Layered backgrounds

So, back in September, my mother-in-law and I went to the Stamp N Scrapbook Expo in Massachusetts.  We took a couple of workshop classes with JustRite Stampers and had a lot of fun.  One of the classes we took was on layering background stamps and using a little bit of mixed media mediums.  The backgrounds to both of these cards were created in the class and I just got around to finishing them off this week (my DT obligations are on hold over the holidays so I actually had time to just play).

 For both cards, we started by scribbling some water based markers on some acetate, spritzing it with water and then smooshing and dragging the piece of acetate over a piece of water color paper.  Gorgeous on it's own, I have to say.  For the first card, we stamps a script background, then the circle background in black and then again, sightly offset in gold.  The sentiment is from an exclusive set that we received in the class.  This is definitely outside of my "normal", but I think it's really beautiful.

The second card was made with the same "smooshing" technique.  Then we stamped the script background followed by a crackle background.  More subtle on this one, but beautiful none-the-less.  The stamps are also from the set we received in class.  It's tough to tell in the photo, but the card base is a really metallic copper and it is gorgeous!

Challenges:
Card #1:
Cute Card Thursday #458--anything goes
C.R.A.F.T. #296--anything goes
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday--anything goes
Word Art Wednesday #262--anything goes with uplifting sentiment
Penny's Challenges #309--anyhing goes


Card #2:
Creative Knockouts #174--anything goes
Inspiration Destination #118--anything goes
Crafty Gals Corner--anything goes
Time Out #73--"with each new sunrise we are given a chance for a new beginning"
Southern Girls #150--Southern Girls
Love To Craft #5--anything goes