THE STAMPIN' DEN

Spotlighting

2008-03-19T07:55:00.000-07:00

Spotlighting an image on your card is a very dramatic technique in card design.

For my card, I used spotlighting to add depth and a pop of color to my image. It pulled the tulips out and to the front of my card design.

Click here for a TUTORIAL on spotlighting: SPOTLIGHTING

Spotlighting is just as it sounds, you spotlight something in a stamped image. In spotlighting you usually stamp your image in a neutral color like black or gray. Then you stamp your image again on a separate piece of cardstock, coloring it in or stamping it with colored ink. Then you punch out an area of that image that you want to spotlight and then mount it onto the original neutral image that you stamped.

The spotlighted image usually has a border around it, defining it's edges. You can create a border by punching out a nesting border (by using two different sizes of shaped punches....like circles), or sponge ink around the edges, or use a marker to ink the edges.

In my card above, I used the Key Tag Punch to punch out my colored image. I then used a gray marker to ink the edge as you see in the close up below.

Other Reasons to use the spotlight technique

This technique can be very helpful when you have a large detailed image and you don't feel like coloring it all in or you don't have the time to color it all in.... just spotlight one part of the image like this:

click to enlarge

This card designed by Smitty2004. Tell her thanks here: THANKS

Spotlighting can also help you tell a story about an image or make a specific point in your card design. Like in this card:

click to enlarge
This card created by inkstampnscrap. Tell her thanks here: THANKS

You can use the spotlight to draw attention to a certain area of your card or image.

Like in this card

click to enlarge
This card created by akm1017. Say Thanks here: THANKS

You can use spotlighting to add an image to an image. Like this owl was added to the trees in the card below.

Created by Biggan. Say thanks here: THANKS

I love this card!

So now that you have "spotted" this technique.....have a go at it!

Double-Slider Card

2008-03-19T06:36:00.001-07:00

The double-slider card feature is a fun way to allow people to interact with the card. As they pull the card up from the top....two surprise panels comes out!

Here is the card I used, featuring the double-slider feature:

Here is the online tutorial that I used to make this card: Double Slider

I didn't have any trouble with the above tutorial. The only difficulty I had in making the card was just trying to understanding the mechanics of it. But once I started working with it....I understood. What helped me the most, is that I decided to make the card with plain Kraft cardstock first...so that I could practice. Then I made my real card using my papercraft products. That way I didn't waste any product. I kept my plain, kraft card for future reference.

I did a web search for other double-slider tutorials and didn't find any. A visual tutorial is sooooo important! Thanks to Beate and splitcoast for creating the tutorial.

I did create a card sketch, with measurements, for the double-slider card that I made above. Just click on the sketch to enlarge it and then print it out.

For the card recipe to my double-slider daffodil card, click here: Double Daffodil

To see more double-sided cards click here: Double-sided card gallery

Chalkboard

2008-02-27T12:23:00.000-08:00

Chalkboard Technique

This technique is a good way to color in a solid image. Using a solid image stamp, white ink, dark cardstock, and chalks.....you will find that when you are done you will have a color filled image with texture. Like coloring an image on a chalkboard.

There is a great tutorial for this technique found here: CHALKBOARD

Make sure while you are there you click on the gallery link for more exampled of chalkboard cards.

Here is my card using this technique. The bear is chalked!

I did not have any trouble at all with this technique and followed just as the tutorial taught.

MY RECOMMENDATIONS:

I do recommend that you use sponge daubers to apply your chalk to the inked image. You can find sponge daubers in the SU Catalog or possibly at hobby/craft stores.

The tutorial says to use a swiffer cloth to wipe off the excess chalk. I used a dryer sheet and it did not work as well. So try the swiffer cloth.

Velvet stamping

2008-01-30T06:42:00.001-08:00

Stamping on Velvet is a fun way to add a touch of soft elegance to your papercrafts.

You will need:

*Velveteen paper, sometimes called Suede paper or Velvet Fabric (it's best to have an acetate/rayon blend). See bottom of this post for resources.

Velveteen Paper

*A stamp (it can be a solid image or detailed image)
*Water Mist
*Hot, dry iron (Cheap irons are the best because they have less holes)

Instructions:
1. Heat your iron on the cotton setting (no steam)

2. Place your stamp on a surface, rubber side up

3. Place a piece of your velvet, soft side down, onto the rubber

4. Lightly mist the back of the velvet
Really this step is optional, I've misted and not misted and cannot tell much difference.

