Sunday, January 21, 2018

A Softer Shadow Stamp

So these two cards are vibrant and bold, but today's card uses the same old Hero Arts shadow stamp but with a completely different technique, and the results are soft and natural.



The background came from a very simple technique using Memento ink and markers. First, I inked the whole stamp with new sprout (a very pale green), then tapped bamboo leaves and cottage green markers all over it. After spritzing the stamp generously with water, I moved the stamp around to blend the inks, and then stamped it on Tim Holtz watercolor paper. To maximize the color, I weighted the stamp on the paper for a few minutes while the watery ink was absorbed by the paper. (I learned that trick from a Jennifer McGuire video.)

Once the panel was dry, I stamped leaves in embossing ink and sprinkled with pearl embossing powder. The embossing effect is subtle, but oh so pretty!



I liked the whole effect so much, I decided not to add a sentiment.

Hopefully, you had as relaxing and creative a weekend as I did! It's been fun reading your comments and emails on my last post, and I'm going to respond in the next few days. Dave Barry, the humor writer, said there's a fine line between mental illness and hobby...and I think he's right!

Mercy, grace, peace, and love,
Susan

Supplies
stamps: Hero Arts, Papertrey Masculine Motifs
paper: Tim Holtz watercolor paper, Papertrey white
ink: embossing ink, Memento
accessories: Memento markers, heat gun, silver pearl embossing powder, water spritzer

6 comments:

  1. My hobbies (papercrafting, genealogy, reading) are Protectors of my own mental health. And Defenders against the Dark Arts of other people's mental illnesses. They are, however, Threats to my economy.

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  2. So soothing. Those shadow stamps were such the rage and now seem to be avoided at all costs. I'm glad you broke one out to use it. Perhaps you can start a new fad.

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  3. Love the colours and the subtle effect of the leaves.

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  4. What a great cad with an older stamp! I absolutely love your CAS style so much and that you use your older supplies! Thank you so much!!

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Thank you so much for taking time to comment!