Spray Starch backgrounds

At last, as promised, I can give instructions for the backgrounds I posted some time ago. I had hoped to make a video, but I still haven't got to the bottom of  how to do one, so that will have to wait for another project and someone with "knowhow" to help me. For the time being, lots of photos and written info I'm sure will suffice. If you try this out then I'd love to see your results.

This idea came when a friend mentioned that she'd had seen Spray Starch backgrounds somewhere so I trawled the web with no success. I decided to play around and experiment and the results shown here are all my own ideas. If you think of anything to add to this.....please let me know. 

Remember to DRESS TO MESS!

Materials needed:
White card or black card, plain or glossy.

I find that if the card is too porous, the surface colour is absorbed too quickly and does not move about to create the wonderful finishes. 

Can of spray starch.....(Yes! that can you've probably had in the cupboard for years in case you decide to iron!)Any will do... I've tried the good stuff but it's no better than any cheap one  and I pay only 65pence for mine.
Pearl Powders, Brusho Powder paint, Distress reinkers, Glimmer Mists, Color Wash sprays. Try anything water based as you may make a great discovery and have a "Eureka" moment.
Method:
Spray the card with starch
Sprinkle or spray colour or powder (or both) sparingly over the starch.
Spray again with starch

Sometimes this creates a lovely effect without doing anything else but I love to 

crumple Cling Film over the top of the coloured starch wet card to create amazing swirly marbled effects.

It is all hit and miss and serendipity but go gently at first as more colour can be added but too much can go like mud.

The cling film must be left for about 30 minutes without applying heat so that the colours can be pulled and absorbed into the creases. Don't be tempted to remove it too soon, be patient. 

 Try applying starch and colour onto a craft mat then swirl card over the top.Distress reinkers work best on glossy card.The starch provides a gloopy, viscose, movable, carrier for the colour medium used.

It is really effective on dark card

When dry it has a sheen and seals pearl powders if they do not already have a binder in them so it is handy for using up all those old pots in your stash.

 

Using Brusho powder paints over spray starch then sprayed again... no cling film

Glimmer mists sprayed over starch. Below left, with cling film applied and after cling film was removed on right