5. Place the hot iron on top of the velvet for about 20 seconds

Don't worry, it will not hurt your stamp!

Note: I rock the iron back and forth gently to make sure I heat the whole image from the stamp. But do not "iron" the stamp and velvet like you would your clothes. You need a controled hold on the iron....kind of like you need a controled hold on your stamp when you are stamping on slick acetate.

6. Pull up on the iron and remove the velvet

And now you have a stamped velvet image to play with!

Below I used a stamp with words and you can read the words!!

Material Resources:

Many years ago I bought Velveteen paper at Hobby Lobby, but they do not carry it any longer in my area. Neither does Michael's, Joanne's, and my local scrapbook store. UGH!!

So I found some:

Online resources for Velveteen paper
createforless
pickquick papers
neenahpapers

Online resource for Velvet Fabric (acetate/rayon blend)
(this site has a tutorial as well for stamping on velvet)

Hot Potatoes

Other Stamping on Velvet Tutorials:

Beate Johns post on Velvet stamping with pictures

For the card recipe to the card used in this tutorial click below:
From the heart

Dryer Sheet Technique

2007-12-13T04:46:00.000-08:00

The dryer sheet technique gives your image softness and dazzle! Try it, it's fun and EASY!

The best tutorial I have found is here: Dryer Sheet
This tutorial has great pictures and really does not need anymore explanation.

Here is another tutorial I found: Dryer Sheet 2

Here is my card: click to enlarge
It's hard to capture the effects in the photo, but it turned out great! Very soft and sparkly.

The Image has a layer of used dryer sheet over it that has been glittered with dazzling diamonds. You cannot see the effects in the picture, but it turned out great!

Dryer Sheet Tips:

1. The only thing I have to say about the dryer sheet technique was that it covered my image too much and I couldn't see the detail that I wanted to see. So I took a piece of sand paper and lightly sanded a little bit through the dryer sheet; just over the areas that I wanted more detail to show through. This took off a layer or too, but it still has the look and feel of softness.

But I might not do that next time, if I'm using an image that doesn't need it. You just have to experiment.

2. If you do not have a xryon machine you can use spray adhesive found in the craft stores. Lightly spray the stamped card stock with Craft Bond Multi-Purpose Spray Glue or other spray adhesive.

For more information about the above card and it's recipe click here: Bah Humbug, NOT!

Peek-a-boo Box

2007-10-31T07:55:00.001-07:00

PEEK-A-BOO BOX

I first heard about the peek-a-boo box on a technique challenge at my favorite website, Splitcoaststampers.

You can find information about the box and it's creator and the template to download...

here: Peek-a-boo

The peek-a-boo part is the "window"

on the inside of the box.

Where you can view the

treat stored inside the box!

Cover the hole with a clear piece of acetate or window sheet. Just tape it to the inside of the cover.

Here is my tutorial on the Peek-a-boo box.

1. Go to the template link at top of this post and print out your template on cardstock. You will get two boxes per 1 sheet of cardstock. I printed mine on pumpkin colored cardstock. Then cut your boxes out.

TIP: Cut right on the lines on the template, not outside of the lines, or the box will not fold right.

2. You will then need to score along the lines marked for scoring. I recommend using a bone folder for crisp folds. If you do not have a bone folder use a fork or a similar edge to help fold.

3. Using a 1 1/4 inch circle punch, punch a hole where it's marked to do so on the template. You will also use a craft knife to make a slit in the box where marked to do so.

Here is the box Folded and

ready to be stamped! You want to fold it to make sure it works before you decorate it!

4. Fold your box back out and stamp it! I used a background stamp to create my design.

5. I then sponged ink on the edges of the box

6. I then added decorative paper to the sides and I created my topper tag.

TIP: This box does not require adhesive because it is kept closed using a ribbon. But once I'm ready to fold the box...I did use some sticky strip on the front fold (where the slit is) to help sturdy the box.

7. For my topper I used a scallop punch and a circle punch for my tag. I also used this cute vampire guy from the SU stamp set "Batty for you". I put crystal effects on his cape to make it glossy. Attach your topper to you box with stick strip or some other adhesive.

8. Then decorate the inside of the box. Put your treat or treats in ( I used a small mini glue dot to hold mine in place because I just have one treat and I wanted it to be viewed) and close the box. Use adhesive where you like, it's optional...just make sure you can open the box without tearing it open. Really the ribbon tied around the box, holds the box together. I used black ribbon with polka dots.

