Milky Way Background Made with Paper
Turn ordinary designer paper into something out of this world!
This Milky Way-inspired background uses designer series paper to create a star-studded galaxy effect perfect for bold, celestial-themed cards.
I’m part of a wonderful local Facebook group called Creatives of Fremont County that celebrates all forms of art—photography, painting, jewelry, clothing, and more.
Each week, a new themed challenge is posted, offering an inspiring spark to create and share.
For the recent “Milky Way” theme, I joined in with two of my favorite night-sky photos from last year.
But I didn’t stop there—I also shared a handmade card featuring a starry Milky Way background, created using retired designer series paper.
It’s always fun when my love for card-making and photography can come together in one creative moment!
Milky Way Background Made with Paper How-To:
1. Create the Milky Way Background
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Start with a piece of patterned designer series paper.
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Choose a galaxy-inspired print—this is a great chance to use up retired papers from your stash!
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Mix white craft ink refill with a little water on a palette like a clear stamping block.
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Using a paintbrush, flick the ink mixture onto your designer paper to create star-like splatters.
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Add as much or as little as you’d like, then set aside to dry completely.
2. Make the Mountains
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Use Night of Navy card stock to die-cut or tear your mountain shapes.
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I used the retired Mountain Air die with my Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine, but freehand tearing works too!
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Layer and adhere the mountains to the background using Dimensionals for added depth.
3. Finish the Card
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Mount the finished background onto a Soft Sea Foam mat, then onto a Pretty Peacock card base.
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Stamp your sentiment (from Teeny Tiny Wishes) in Night of Navy ink on Soft Sea Foam card stock.
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Attach the greeting to your card front.
You can see more of my Galaxy Backgrounds HERE
You can see my Northern Lights Backgrounds HERE
And in case you are interested, here are the two photographs I submitted for the Milky Way Challenge.
Both were taken in July of 2024 during a night sky photography class outside of Westcliffe, CO.
