Abstract Background Happy Birthday Card

Abstract Background Happy Birthday Card featuring Ellen Hutson

If Monday’s post got you in the mood to make some birthday cards, I’ve got even more inspo coming your way today. This month we’re celebrating the 15th birthday of Ellen Hutson LLC, and YOU get a gift! The Essentials by Ellen HB2U is quite possibly one of the most perfect birthday stamp sets you could ask for, and it’s available for a limited time only as a gift with purchase in the Ellen Hutson shop.

So why is it perfect? For one, there’s outline and solid-stamped sentiments that can be used alone or together, as well as scripty sentiments to pair with the bolder type. The sizing is so perfect for A2 – and even mini-slimline – card sizes, and you could easily use this set to create masculine cards as well. (I don’t know about you, but many of my designs tend to be more on the feminine side.)

Abstract Background Happy Birthday Card featuring Ellen Hutson

Clearly, I’m in love with this stamp set because I’ve already made many cards with it! Today I’d love to show you how I combined it with two more of my favorite Essentials by Ellen products for a modern, abstract look.

Abstract Background Happy Birthday Card featuring Ellen Hutson

This design started with the background, and I’m not sure about you, but sometimes if I’m not feeling totally clear on what I want to create, I just make a bunch of backgrounds with whatever color palette of inks I feel drawn to. In this case, it was Oceanside, Peacock and Ballet Slipper from Concord & 9th, as well as Shea Butter from Catherine Pooler. This is a softer, more muted yellow, and I thought it was perfect for the little dotted accents.

To create the panel, I combined two stamps from the Organic Elements stamp set, as well as a small paint swipe stamp from the Abstract Paint Strokes stamp set, overlapping them randomly until my panel was covered.  One quick tip in case you plan to do the same: I like to let my inks dry before adding overlapping elements. This helps the impressions stay crisp, whereas if the inks are still a bit wet, the colors blend into each other a little and the lines don’t tend to be as clean. Thankfully dye ink dries quite quickly, so this doesn’t slow down the process very much!

Abstract Background Happy Birthday Card featuring Ellen Hutson

With my background complete, I moved on to some embossing. Using the HB2U stamp set, I embossed the ‘Happy’ outline stamp three times on pink, purple and turquoise cardstock, followed by the solid ‘Birthday’ stamp on Concord & 9th Peacock cardstock. I backed these with foam tape, aligned them down the center of my card panel, then mounted the whole panel to my card base with – you guessed it – more foam tape! To finish things off, I added a few sparkling clear sequins and called it a day.

Abstract Background Happy Birthday Card featuring Ellen Hutson

Alrighty, if you don’t have your HB2U stamp set yet, be sure to pop over to the Ellen Hutson shop and get your hands on one before they run out. See you back here soon!


Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links and by purchasing products through these links, I earn a small commission. Thank you so much for supporting the incredible companies I’ve partnered with.

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