Bubble Background

Catch bubbles on cardstock to create a unique background every time.

Supplies

Step-by-Step

1. Step 1

   Add a small amount (about 1/2" depth) of water to a bowl. Drizzle in a little dish soap.

   

2. Step 2

   Add in a liquid coloring medium of your choice. Ideas:
   Dye reinker
   Watercolor powder (Brusho or other brand)
   Acrylic/craft paint
   Alcohol ink (this will work because the dish soap breaks the surface tension)
   
   NOTE:
   Experiment with different amounts based on your desired results – more of the medium will produce a darker background.
   

   

3. Step 3

   Put a straw down into the mixture and blow air through the other end of the straw to create bubbles.

   

4. Step 4

   While still blowing, hold a piece of cardstock or watercolor paper over the bubbles to catch them on the surface.

   

5. Use a scrap of paper to take a sample and determine if you need to add more of the medium into the mixture for darker results. Adjust as needed.

   

6. Step 5

   Continue blowing and applying the bubbles to the cardstock until the area is full or you have the effect you want.
   
   NOTE:
   The longer bubbles sit on the cardstock, the clearer their outlines will be.
   

   

7. Step 6

   An alternate way to apply the bubbles – pick them up with a palette knife and spread them gently onto the cardstock.

   

8. 

9. Step 7

   Try an opaque medium on dark cardstock for a different look. Here, white acrylic craft paint was used on black cardstock.

   

10. Step 8

    Use the finished panel to create a card or other project.

    

Video!

Your Turn

You've seen the tutorial, now you try it! We've got a section of the gallery set aside for Bubble Background. Try this technique, then upload your artwork to the gallery. Show us your creations!

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