5 Ways: Turn Backgrounds Into Cards!

[@cassfonnesbeck8057]

I love the looks you can get from alcohol Inks. Thanks for showing easy cards to make with that cool background.

[@marypolancodesigns]

My pleasure, thank you so much Cass! I love the variety of looks you can get too; such a fun medium

[@michellenolan6435]

Haven’t heard of that paper. Have to look for it at my dollar store. What a find! Love to just play with those inks. No agenda, no real control, just playing. It’s all good! Beautiful backgrounds

[@marypolancodesigns]

Indeed; so so fun! Thank you! If you can't find it in the dollar tree it is still relatively inexpensive compared to yupo! Yikes for Yupo! Like a dollar a sheet that's 5x7.

[@Fit_Kitty]

Beautiful cards! I love working with alcohol ink too!

[@marypolancodesigns]

It's just magic. thank you so much !

[@DebadooCreates]

Love your cards! Really love that black smokey one.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thank you so much; yes that one surprised me and I love it too!

[@gwensimmons_gigi1629]

Love it when you play with your alcohol ink backgrounds. Adorable cards created, Mary! TFS and be well!! 😘✨👍🏾

[@marypolancodesigns]

YAY! Me too; oh so fun. I loved these and how the black stole the show in my opinion

[@leannemitchem8865]

Awesome cards Mary! The last card you made was my favourite. Always a pleasure watching your videos. Thank you for sharing!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thanks so much! I LOVED using these colors; they were so fun to make

[@JoanOrloffDK]

WOW fabulous cards Mary 🥰 I love your backgrounds and your layouts, fabulous ❤ thanks for sharing your creativity Hugs xx have a wonderful Sunday

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thanks so much! I really appreciate that Joan. These were so fun to make!

[@kaymcclurg6011]

Great video Mary! I love to make alcohol backgrounds then get stumped at turning them into cards. These cards were great! Thank you.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate it Kay! YAY

[@nancyglaspie6735]

You always make me smile! I have veen using posterboard ever since you mentioned it in another vid. TFS

[@marypolancodesigns]

Woohoo Still one of my FAVORITE hacks I shared.

[@jesseb5112]

Great cards and tips! Mary, you are a joy to listen to and watch

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thank you so much! Such a kind thing to say! That means so much to me. :)

[@elizabeththomas8657]

I love the black alcohol inks- gonna have to get some! Great cards!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thanks so much; yes something about that black is magical mixed with the gray and a pop of color!

[@M1326]

This is fab... I love making backgrounds when I want to be creative, but have no end goal, just having fun.. def going to dig out those backgrounds a create with them thanks.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thanks so much Yvonne! I too, love making backgrounds; so much fun! And it makes it faster for me when i want to finish one. :)

[@yteldee]

Fabulous technique and cards.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thanks so much! That's so kind!

[@aasheetaarun5861]

Thanks for introducing me to black alcohol ink!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Oh yes, you shall have a very good time with the black; it's magical! You are most welcome!

[@HeidiLilley]

I love the way you used these backgrounds, I think that is a big reason why I do not use alcohol inks because I do not know what to do with them once I've made them, you've just shown me 5 really cool ideas of what I could do. I have to say, the one with the sentiment from Whimsey Stamps, I agree, they need to bring that set back...... NOW LOL. Thanks for sharing this.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thanks so much Heidi! The sentiment is from Kindred stamps and i did just check again, not in stock anymore. Whaaaaaa

[@michelegourd5742]

I have not used my alcohol inks in a while!! I will have to get back to them now!!! Love your cards!!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Ooooh yes get them out and play. We've been at it for days now!

[@KellieMarie33]

I just made a ton of alcohol backgrounds, can't wait to use some of the ideas. Cheers

[@marypolancodesigns]

YAY! That makes me so happy. I'm sure they will be so beautiful!

[@kimberlywalker1015]

REALLY NEAT....I've had Brea Reese inks ffg or awhile, now.....would pull them out from time to time....and, say, "Now what?" You definitely answered that question. These cards are really beautiful. 🙂

[@marypolancodesigns]

YAY! So happy it's helpful. THey are so so fun

[@elainewood7719]

Love all of your cards but especially the one with the stars that sentiment is just beautiful.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thank you so much Elaine! I love that sentiment so very much! It acknowledges that sometimes you just need to feel the feels!

