beautiful butterflies spotlight technique

beautiful butterflies spotlight technique

I have always loved this technique it was one of the first techniques I learned over 23 years ago when I was brand new to stamping and it is just as simple and impressive today!

TO SPOTLIGHT:a projected spot of light used to illuminate brilliantly a person, object, or group on a stage. b. : public notice or attention.
While the dictionary definition helps the crafting term uses color instead of light to illuminate a small piece of the entire stamped image to create notice or draw attention!

What better stamp set to use this technique with than the Beautiful Butterflies!

Measurements:
BASE: Crushed Curry CS: 4 1/4″ x 11″
scored at 5 1/2″
Basic Black CS: (2) 4″ x 5 1/4″ and 2 3/4″ x 4 1/4″
Basic White CS: (2) 3 3/4″ x 5″ and 2 1/2″ x 4″

Place the two Basic White layers of cardstock smaller one on top and evenly spaced in the center of the larger layer.
Place the uninked large butterfly image over the layers and decide where you would like to place two partial images of the butterfly.
Ink up the entire butterfly image with Memento ink and stamp over both layers of cardstock press VERY firmly as you are stamping on two separate pieces of cardstock and need to get the image on the bottom layer as well as the smaller top layer.
(Do not worry if the image does not stamp just to the outside of the smaller layer this will be covered by the smaller Basic Black layer)
Color the butterfly images on the smaller layer ONLY! This is your SPOTLIGHT area.

I used Daffodil Delight light first then dark then light Stampin’ Blends markers to blend.
Then I colored the rest of the butterfly images on the smaller layer with the Pumpkin Pie Stampin’ Blends in the same order as with the Daffodil Blends. I went over the entire image with the Dark Daffodil Delight Stampin’ Blends to finish the blending of the butterfly spotlighted image.
Adhere the smaller Basic White layer to the smaller Basic Black image.
Adhere the large Basic Black image to the Crushed Curry cardstock base and then adhere the larger Basic White layer to the card base over the Basic Black layer.

Adhere the smaller spotlighted layers to the larger Basic White layer matching up the images as best you can.
Stamp the sentiment in Tuxedo Black Memento ink in the center of the two spotlighted butterfly images.
Stamp two smaller butterflies in Tuxedo Black Memento ink on the top and bottom diagonally on the other large Basic White CS layer.
Adhere to the second 4″ x 5 1/4″ Basic Black layer and after stamping the sentiment adhere to the inside of the card base.
Apply Wink of Stella to the colored wings.
Adhere embellishments to finish off this spotlighting technique card!

I just LOVE the way this turned out – this is just one way to spotlight – try stamping and spotlighting one of your stamped images and see what artwork of your own you can create – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

more color mondays – crushed curry, peach pie and calypso coral exploring analogous colors

more color mondays – crushed curry, peach pie and calypso coral exploring analogous colors

I have written a little about color theory before. Most of us know only the basics about color unless you majored in ART! I majored in Pharmacy pretty far away from an art major! Although I have loved the art of stamping for almost 25 years now i am still no expert in color theory. I do know the basics and I think I have an innate eye for what colors look pleasing together but I love tools that can help me with what colors WORK together and our newer tool the Color Wheel does just that!
On pages 132-133 of the current 2024-2025 catalog we have devoted two pages to color theory and our new color wheel.

Monochromatic –
choose colors with the same tints or shades
of the same color
Complementary – opposites attract – pair colors
that are opposite each other on the color
wheel to create bold, contrasting color
combinations
Analogous – choose three colors that are side
by side on the color wheel. These
neighboring colors work together to create
harmony and balance.
Triadic – choose three colors evenly spaced
around the color wheel. Our wheel is
created with a triadic line pointing in the
inside window that points out these special
combinations.

Today’s card is an analogous example of color theory and Crushed Curry, Peach Pie and Calypso Coral all belong in the Orange to Yellow-Orange spectrum.

This is a single layer card as simple as simple stamping gets but the mask creates an incredibly layered look that belies it’s simplicity!

