I started out with a collage card – layering one stamped image around and over others to create a “collage” then decided to add a “smoosh” technique background to the card for a recent swap card that I completed so I am going to walk you through that process!

Measurements:
BASE: Pecan Pie 4 1/4″ x 11″ scored at 5 1/2″
Basic White layer: 4″ x 5 1/4″ scraps for dies
Tartan Foil scrap for circle die

Here is the photo of the original collage design.

I wanted a little bit of subtle color in the background of the collage layer so I decided to use the “smoosh” technique. I have done this technique before but it is easy, fun and a little addictive – so I decided to show it again.
You will need to pieces of Window Sheets.
Draw a random pattern with two or more Stampin’ Blends markers colors on one side of one of the window Sheets.
I added a 4″ x 5 1/4″ piece of cardstock under the window sheet to mark out the area size for the markers

Spray the window sheet with isopropyl alcohol I use 99% for other projects and that is what i have handy you can also use the 70% for this technique.
Spray enough to strat to make the marker ink run into one another.

Place the other window sheet on top of the markered sheet and “smoosh” the colors together.
Open the sheets up and add two pieces of 4″ x 5 1/4″ of Basic White cardstock back to back inside the window sheet sandwich and close the sheets together.

I place two inside so that you “dye” one side of two different sheets of Basic White layers – BONUS! two for the price of one!

Then I started the collage technique once the sheets were dry – because these were done with alcohol they dry very quickly!

I used Pecan Pie ink and stamped the Field Notes image from the Notes of Nature bundle in the left hand upper corner.

I stamped multiple leaf images also in Pecan Pie ink. When you stamp a college you can use multipple colors of ink but I decided since I colored the background I would use only one ink color!

I did use the stamped off technique for the next stamped image and stamped the cross hatch pattern off once onto my grid paper then stamped it on the collage paper. This will give a slightly lighter image in the same hue and tone!

Every backgroudn is different using the “smossh” technique and everytime you do a collage technique it will be slightly different as well. I stamped the final image of ink blotches in full and stamped off strength around the rest of the collage, here are two different versions to show you the subtle differences in background and collage stamping.

I tied a Pecan Pie Bordered ribbon in a knot around the collage layer.
I made swap cards from this design so i made multiple versions and I photographed each to show you how no two backgrounds are the same!

I finished off each swap card with two leaf sprig dies from the upcoming Stippled Rose die set, I tinged the edges in Pool Party ink with a Blending Brush.
I stamped a sentiment from the upcoming Lovely and Sweet stamp set from the Nature’s Sweetness Suite and brushed the banner die with a blending brush in Pool Party ink as well.
I poped that up on Stampin’ Dimensionals over a Tartan Foil Specialty paper die from the Stylish Shapes circles die.
Then adhered the whole collaged layer to a Pecan Pie cardstock base.
In the first design I used the Tinel Gems Four Pack and used the Pool Party gems but for the swap cards I stepped it up by coloring Iridescent Pearls with my Pecan Pie dark Stampin’ Blends marker to make the embellishments match the card base!

Here is the final card I love the way it tuned out and I hope my swappers like it too!

Just a reminder some of the items used are sneak peaks and will not be available until January 4th. Therefore they will not be in the photo links below as the links will not be live until the new catalogs are live on January 4th!

Now that you know how to do these two techniques – go and create some artwork of your own and see what great combinations you can make – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie