Hi, there! I’ve still been trying to make simple cards, but I just can’t seem to leave well enough alone!!! I made a couple of cards today that were just stamps, paper, and ink… and a marker, a stencil, a mask, glue, and dimensional foam. 🙂 At least I didn’t use any diecutting/ embossing tools!

The first is done on Crumb Cake cardstock, and I used a stencil on the front (this particular one is retired, but there are new ones in the 2020-21 Annual Catalog) and applied Crumb Cake ink to the stencil with a sponge brayer, going over the bottom area most, and tapering toward the top. I then stamped the image from the Ornate Style stamp set in Memento Tuxedo Black, as well as the sentiment from Timeless Tulips (there are a number of great sentiments in that set!). Finally, I took my Chalk Ink marker, and carefully colored in the lines, trying not to cover up the “shading” lines on the image. It was done in a jiffy.

For this card, I used Coastal Cabana and Pacific Point cardstock, and Pacific Point ink, using the Seaside Notions stamp set, and a sentiment from Butterfly Gala. I stamped the seahorse, shells and sand first. I then stamped the seahorse on copy paper, and cut close to the lines. I applied a thin layer of Multipurpose Glue, and let it dry for a bit- this turns it from a strong adhesive to a repositionable one. After it was dry (it will still be tacky), I quickly pressed it onto my jeans to make sure it wouldn’t stick too tightly. Then I placed it over the seahorse stamped on the cardstock, and stamped the coral branches over top of the mask. When the mask is removed, the illusion is that the coral is behind the seahorse. I stick my masks onto the inside of my stamp case, because they are reusable. Ordinarily, I would have run this layer through my embossing machine with the Subtle embossing folder (my favorite!), or the new Tasteful Textile 3D embossing folder, but because I didn’t want to use tools that a beginner wouldn’t have, I just matted it with the Pacific Point cardstock and attached it to the Coastal Cabana card base with dimensional foam dots (Stampin’ Dimensionals). I did, however, “color” the seahorse and shells with a Wink of Stella glitter pen. It very gently smudges the ink, so you get a sort of sparkly watercolor look. It’s hard to capture in a photograph! All the products mentioned are linked below.

Thanks for stopping by. I hope my cards give you some inspiration for your own, and that you spread some sunshine to others by sending them a card made by your very own hands. Check back to see what I’m up to next ( I feel a fun fold coming on!), but until then-

Happy stamping!

Michelle