View the Recipe for this box here: Eye Miss You

Direct to Paper

2007-10-30T04:56:00.000-07:00

I used the "Direct to paper" technique on the yellow piece on cardstock seen on the above card. This yellow paper (barely banana by SU) is a very light color. I wanted to use this color, but it needed to have a little texture to it and a deeper richer color to match the images in my designer paper. So using the barely bananna ink pad, I applied the "Direct to paper" technique and it gave me the results I needed.

The "Direct to paper" technique is a very basic technique that can give an extra "wow" to your card project. Direct to paper or DTP gives your project texture and dimension. Once you give this technique a try you just might become addicted to direct to paper inking!

All you need is an ink pad and your paper.

If you are right-handed, hold the paper in your left hand and the ink pad in your right hand. Run and pat the ink pad around the edges and on top of the paper. Some people like the look of a little ink and some like a lot of ink. There is really no right or wrong way. It is all about your personal preference.

Below is a video that shows the DTP technique. First I applied the ink to the entire piece of cardstock. Then I inked the edges. This was done using the same color of cardstock and ink. I also show an example of using a darker ink on lighter cardstock. Click below to view the video.
DTP video: by Hollie Lisk

Direct to Paper Inking Ideas:
* Ink edges of cardstock
*Ink accents
* Ink die cut or chipboard
* Ink the edges of your Vellum
* Crumple paper and then smooth out and ink around all of the rough surfaces for a vintage look
* Torn edges accept ink beautifully
* You can get a whole different look by experimenting with different colors.
Black and brown can give you a vintage look or add highlights
Use a dark color on light cardstock

Shaving Cream Tutorial

2007-10-24T07:31:00.000-07:00

I made a card today using the shaving cream technique. This technique enables you to make a unique background using shaving cream and colored reinkers. What is great about this technique is that you can match your colors with your cardstock.

Shaving Cream Tutorial by Hollie Lisk

Supplies:

Shaving Cream (the cheap stuff, that is white)

Reinkers (two to three colors of reinkers: I used basic gray, bashful blue, and rose red

Paper: white or shimmery white (I used shimmery white)

Tools: fork, an edge (like a credit card or bone folder)

1. Squirt out a blob of shaving cream on your work surface. You can put it on a worksheet like I have done or on a cookie sheet, etc.

2. Then drop several drops of reinker colors throughout the shaving cream blob.

3. Then using a fork, swirl the colors together......throughout the shaving cream blob

4. Then taking your piece of paper, smoosh it atop the shaving cream blob. After I gently lay it on top.....I press down along several places of the cardstock....to make sure I get an even print.
5. Lift the printed cardstock off the shaving cream blob and layout it flat on your work surface. Then using a tool with an edge, like a credit card or bone folder, scrap the shaving cream off of your cardstock.

Tip: save the "pretend" credit cards that come in the mail, that's what I used

Here is your new printed paper!

Now you have a unique background paper to work with. You can stamp directly on it or stamp on acetate, like I did, and then apply the stamped acetate over the shaving cream background paper that YOU created!!

See more information and recipe for the card above, click here: Lovely as a Thought

Other shaving cream tutorials online: Splitcoaststamper by Beate Johns

Don't want to get messy? Try this: Faux Shaving Cream Technique

Cocoa Clips or paperclip bookmarks

2007-10-18T17:35:00.001-07:00

These altered paperclips are easy and fun! With a little chip board and adhesive you can make some up in no time! See tutorial at the bottom of this post.

After viewing the tutorial, here are a few of my suggestions to make things easier.

Alternates to chipboard: pop tart or cereal boxes......very easy to punch with hand punches or
die cuts.

I didn't cover my chipboard like they did in the tutorial, I just adhered it to the back of my punched scallop cardstock with some sticky strip. So much quicker and easier!

Adhesive: E600 or superglue or SU large pop dots

Paperclips: I found mine at office depot, 5 to a pack. They come in gold or silver

For a tutorial on making these paperclip bookmarks click here: Clips

Triangle Tri-fold Card

2007-10-04T04:28:00.001-07:00

This Triangle Tri-fold card is 3 1/2" x 3 1/2" folded. It opens up to a 10 1/2" x 3" card.

The belly band (shown in chocolate chip here) is 8 1/2" x 1", scored at 2 1/2" and 6"

I attached the 2 1/2" x 2 1/2" square of stamped images to the belly band, using sticky strip tape to hold it. So the belly band, with the stamped images, slides off so that the card can be opened.

