I am always on the lookout for fun and new ways to create one-dimensional cards using stamps + inks. While these cards often times appear simple and easy that isn't always the case.
Take this card, for example:
This card took hours to make.
Hours.
Because I literally threw away like seven cards before this.
Now, I was having a super off day. And I had attempted two completely different styles of cards before deciding to go a different direction and stamp a birthday one but still... so frustrating!
I know we've all been there. We have time to create but when we actually get right to it the stuff that comes out just isn't what was imagined.
I'm glad I persevered, though, because this card may be one of my all time favorites and it is nothing but paper + ink.
How awesome is that?!!!!?
To create my card:
- Stamp the greeting in black ink using (my newest, favoritest greeting stamp set) Avery Elle Handwritten Notes. I adore this stamp set. It's a must have and I will be using it a lot!
- Stamp balloons with Hero Arts Neon Inks using Mama Elephant Good Times Stamp Set. I used both the first stamping and then without re-inking I stamped the design again for a lighter colored neon balloon. For some of the balloons I only used the second stamped impression, using a scrap piece of paper for the first stamping. Be sure to stamp some of the balloons off the sides to give a more "balanced" design.
- Stamp the coordinating balloon bows on 3 of the balloons using the full intensity neon ink. I didn't like the look of all the balloons having the bows...too busy. I threw that card attempt away.
- Mask off the greeting using masking tape or a trimmed sticky note (I used a sticky note since it was handy!). You wouldn't have to mask off the greeting but I found that I didn't like the look of the balloon "strings" going through my greeting. Yep, I trashed that design too. Blerg.
- Stamp the straight line stamp from the Avery Elle Merry & Bright Stamp Set using Versamark Champagne Ink. This ink is not dark and I chose it on purpose. I played around with several different colors of ink before finally settling on Versamark and here's why: I felt that every ink I used was overpowering the balloons instead of "grounding" them like I wanted. The champagne color of this Versamark gives a bit of color along with subtle sparkle and while it is pretty light, it doesn't disappear into the background quite like regular Versamark might.
- To give the balloon strings added definition without adding color, I traced over the stamped lines with the Sakura Clear Glitter Pen. I also dotted the polka dot balloons with the Glitter Pen. I likes me some sparkle!
7. Finally, I thought that some of the balloons needed just a bit something extra so I stamped the small star from the Mama Elephant On Target Stamp Set using Versamark ink and then I heat embossed the design using white opaque embossing powder.
I think that little pink balloon under the greeting really balances it all out with that pop of color. It helps draw your eye down the card as well.
I love stamping!
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