Creating a Masked Background - Round 2

Hey friends,

Thanks again for stopping by. I have another card featuring an ink blended background, created by die cutting a circle from Masking Paper and masking off the panel used for the card front. I LOVE this technique. As stated Monday, it provides such a beautiful look with a touch of elegance but can also add whimsy in the right situation. This is definitely a go to technique to have in your back pocket. 

Here I cut a sheet of the masking paper down to 4" x 5-1/4" equal to the Basic White card panel and die cut a circle using the Layering Circles Dies from the center of the masking paper. I layered the Masking paper with the Basic White panel and used my blending brushes to add Pale Papaya and Polished Pink ink to the inside of the circle. I then used Memento Black Ink to stamp the sentiment and the foliage from the  Botanical Layers stamp set along with the Sentiment from the same set. Once again, keeping the card super simple. 

Happy stamping!

 

Product List

Botanical Layers Cling Stamp Set (English) [158912] $23.00	Basic Black 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [121045] $9.25	Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [159276] $10.25	Stampin' Up! Masking Paper [155480] $7.00	Pale Papaya Classic Stampin' Pad [155670] $8.00
Polished Pink Classic Stampin' Pad [155712] $8.00	Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad [132708] $6.00	Blending Brushes [153611] $12.50	Layering Circles Dies [151770] $35.00

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9 Tips for Determining Your Card Layout

One of the first things you do when designing a card is determine your card layout. Will it be a portrait or landscape orientation? What sentiment would you like to use? Is there enough room for it? Where do you want it located? Outside top left? Top Right? Maybe lower right? Or maybe you would rather keep the sentiment for the inside of the card? 

Here are a few tips to help you choose your card layout when creating:

9 tips for choosing a card layout when creating

1. Consider the message you want to communicate. Is it a holiday card, a birthday card, or something else? This will help determine the overall tone of your card.
2. Keep your card design simple. Too many elements can be distracting and make it hard to focus on the message.
3. Choose a layout that complements your message. For example, a landscape design may be better for a nature-themed card, while a portrait design is better for a small focal point
4. Select an appropriate size for your card. A note card may be better for a shorter message, while a larger standard size card may be better for a longer one.
5. Think about the colors you’ll use. Bright colors can be cheerful, while muted colors can be more subtle.
6. Consider your stamp image. This will be your visual interest and add personality to your design. Will it be best suited for a landscape or portrait orientation
7. If mixing sentiments, be sure the fonts pair well together.
8. Don’t forget to leave enough room for a personalized message.
9. Have fun with your design! Experiment with different ideas and make sure you’re happy with the end result.

I hope you find these little tips helpful and get you on your way to creating with a little more clarity. In the meantime, I wish you Happy Stamping,

Creating a Masked Background - Round 1

Hello my friends,

Welcome back to my little corner of the web. All this week I'm sharing how to create a "masked background". I love this technique as you can create simple yet elegant or simple yet adorable cards with minimal effort and they all pack a punch.

Today's card was created using Stampin' Up! masking paper and Framed Floret's Dies along with a blending brush. Just cut an oval shape from the masking paper and place over the Basic White panel and apply layers of ink with a blending brush. Once you achieve the desired saturation of color, remove the mask and stamp the image and the sentiment. Finally, attach all the layers and add them to the card base. 

This card is so simple, yet elegant and is perfect for the beginner stamper as well as the most experienced stamper.

I hope this card inspires you to try a simple ink blended background with a mask. 

Happy Stamping,

 

Product List

Cottage Rose Cling Stamp Set (English) [159040] $25.00	Basic Gray 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [121044] $9.25	Smoky Slate 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [131202] $9.25	Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [159276] $10.25	Stampin' Up! Masking Paper [155480] $7.00
Framed Florets Dies [160623] $37.00	Pale Papaya Classic Stampin' Pad [155670] $8.00	Basic Gray Classic Stampin' Pad [149165] $8.00	Blending Brushes [153611] $12.50

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Yay for At the Pond!

 Hey friends, 

Here's an easy peasy card featuring a little bit of masking to create the illusion of an image behind another image using Stampin' Up! Masking Paper. 

Once again, these frogs from At the Pond are just too cute and fun to play with and add a few black flies and well you have a card to say YAY! Need to congratulate your grand on a job well done this semester in school? Or maybe you want to congratulate a friend on her recent announcement? You know, new engagement or even a baby on the way...those would certainly be YAY! situations! 

Anyhoo, I hope you enjoy these fun cards. Be sure to join me every Sunday evening over on my Facebook page where I go live each week to bring you at least 3 fun new cards featuring a new stamp set, bundle or suite of product. It's my goal to inspire you and your creativity, one stamp at a time.

Happy Stamping,

 

Product List

At The Pond Host Photopolymer Stamp Set [160801] $14.00	Happy Labels Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [160856] $24.00	Flowers & More 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Host Designer Series Paper [160802] $18.00	Sweet Sorbet 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [159268] $9.25	Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [159276] $10.25
Parakeet Party Classic Stampin' Pad [159208] $8.00	Sweet Sorbet Classic Stampin' Pad [159216] $8.00	Shaded Spruce Classic Stampin' Pad [147088] $8.00	Soft Suede Classic Stampin' Pad [147115] $8.00	Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad [132708] $6.00
Rhinestone Basic Jewels [144220] $6.00	Stampin' Dimensionals [104430] $4.25

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Love You & Miss You at the Pond

 In case you missed it in the back of the January to April Mini Catalog, On the Pond Hostess set and the fun Flowers & More Hostess DSP are just too fun to pass up! 

Now, don't get me wrong, I am by NO means a fan of REAL frogs, but these cute STAMPED frogs....well, they're just too cute for words and I had a lot of fun playing with them over the weekend once the fog cleared from this ridiculous cold I've been battling for well over a week now. 

These cards are all super simple but like I said, they really do pack a bit of a punch. I hope you are inspired to pull out some cute sets and play with them.

Happy Stamping,

Product List

At The Pond Host Photopolymer Stamp Set [160801] $14.00	Happy Labels Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [160856] $24.00	Flowers & More 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Host Designer Series Paper [160802] $18.00	Parakeet Party 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [159259] $9.25	Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [159276] $10.25
Shaded Spruce Classic Stampin' Pad [147088] $8.00	Parakeet Party Classic Stampin' Pad [159208] $8.00	Soft Suede Classic Stampin' Pad [147115] $8.00	Stylish Shapes Dies [159183] $30.00	Stampin' Dimensionals [104430] $4.25

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