The hardest part of this job is getting your folds to line up when you close it, unless you scored it "perfectly" on the diagonal. A bone folder tool really helps to make a crisp hard fold, where you want the fold to be or where you want the points of the triangle to go.

My favorite Triangle Tri-Fold Tutorial is on splitcoast stampers. Click below to view:
TRIANGLE TRI-FOLD TUTORIAL

Another great Tutorial is on the Fresh and Fun Blog: Triangle Tri-Fold

For Card Product Recipe click here: RECIPE

Rock-n-roll

2007-09-25T04:12:00.000-07:00

The rock-n-roll technique is a fun way to get two colors on an image. One color is on the inside of the image and the other color is on the outside of the image.

See the "Plant" in the card I made, pictured on the left ....it has two colors on it.

Now I could get the same effect using markers, but the rock-n-roll technique was much easier and besides, I didn't have the color of markers I needed.

My favorite rock-n-roll tutorial is by Beate Johns on splitcoaststampers

For Card details click here: Peaceful Blessings

Reverse Masking

2007-09-25T03:33:00.001-07:00

I don't need to recreate the wheel when there are TWO, I repeat TWO fabulous tutorials online for Reverse Masking!

The first one is by Jan Tink (Stampin Diva).

After viewing her tutorial I made this "Happy Birthday Deer" card:

Tink's Tutorial

The second FABULOUS tutorial online is on Splitcoaststampers and was created by Stampin Diva, Beate Johns. After viewing her tutorial I made this card using Reverse masking:

Click Here for Beate's Tutorial

Have fun creating! For more info on products used to make the cards above visit my main stampin blog here: Pridestampers

Bleaching Technique Card

2007-09-05T09:22:00.001-07:00

Bleaching Technique Card
(click pictures to view larger)

Bleaching is where you use bleach to "white out" an area.

On this card I embossed the zebra with black and then bleached in between the stripes.

Bleaching Recipe

*Soak a piece of felt or folded paper towel with bleach and put in a container. You can then use this bleach "inkpad" to stamp with.

*Usually solid stamps work best for this. Or you can dip a paint brush into the bleach and paint with it.

*Stamp an image on colored cardstock using a detailed image stamp. Paint the inside of the image with bleach..this will turn the inside a lighter color. Then pencil in color where you want it.

*You can also use solid and detail stamps to stamp with just bleach. Like the moon in the card below. I used a solid circle image stamp to stamp the moon.

Note: The bleach with react with the colored cardstock and turn a lighter color. Different colors of cardstock will produce different results in bleached color.

**You can also bleach out an area and then color it in with markers or pencils. This will enable you to color on a dark colored cardstock.

Masking Tape Technique Card

2007-09-05T09:08:00.001-07:00

Masking Tape Technique Recipe
(click picture for larger view)

*Tear pieces of masking tape and layer onto cardstock, overlapping torn edges.

*Rub or sponge light to dark ink colors onto taped cardstock.

*Cover with versamark ink and then clear emobssing powder. Heat with heat tool.

~~For a faux leather look...use shades of brown and yellow

~~Tear tape in different lengths or size for a different look.

Stained Glass

2007-09-05T08:44:00.000-07:00

Click Picture for larger view

STAINED GLASS TECHNIQUE

Here is my stained glass ensemble.

I used the SU stamp set,

"In Full Bloom".

Colors for the flower are: Pumpkin Pie, Really Rust, Ruby Red, More mustard, and garden green

Paper is: Garden Green Cardstock, and Vellum

Other: Cooper embossing powder

Stained Glass Technique Recipe

*Using a detailed image, stamp on a piece of vellum using versamark ink.

*Emboss stamped image with embossing powder

(metallic, black, or white)

*Turn embossed image over and color reverse side using markers

*Turn over and use "stained glass" image on a card

Polished Stone Tech Card

2007-09-05T08:10:00.000-07:00

Polished Stone Technique Card

(click pictures for larger view)

Here is the sampler for the Polished stone technique that I demonstrated at a technique class

Polished Stone

*Drench a felt square or cotton ball in rubbing

alcohol.

*Add small drops of coordinating classic

ink from SU ink refills.

*Add a couple of drops from an encore gold, silver, or copper metallic ink refill.

* Tap the felt square or cotton ball over glossy cardstock, allowing the inks to spread and vein. A clothespin or tweezer can be used to hold it the felt or cotton while you tap it.

*Allow polished paper to dry. Sometimes I've sealed it with sealer or hairspray.