Measurements:
BASE: Basic White CS: 4 1/4″ x 11″

I die cut the Linked Together rectangular trellis and actually used the negative space as a mask to prevent the ink from going outside this rectangle. Save the trellis die for another card!
Place the #1 mask over the rectangular negative die and mark the notch on your grid paper so that the following masks line up.
Using a blending brush and a circular motion pick up Crushed Curry ink from the ink pad and brush through the mask onto the card front below the mask.
Remove mask #1 but keep the rectangular paper mask in place.
Place mask #2 in the notch created with mask#1 and brush with a new blending brush and Peach Pie ink.
Remove the plastic #2 mask keeping the paper rectangular mask in place.
Place mask #5 in the notch and using a new blending brush and Calypso Coral ink I brushed the lower half in a diagonal line with this ink.
Remove both the plastic and rectangular masks.
Stamp the sentiment of choice from the Linked Together stamp set in Calypso Coral ink and tie the Peach Pie ribbon around the center of the card front.
Add the embellishments and your simply stamped card is complete! I used the white sequins from the Adhesive-Backed Sequins Trio and colored them with the Dark Calypso Coral Stampin’ Blends marker to make them coordinate perfectly!

Do you have masks at home? This is a fabulous bundle with incredible possibilities and I cannot wait to do some more creating! Try a mask card today or if you don’t have one order this one on January 7th!

Now go and create some artwork of your very own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Reminder: the Linked Together Bundle is a sneak Peak and will be available tomorrow so it will not be listed in the photo directory below at the time of posting.

overlapping tri-fold card

overlapping tri-fold card

Today’s More Color Monday color challenge is all about the colors of Real Red, Crushed Curry and Pumpkin Pie. The Overlapping Tri-Fold fun fold card features an easy card that opens twice to reveal a hidden message.

Measurements:
BASE: Pumpkin Pie 4 1/4″ x 5 1/2″
scrap for die
Real Red: 4 1/8″ x 11″ score at 2 7/8″ flip and
score at 2 3/4″ from the other edge
scrap for die
Crushed Curry: 2 3/4″ x 4″
4″ x 5 1/4″
DSP: 4″ x 4 1/8″, 1/4″ x 4″, 1/2″ x 4″

Stamp the birthday wish sentiment in Tuxedo Black Memento ink and the butterfly stamp on the Crushed Curry layer.
Score the 4 1/8″ x 11″ card at 2 7/8″ then flip the card and score at 2 3/4″ from the other edge. Fold both score lines inward.
I had a couple of DSP 1/4″ x 4″ and 1/2″ x 4″ scraps and adhered them to the left side of the layer.
Adhere the layer to the center of the Real Red layer.
Adhere the center of the back of the Real red card to the Pumpkin Pie 1/4 sheet of cardstock.
On the right hand side adhere the outside and place the DSP layer evenly on the right hand panel.
Emboss the Crushed Curry layer with the Dotted 3D Embossed Folder. Adhere to the left hand panel.
Stamp the “you brighten up so many of my days” in Tuxedo Black Memento ink and the little butterflies around the words on the Real Red Spotlight on Nature die cut.
When you open the right hand panel you can see the back of the DSP.
I put two red Iridescent Adhesive-Backed Discs around the word birthday.
Die cut the same size Spotlight on Nature die in Pumpkin Pie cardstock. Stamp the “Thinking OF You” sentiment in Tuxedo Black Memento ink and the small butterfly on the circle die cut.
Adhere the left hand edge of the pumpkin circle to the left hand panel.
Adhere the white Iridescent Adhesive-Backed Discs around the words.
This is what the inside of the card looks like.
This fun fold is an easy way to use both side s of DSP and a way to use multiple sentiments.

Try this fun fold and create some artwork of your very own – one stamp of a time.

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

changing leaves color blocking card

changing leaves color blocking card

Just a simple background technique can elevate a card and todays’ blog post is all about a few fun background techniques that will take your cards from simple to WOW!

A watercolor wash and a simple splatter technique make a HUGE difference on this card – follow along today to learn how to accomplish these techniques!

Measurements:
BASE: Cherry Cobbler: 4 1/4″ x 11″
scored at 5 1/2″
Basic White layers: (2) 4″ x 5 1/4″
scraps for the die cuts

I chose three Fall Colors and stamped the maple leaf image in each: Cherry Cobbler, Pumpkin Pie and Crushed Curry.

I used a waterpainter to color in the leaves open spaces pulling the ink from stamping the leaves into the open spaces between the veins and die cut each leaf.

I then used the waterpainter in a zigzag motion to color a third of the Basic White layer.

I stamped the sentiment onto the center lower section of the layer in Cherry Cobbler.

I popped up each of the leaves and placed onto there corresponding color on the Basic White layer.

