Free stuff is so much fun! Especially when it's high-quality photopolymer. Y'all know how I am about clear stamps...no cheapy silicone ones allowed in my craft room. I have standards.
Here's my first card with these stamps. I wanted to use my scalloped circle punch to matte because the stamp's curvy lines invited that. Plus, I've not used those punches in forever and feel a bit guilty about that.
The thing that has impressed me about these outline stamps is just how easy it is to color them. I've played around with colored pencils, SU markers, and (on this card) Sharpie/Bics. Every one yielded great results, even in the hands of a very inexperienced colorer like me. Most importantly, I had FUN. Mainly because the areas to color are all small. I really don't like big open spaces to color and shade. It's just easier to work on a small scale. And that's what these stamps give you.
How To Tips: I used sharpies and bics to color these...two shades of green and two of aqua/teal. The centers of the flowers are blinged with Stickles Turquoise. The rick rack makes a fun grass. The sentiment is from Papertrey's Mixed Messages. The whole card is 5" square. I have envelopes from Marco's to fit that size.
Questions about Paper:
People have been asking about my white cardstock. I almost always use Papertrey Select white and vintage cream for card bases. These papers are very sturdy, and because they have a bit of tooth (are not smooth like SU's whisper white), they feel so rich and luxurious. I use a Scor-Pal to fold them because they are so thick. I'm starting to experiment with some other papers, but most of them are just not as thick as I would like, so I keep reaching for Papertrey. Fabriano Medievalis (I know I'm spelling that wrong...sorry) is also wonderful, with a watercolor look and nice and thick. I've been hoarding my cards of that and need to get them out and use them!
this is gorgeous. I'm chuckling because I just made a card that has a similar layout. great minds and all that!
ReplyDeleteLove the colours on this card Susan and that little image along with the ric rac is too sweet.
ReplyDeleteHi Susan, beautiful card, love the deep turquoise and simple LO.
ReplyDeleteBuying the right card is a bit of a challenge, I've had some that has swollen as soon as I've shown it any water and if you buy in bulk that can be a nightmare so thanks for the info :0) xx
A wonderful card, love the colours and simplicity of it ... thank you for the info about your papers
ReplyDeleteLove the colors and ric rac! The scalloped mat is a great highlight, too.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful sample. Love the bolder colors. I use lots of PTI paper as well. (Well, that's whenever I can get myself in a stamping mood.)
ReplyDeleteSo in love with that color combination! Great card...it really pops! The rick rack and scallop circle work so well.
ReplyDeleteThis card is really pretty, Susan, and still simple. Your coloring is perfect! Love the rickrack for grass, and the scalloped circle sets the whole thing off. Great job. PTI white/cream really is the best --- even markers don't bleed through to the inside of the card it's so thick. I get the colored CS from SU because I have the matching ink, but PTI white/cream can't be beat --- and it's cheaper than SU.
ReplyDeletelove the blues and greens!! And the scallop is a perfect fit! I'm hoping my computer will be fixed soon so I can catch up on OLS's ... heavy meatal sounds like so much fun and I have a great idea!!!
ReplyDeleteSusan, Cute card and such a sweet image. I must check out Shady Tree.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful....I love how simple this card is. I can't wait to get my stamps in that you gave me with the gift card. I'm so super excited!!! Thanks again!!!
ReplyDeleteHugs jen
(jennyscards.blogspot.com)
~Gasp~ You used layers! I'm impressed. It's a beautiful card and I love the coloring with the markers. Even though you used layers, you still managed to make it a CAS card. Awesome.
ReplyDeleteThis is so pretty! Love the round! And the ric rac is perfect!! did I spell that right? Have a great day!! Hugs...Cookie :D
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, how can you say, you are not a good colorer? I am not, but I fake it and I love aqua painting in with the SU reinkers that live on forever in my artist palette. LOL Now I'm going to go crazy trying to figure out the difference in good clear stamps and the not good ones. How do you know? I have noticed that my StazOn ink cleans better off of some than others and I tend to think it cleans better off of the good ones. LOL Paulette S. in MO
ReplyDeleteRick rack! You are SO on trend. This card is terrific.
ReplyDelete*Big Smile!*
ReplyDeleteThis is absolutely charming, Susan! I'm honored to have STS stamps in your talented hands :^) ! Adorable card ~ love your colors and accents.
The rick rack grass is a hit with me! Thanks for the tip about paper. I haven't bought any really good white cardstock yet, but you're helping me with my research :)
ReplyDeletePaulette,
ReplyDeleteTo tell the difference between silicone (or icky) and photopolymer (or high-quality) stamps, just take a sniff. Photopolymer has a distictive smell, while silicone is pretty much odorless. The photopolymer takes ink MUCH better than silicone, is more flexible, and just works better.
Ah, I love the smell of photopolymer in the morning!
Hugs,
Susan
Thanks for your tips on cardstock, much appreciated! And a lovely card again, I so much enjoy visiting your blog.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Saskia
Love this card - colors, design, all of it!! -Pamela
ReplyDelete