For the card below I used Lovely lylac, elegant eggplant, and silver reinkers

Stamp-a-ma-jig

2007-09-04T04:57:00.001-07:00

Want to stamp "PERFECTLY"? Tired of crooked images?

Then use the STAMP-A-MA-JIG tool!

It took me two years to buy the Stamp-a-ma-jig tool!! And I wish I had bought it sooner, but I did not have anyone to show me it's benefits or how to use it. So here is a tutorial that I put together to demonstrate the Stamp-a-ma-jig or "tool" for short.

This tool has several uses.
1. It can help you stamp letters and words straight or in any position you need them to be
2. It can help you stamp an image in an exact location
3. It can help you make a stamped image darker

It takes a little practice getting used to this tool.

But it is well worth it! I use it every time I stamp.

The stamp-a-ma-jig is the black tool that you see in the picture below. It also comes with an almost clear pastic square piece.

The tool ends in a "T" shape. This provides a place to rest your thumb and fingers when in use.

I am right handed, so this tutorial will demonstrate how a right-handed person would use this tool. If you are left handed you may possibly have the tool in an opposite position of what I do. Also some people use the tool in a down position verses an up position. I will demonstrate the up position. Whatever makes you comfortable is fine!

**************************************************

In this tutorial I am going to use the tool to

position the tree exactly where I want it on the small piece of cardstock.

I am then going to use the tool to darken my tree image.

Next I will use the tool to "two-step" stamp a detail image onto the solid image of the tree.

And last, I will use the tool to place a word image next to the tree.

Let's Get Started!

1.Place the corner of the plastic sheet in the corner of the stamp-a-ma-jig. The plastic sheet has a rough side and a smooth side. The rough side should face up.

2. Ink your stamp and then place the corner of your stamp into the corner of the stamp-a-ma-jig tool. The corner and side of the stamp should be flush with the tool. Then stamp down, onto the plastic sheet.

3. Now we have a stamped image on the plastic sheet.

Before putting the plastic sheet in place for the next stamp. Have your image stamp and ink pad ready to handle.

Take the plastic sheet and place it on your cardstock. Place it exactly where you would like the image to be stamped on your cardstock.

Then place the stamp-a-ma-jig tool flush with the corner of the plastic sheet.

Hold on to the tool with your left hand in order to keep it in place and remove the plastic sheet.

4. While holding the tool in place with your left hand, pick up the stamp with your right hand, ink it up and place the stamp flush with the tool as you stamp down on the cardstock.

Important: after stamping, remove the stamp..but keep the tool in place with your hand on it.

5.Keeping my hand in place on the tool, I can see that my image did not ink up all the way. This is a perfect example of why the Stamp-a-ma-jig tool is so great!

Because I have kept the tool in the same place....I can just re-ink my stamp. Put it flush with the tool again. And re-stamp right over the image!

See results at right.

Being able to restamp directly on the image can also be used to make your image a darker ink. Especially if you are using classic ink on colored cardstock.

6. Now I'm going to repeat the process with the detail image stamp. Stamp the image on the plastic sheet. Lay the plastic sheet, with the stamped image, exactly where you want the image to be stamped. Butt the tool up to the plastic sheet, so that corner meets corner. Remove the plastic sheet while holding the tool in place. Ink up your stamp, place the stamp corner to corner with the tool and then stamp your image.

See Pictures below for results!

7. The stamp-a-ma-jig tool is also very useful in word placement. Below I am going to using a SU marker to "ink" up one word out of a word stamp that I want to use. Then I will stamp that word next to the tree using the stamp-a-ma-jig tool.

Use the marker to "ink" up one word in the stamp. Stamp that image onto the plastic sheet. This time go ahead and re ink your image with the marker and set aside. Then place the plastic sheet, with inked image, exactly where I want the word to be stamped. Butt the tool, corner to corner with the plastic sheet. Remove the plastic sheet, while holding the tool in place. Pick up your inked stamp..."huff "on it to moisten the ink....place it flush with the tool and stamp your image onto the cardstock.

Finished! Now you can take your image and make a card with it. Now, the tutorial seems like a lengthy process...but really it only takes me seconds to use the stamp-a-ma-jig. It's a must have tool for stampers. Buy it...practice with it....use it...and have fun stamping "perfectly"!!

Under Construction

2007-09-03T12:15:00.000-07:00

This is my 2nd blog. I'm actually linking it to my main blog. I needed a place to have tutorials for projects and techniques. I will either have links to tutorials that I have found from various sources. Or I will create the tutorials myself.

Come back often!