This is the final week to take advantage of the Stampin' Up's Sale-A-Bration, where you can select a free item for your $50 purchase. So, today I'm featuring Happy Moments, one of the stamp sets you can choose if you qualify for this promotion!
I didn't think I was going to love this set as much as I do—it's images are very versatile for birthdays, anniversaries, or thank you cards! This card is one that I've been doing at my workshops for the past few weeks. Here are the three versions of the same basic card using three of the images from this cute set:
Changing Up The Design
As you can see, each card uses the same basic elements, but is a little bit different. I always try to bring at least two samples of the card we make at workshops, so everyone can see how easily it is to get a variety of looks by using a different image or changing pieces around.
Although this probably isn't the best example of how differently you can
change a card's looks with the same elements, since I could have tried a horizontal format or placed the stamped piece at the bottom, you can still see that even
subtle changes can have an impact. For example, having the strips of paper either underneath the focal image or not changes the balance, or weight of the design. And, being flexible with your design allows you to make changes if you "mess up." Not that I think anyone else does, but I do on occasion *wink*! On the last card with the presents, I didn't leave enough room to stamp my sentiment, so I added it on side piece.
Typically, I try to have three main elements on my card (odd numbers usually work best), and I try to place them in a triangle shape, to create a pleasing-to-the-eye design. You can see that each card may use the stamped image, ribbon and ruffled border in different places, but these three main elements always form an invisible triangle (even if it's small, like the flower card).
Making The Card
The images are stamped in Basic Black Classic ink, then are colored in with Watercolor Pencils and Blender Pens. I used black because it is the only color that is permanent and I didn't want it to bleed with this technique. If you rub over the lines with the Blender Pens too much, the color will smear a bit, and sometimes looks purplish. For best result, the StazOn Black Ink works the best for watercoloring techniques.
Watercolor Pencils are a fun way to bring color to your lined images. Simply color like you would with a colored pencil, then use the clear "ink" from the Blender Pens to smooth out the strokes and blend colors for a soft, watercolor-like look. If you're new to stamping, I highly recommend trying this technique, because it is easy, relatively inexpensive compared to purchasing multiple colors of ink pads, and can be used with the majority of the stamp styles.
For the background, I used the Polka Dot Impressions Folder run through the Big Shot to create
one of the sections. (And, don't forget to emboss your coordinating Polka Dot envelope that we learned in this post!) I used the Eyelet Border Punch on the Old Olive strip, then ran it through the Crimper. Doesn't it look like it's lacey?! It really adds a feminine touch to this project.
~Angie