How to Create a DYI Bokeh Effect

DYI Your Bokeh

Have you ever looked through Pinterest and saw a certain stampset being used over and over again? Well when I went to my trusted Pinterest search for Dandelion Wishes Stampin' Up! stampset, I kept coming up with a card style that included using Stampin' Up! “Bokeh Dots” stampset. I loved the look, but I didn't have that stampset yet. What to do? Well I decided to DYI my own bokeh. I want you to learn how to create a DYI Bokeh too!

Want to get together and make cards?

Before we get into the details of this card project, I wanted to share some exciting news with you! Join me at my next Online Virtual Card Making Class. My next class is May 16th at 1:00pm EST. For this class we are going to be making cards using foiling techniques.

What's included?

List of supplies and where to purchase them
Cut dimensions to get the exact card demonstrated in the virtual class
FREE Digi Stamp
Opportunity to join on a LIVE Zoom call, as the instructor demonstrates techniques of how to create the card.
Ability to ask questions live during the virtual class.
Recorded replays to watch the virtual class at your convenience
Access to a private FB group where you can ask questions of the instructor or other members
Opportunity to join the affiliate program where you can get paid for referrals

I am giving away a special promo code to my readers and subscribers. Go to my facebook business page at https://www.facebook.com/stampmesomelove and send me a DM. Tell me you want the special promo code, and I'll get that sent to you. Be sure to do it before Sunday, April 26th.

Create a DYI Mask

I cut a piece of chipboard 1/4″ smaller than the piece of white card cardstock that I would be stamping on. I did this so that when I tape the mask down, I would have something to hold down to on the cardstock I would be stamping on. You do not want the mask to move around.

I knew I wanted a masked off area that was in the shape of a rectangle. I only have square framelits, so I had to improvise. I decided that I needed to extend the length of the square framelit, but first I had to decide which square framelit to use. I took different squares and held them up to the white cardstock that I would be masking on to give me the specific width that I wanted.

Next I measured and marked on the chipboard a template of where the framelit would cut.

This is just a guide and does not have to be perfect.

Next I set up the chipboard on the Big Shot and framelit on one side of the template lining up as close to the template I drew as possible. I usually tape it with washi tape so the die does not move. Next Place the top plate just short of covering up the entire die.

Run the die sandwich through the Big Shot. Then place the die along the other side of the template. Try to feel the grove where the chipboard has already been cut. Again place the top plate just short of the entire length of the die. Run the die sandwich through the Big Shot again.

If you did this correctly, you should have a rectangle cut out of the chipboard.

Techniques I used

Next, center the rectangle mask on your cardstock that you want to stamp, and then tape it with washi tape.

I used a sponge dauber and inked it directly into the inkpad. Then stamped off once or twice so I did not get a really dark inkblot on the card stock. I made sure to stamp/sponge right up against the mask line so I could get that rectangle edge I was looking for. I really think that this technique is great on how to create a DYI Bokeh effect.

Now it was time to use the stamparatus to stamp the image and sentiments. I could have easily just stamped with blocks but I wanted to recreate multiple cards with the exact same position of the stamp so I decided to use the stamparatus to accomplish it.

There are many things you can do with the Stamparatus. It's a great tool for creating repeating patterns, cranking out multiple cards, and creating stamped of the edge of paper effects. Check out some of the other blog posts I created on how I use the Stamparatus.

I really liked the way this turned out. And I'm so glad I was able to DIY the Bokeh effect for the background. I think it gives it a whimsical look. What do you think?

This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience (which means if you make a purchase after clicking a link I will earn a small commission but it won’t cost you a penny more)! The income I make helps me with the expenses of this blog. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.