I create my BOKEH backgrounds.
You know, the sort of

'sun spot' look, like on these cards:

I was THRILLED to be asked & I hope you have a blast trying

it out!

I've created a very short video [under 4 minutes]!!!

But if you prefer a step by step, then keep reading:)

TUTORIAL

[NB: You can use any paper on hand, but I like to make my own!]

To create your paper, you will need the following:

Inks x 3 - I like to use 3 of a similar colour, but different tones.

Sponge or other applicator.

Rub the inks in at random. I usually start with my darker tone,

working to the lighter one last:

 

 Next, use a stencil/mask. Either a hand made one like mine, made from different sized

circle punches, or a bought one.

The plastic is from stamp packaging!

Using a sponge dauber or similar, apply

your ink:

Rubbing the ink in creates lighter circles.

Tapping creates darker circles.

I use a combination of both.

Begin with your larger circles, ending with the smallest

I find 3 sizes is fine. You can use four.

Also, you can do this with stars or hearts or any other shapes!

It's important to clean around each circle before you start the next

so you don't get smudges on your paper.

I use Stampin' Up white ink - but any is fine. Gesso, if it's heavy

bodied, works really well. Gelatos work too.

Experiment!

Below has the middle sized circles added. This technique looks best if

you OVERLAP your circles:

 

 Finally the small circles. Some people simply dab

straight on with the sponge dauber. I don't find this as clean-lined:

There are numerous You Tube videos etc on this technique.

The ones I found most helpful are the following links:

The link HERE is the one I discovered first. 

The link HERE shows how to make bokeh using circle STAMPS.

This one HERE uses a WATER COLOUR technique on the background,

which is awesome!

I hope this tutorial has been helpful & you have fun experimenting!

Cheers ~ & happy scrapping ~ Lizzy H