5 ways to use essentials by ellen modern graphics

Is your desk ever covered in beautiful crafty things but you have no creative mojo to your name? Yup, me too. My favorite way to break out a creative "dry spell" is to challenge myself to use one supply as many ways as I can think of, like 3 cards with the same stamp set or a die two ways. This weekend I challenged myself to use the new Essentials by Ellen Modern Graphics patterned paper with all my favorite techniques.

The result? I'm smitten with this paper and have 5 fun ideas on how to use it.

use it as a background: These patterns are perfection all on their own! Neutral black & white goes with anything and the papers are scaled perfectly for A2 cards. So use them just as they are for backgrounds (or maybe on my card it might be considered the foreground, LOL).

stamp on it: The smooth surface is perfect for stamping so try your favorite ink. I have already tried (and loved the results of) Distress Oxide, VersaFine and Memento.

ink it up: The papers are also perfect for ink blending, which is probably my favorite way to add color. I have found it easier to apply Distress Inks to the Modern Graphics than Solar White, though it is not quite as seamless as my BFF Bristol. And even using pigment inks, like the Distress Oxides I used on this card, the pattern is still crisp & strong.

foil it: The patterns are toner so they foil beautifully and I love foil. 'nuf said.

color it with copics: Another bonus of the toner, you can add color with Copic markers which makes it even more customizable.

Thanks for stopping by!

Hugs!
Carly

supplies:
Essentials by Ellen Modern Graphics Paper Pack
Essentials by Ellen Stamps Plant Ladies Say
Essentials by Ellen Stamps Rustic Botanicals
Essentials by Ellen Dies Rustic Botanicals
Essentials by Ellen Dies Many Thanks
Essentials by Ellen Dies Holiday Words
Distress Oxide Inks Cracked Pistachio, Worn Lipstick & Picked Raspberry