I brushed each leaf with the WInk of Stella for a little added sparkle.
I adhered the Basic White watercolor washed layer to the Cherry Cobbler base and added some Iridescent Adhesive-Backed Discs tot he card front.
For the final pop I took each of the three colors in the Dark Stampin’ Blends marker and opening up the brush tip side I used the edge of my bone folder and tapped on the plastic sleeve of the marker near the brush tip to splatter ink onto the same color section of watercolored wash.
Just a little extra effort makes this simple card POP and adds so much depth, dimension and interest! Try these little additions to your card making and elevate your game! Now go and create some art of your very own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

sweet pea is so stinking cute

sweet pea is so stinking cute

I borrowed this set from one of my downline the other day and can I just tell you it is SO STINKIN’ CUTE that I could not stop creating cards with it!

I have so many samples to share with you today – if you are looking for a fun stamp set that crosses generational lines this stamp set check all the boxes. Stinkin’ cute enough for kids cards but “Pun”ny enough for the adults – I seriously could not get enough of it! The images are so sweet!

This first card I combined the Sweet Pea set with the Full of Life 6″ x 6″ DSP. I stamped the two peas in a pod – literally LOL on a Nested Essentials die and colored with Real Red, Lemon Lime Twist and Granny Apple Green Stampin’ Blends.
I cut a 2 3/4″ x 5 1/2” piece of Full of Life DSP adhered it to the center of an Azure Afternoon card base and popped up the Nested Essentials stamped and colored die over the center of the DSP. I added Adhesive-Backed Shiny Sequins to cap it all off!

I have a picture of the same card with the Crushed Curry card stock!
On a Poppy Parade card base I stamped the leaf tendril in Tuxedo Black Memento ink on the base. Stamped the same stamp on scrap Basic White paper, colored in with Lemon Lime Twist Light and Dark Stampin’ Blends and fussy cut four stems. I stamped the four peas in a pod and colored with Stampin’ Blends on a small Nested Essentials die. I popped up the die onto Stampin’ Dimensionsla in the middle of the sprigs. I stamped the You make me HaPEA on the bottom right-hand side of the card and added Iridescent Adhesive-Backed Discs to finish the card.
The next card uses a Basic White cardstock base and a Basic White layer that is embossed with the Distressed Tiles 3D embossing folder. I colored the card center with Lemon Lime Twist and a Blending Brush. I stamped the two peas in a pod and the You make me HaPEA sentiment in Tuxedo Black Memento ink on the largest circle of the Stylish Shapes die set. I colored them with Stampin’ Blends and popped it up on Stampin’ Dimensionals in the card center. Shiny Sequins finish off the card with coordinated sparkle.
This card uses a Crushed Curry cardstock base, a Basic White layer embossed with the Dotted Circle 3D embossing folder, a 2″ x 4″ piece of Full of Life DSP, and two scraps of Basic White for the two die cuts from Perennial Postage dies and Nested Essentials. The Adhesive-backed Shiny Sequins finishes this card.
This next card embossed the base Azure Afternoon card with the Dotted Circles 3D embossing folder. The stamped focal piece is a Deckled Rectangle die set, same Stampin’ Blends and Iridescent Discs.
This card starts with a Basic White Cardstock base and a Basic White layer embossed with the Dotted Circle 3D embossing folder that is colored with Lemon Lime Twist ink from a Blending Brush. Love this image Hello GrumPEA – too stinkin’ cute.
The Lemon Lime Twist card is the base for the next card. The smallest die from the Stylish Shapes is the focal point for the GrumPEA image.
This Sweet Pea card uses Gorgeous Grape card base, a 3 1/4″ x 4 3/4″ piece of Basic White negative die from the Nested Essentials die, a Brights 6″ x 6″ DSP cut to fit behind the negative space. The sweet pea image was colored with Stampin’ Blends and die cut with the Perennial Postage dies.
This card uses a 2 1/2″ x 5 1/2″ piece of Full of Life DSP on a Crushed Curry card base combined with two die cuts from Nested Essentials and Stylish Shapes die brushed with a blending brush and Shiny Sequins.
White on White is the base for this card. The frame is made from the Deckled Rectangle dies. Circle dies from Stylish Shapes and Spotlight on Nature make the focal points for the sweet pea image and sentiment. The Shiny Sequins finishes off this card.
The last card uses a Gorgeous Grape cardstock base, Brights 6″ x 6″ DSP pieces, and a circle die from Stylish Shapes with the sweet pea image finishes the card with Iridescent discs to accent!
Don’t you agree this is a STINKIN’ CUTE stamp set? It’s your turn to find a cute stamp set and create some artwork of your very own – one stamp set at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

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