[@darlenedesario2811]

Look fabulous!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thanks so much Darlene!!!

[@BMooreCraftyBrandyMooreDesigns]

This looks like so much fun. I have alcohol inks and have never tried to use them. I guess I need to pull them out and experiment. I love the cards you made. Gorgeous!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Oh yes pull them out and have fun! So easy to just drop ink

[@BMooreCraftyBrandyMooreDesigns]

I’ll do a video on it. That will make me do it. lol

[@donnarankin8888]

Just Wow! I don’t have any alcohol inks but I think I need to work them into the budget! Lol 💜

[@marypolancodesigns]

Oh they are so fun to play with! Such magic!

[@MonicaMorganDesigns]

Nice backgrounds! FYI, I bought Accent Opaque Digital paper that you recommended... LOVE IT!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Woot Woot! I love that you love the cardstock! It's such a find!

[@nicholewade8677]

Beautiful as always Mary. I truly enjoy all of your videos. You are a great teacher ❤

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thank you so much! That's such a great compliment! Big hugs Nichole!

[@nicholewade8677]

@@marypolancodesigns Youre very encouraging and love all the inspiration. I'm having surgery on Aug 6th so I will definitely have time to get caught up on all my favorites. You are definitely one of them 😁

[@marypolancodesigns]

@@nicholewade8677 so kind...best wishes for your surgery. Speedy recovery vibes your way!!!

[@nicholewade8677]

@@marypolancodesigns Thanks so much

[@Kimmcdougalcrafter]

Hi Mary!! I love these cards and your tips cause I love playing with alcohol inks!!!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Hi Kim! Yes they are just amazing. We've been non stop with them for days now. lol

[@Kimmcdougalcrafter]

@@marypolancodesigns Oh I can imagine, I don't have those exact inks you have, I have the Tim Holtz new colors, but let me tell ya, I was inky for weeks! hee hee LOL

[@scubajenn5]

Beautiful!! Sometimes I DO struggle with "what do I do with these backgrounds" so THANK YOU for these ideas!

[@marypolancodesigns]

You are so welcome! My pleasure; i want to make more already!

[@noreenhennessy9299]

Love your designs

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thank you! 😊

[@mariehoney31]

Wow, that black is gorgeous! I'm going to have to look for that at Michael's tomorrow!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Yes have a look; so great! I love the look they give!

[@craftingaplannedlifejoanna9291]

I love these...I so have to get some alcohol inks and play. I had to laugh at myself, because I kept trying to "move" your hand so blow the air in other directions. I don't know why, because I have never used them and wouldn't have the first idea how to. I love how you used the holographic foil to add color to the cards...too pretty!!! Another set of great cards...thanks for sharing!!!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Hahaha...that's so funny! It's like we my kids are playing video games and i start to move my body in the direction they should go. lol You would love alcohol inks; they are magic Thanks so much!

[@chantalle7340]

Wonderful!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thank you!

[@Chelebelle1120_]

Love those backgrounds but especially the one where you added the stars Mary! 💜

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thanks so much! 😊 I really like that one too; so galaxy like. :)

[@ginagibson8600]

Thank you so much for the wonderful ideas on how to use the alcohol ink backgrounds. 🙂 I've made many, but was stumped on what to do with them. And I love that holographic paper. Will have to add it to my very long wish list. Lol

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thanks so much Gina! I too, was stumped. I had those backgrounds done for about 3 weeks. lol I really wanted to make them into cards though.

[@ginagibson8600]

@@marypolancodesigns Only three weeks? Mine have been in a box for months. 😂

[@chark3459]

I don’t have any black or gray alcohol inks and now I think I need some😃

[@marypolancodesigns]

Oh yes, they add just something so unique!

[@Lisa_G3]

Beautiful. I need to do this!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Oh Yes so good for sure! So much fun!

