Challenge #1: Create your own background paper

If there is one part of scrapbooking I love, it is the paper.  So many pretty patterns and color combinations, I can't seem to help myself.  :)  When I have the money (and can actually get my hands on the paper) that is so much fun, but there is a great way to get the same "fix" without spending the money at all! 

Let's talk about Counterfeiting paper!

Some tips about stamping your own paper:
1.  Stamp with your larger stamps first...then fill in with your smaller stamps
2.  Stamp off the edge of the paper for a more authentic look
3.  Try embossing, coloring in your stamped images and distressing the paper to add demension
4.  Stamp one small section of your paper at a time to get a more random look
5.  If you are creating a smaller piece of background paper for a card or embellishment...use smaller stamped images to keep the scale the right size

Here are some great tutorials about making your own paper:

Paper Sensei
The Stamp Goddess
Inkadinkado
My Favorite Things

Another alternative is going digital.  You can use it digitally, or print it out to use!
Make your own background paper with digital stamps
2 Peas: Making digital paper using brushes

So onto THE CHALLENGE:

Stamp your own background paper and use it in a project!