[@liliyakamala2348]

Thank you kindly for this very inspiring video. I love that you say its all for fun thats what it is supposed to be about. Further impressive is that you stated that you are an amateur. The ones who consider them self professionals Seem to have lost the vision that is so important: “ When you create for the love of creating the joy shines thru and any potential monetary benefits is a bonus., but when the creating is done not for the love and joy of creating but only for monetary value the creation becomes soulless and the videos mechanical. That is visible in the thing they create. No one is ever all knowing, perfect, or so skilled they know it all. For me , Im addicted to crafting of all sorts,, loves playing around , To learn and have fun,. I can proudly say I set no limits to my self. It is a science proved fact that when you stop learning, is the day you start dying. What I learned over the years is that any person who is skilled (just as you) are but still humble enough to call them self amateur and have fun while creating,.Those are the ones who makes the most stunning pieces.so hats of and a deep courtesy for this fabulous video. 💐💐💐💐❤️

[@marypolancodesigns]

Wow, Liliya, I'm so grateful for your comment. Thank you so much for taking the time to share all of these thoughts and for your encouragement. It means so much to me and adds to my love of having this channel. I appreciate you so much! Thank you! I believe the same; when passion shows through for the love of what we do, it is living in authenticity.

[@liliyakamala2348]

Mary Polanco I have subscribed, and in the future once im back on my feet again (accident) i have planned on doing a diy of sorts. May be we can have fun and do a cooperation or so

[@cherin6037]

Way cool cards Mary!! I’ll try to ignore the desire to get into yet another medium...right now. :)

[@marypolancodesigns]

Hahaha...I'm sorry! You can live vicariously through me. lol

[@PoconoPam]

Love this vid! Will give it a try!!!

[@marypolancodesigns]

You should! It's magic! lol

[@anne-mareesleigh8667]

Thank you for this! Such a great excuse to go play more with my alcohol inks (and oops - maybe buy more colours. Whoopsies!!)

[@marypolancodesigns]

Haha..YAY! So glad I could enable.lol You won't regret it.

[@oceandreamer1958]

Alcohol inks are a blast! I love them! I haven’t tried this brand before. I guess I will have to try it! I don’t have a blower. Do you think it’s worth buying one? I use a straw. Great tips and cards, Mary! Keep those nails protected!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Hi Debbie, I definitely see much better results with the blower but if you have a dollar tree around you maybe you can find a turkey baster for cheap. But yes it's worth having one.

[@barbaramorck2933]

Try an ear syringe.

[@oceandreamer1958]

Barbara, great idea!

[@dawncooksley3497]

love the cards...I love alcohol inks but feel I should warn people to check out the safety measures in using alcohol inks. Please do not use a straw and use in a well ventilated area. Like Mary's cards the colors and saturation of the alcohol ink is really unmatched by any other medium.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thank you so much for looking out for all of us Dawn! That is such an important message!

[@chark3459]

dawn cooksley just wondering-why not use a straw?

[@lynneb9946]

What patience you have to glue all of those little stars down! Did that little white heart in the middle of the black ink at the top of the card just happen by accident?

[@marypolancodesigns]

Oh yes, I didn't even notice that until you said something. Yes patience indeed for those stars. An instant regrettable situation as soon as i poured them on. haha

[@sweetsarah9702]

Super ideas. I just got some Yupo paper on a great sale at Hobby Lobby, so I need to get busy and make some designs. And, you gotta tell me, where do you live that you are wearing sweaters in July? I am in the South and am melting at 8 in the morning! :)

[@marypolancodesigns]

YAY! So glad it was helpful and so awesome that you got great deals. love that! My craft studio is in the basement and we have the central air on so I'm always cold while everyone else is comfortable. haha

[@sweetsarah9702]

@@marypolancodesigns Someday, you will get to the age when your inner child plays with matches so you will provide your own heat! lol!

[@marypolancodesigns]

@@sweetsarah9702 hahaha I had to think about that one for a second. Oh I know it's coming. Lol

[@gailpell854]

Thanks for sharing! Question for you: Do you seal your work? I find the alcohol inks rub off.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Hi Gail, I don't seal it but I've never noticed it rubbing off so ill have to watch for that

[@angigee8873]

Hi Mary, where would we find the confetti sequins? The ones with no holes... thank you! Angela

[@marypolancodesigns]

They are by Pretty Pink Posh and I linked them under embellishments in the description of the video.