Friends - Mixing Solid and Outline Stamps

G'morning! How is this Saturday treating you? I hope you've had a wonderful start to your weekend!
Things are fabulous around here, and the studio is looking more and more like a florist's domain :) 
So many beautiful floral stamps to play with and so little time!

For today's card I wanted to try mixing solid-style floral stamps (such as Gran's Garden ) along with outline floral stamps (such as Peonies on Parade). I've found that in the past when mixing these two styles together, it's often resulted in a mis-matched, hodge-podge type of a look that I wasn't very fond of. But I think I've found a way to mix and match the two, and I'm happy to say that I love how this sweet marriage turned out on my card today!

It turns out that my finicky eye seems to be really drawn to a similar style when mixing florals, and although these two sets couldn't be more different from a design perspective, I think what makes them work together has actually more to do with how they are colored as opposed to their design. Which is fabulous! Because coloring is one thing I certainly am happy to do :) 

If you look closely, you'll notice how both stamps have a white outline - either from heat embossing, or from the space left during die-cutting. Also, all stamped images feature a gradient of color, going from soft pink to darker pink, and soft aqua to a deeper shade. I really think that this uniform way of coloring makes all the difference. So if you've struggled mixing your various stamps together, give this a try, and let me know if it works out for you. I sure hope this technique helps a tad and opens up a whole new way to mix and match your current stamps. 


To start today's card, I used an older chevron stamp to create the background. If you wanted a bit more dimension, you could easily use a chevron stencil and pair it up with distress ink, glitter paste, or even some of my favorite Molding Paste and a dab of dye ink for color.  


To stamp the outlined flowers from Peonies on Parade, I used Versamark ink, embossed with Ranger's Super Fine Detail Embossing powder. For anyone reading about embossing for the first time, this is my absolute favorite combo in achieving perfectly crisp, detailed images. 

To color the embossed flowers and leaves, I used Distress Inks in Spun Sugar, Picked Raspberry, and Shabby Shutters, dabbed on my craft mat, and colored with my Pentel Water Pens. I adore the resist feature of embossing and how the blooms come to life with so little coloring effort or expertise :)

After arranging my bouquet, I scattered a few sweet little sequins in one of my new favorite colors. I find these little gems work so perfectly with almost any type of card. They are a subtle, yet perfect addition in those little spaces on your card that seem a bit empty or need a little pick-me-up.




For the sentiment, I used some older stamps and dies to create a little radiating heart and bright pink banner, and for the diecut word, I used PTI's Wonderful Words: Friends die, stamped with a delicate floral pattern.

I hope this little mixing and matching tip inspires you to pull out those stamps sitting in the back of your drawers, and pair them up with fresh-new florals, for a whole new take!

As always, thanks you so much for visiting today :)
Wishing you a lovely (and creative) day.

Ivana

p.s. Friends - I'm trying out a NEW supplies list that will be featured at the end of each post. I hope it will make shopping a little easier and allow you to quickly see products I've used on each project. Using this feature will not add any additional costs to your purchase, but it will go a long way in helping me maintain this little blog of mine. Your purchases through any of the AMAZON, BLITSY or SCRAPBOOK.COM links below will help me convert a small portion of your sales towards running this little blog and creating new, exciting content on an on-going basis. So if you like what you see here and you enjoy visiting my creative space, please consider using these links when you shop.

Also please note, although I do make a small commission on the sale of some products I feature, all products used on this blog and opinions shared are my own and are not influenced in any way.
I simply love to share the goodies that make crafting fun for me, in hopes that they'll do the same for you! :)

I want to extend a HUGE thank you to anyone who has already used these links! Your support means the world to me and I cannot express my gratitude enough. Thank you!

7 comments

  1. What a gorgeously heartwarming card Ivana! I am soooo happy that you got back into your craft room after a couple year break!!! Seeing your work is a true joy and such a wonderful inspiration.
    Have a great weekend!
    Hugs
    Samra
    Paper Talk with Samra

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, sweet Samra! :) It's so nice to be back and staying in touch with all my dear blog friends again. Biggest thanks for supporting my little blog and for all of your love. Sending hugs!

      Delete
  2. This card is absolutely stunning—thank Yiu for sharing your talent!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, dead Debbie! :) Sending you big hugs!

      Delete
  3. Great and beautiful! Very unic,I am so proud od YOU, love your talent .Love ,your mom

    ReplyDelete
  4. One of my fave these days Ivana! Great composision and colors! BTW I looove chevron! xoxo Aneta

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for taking the time to visit my blog and to leave a comment. I appreciate it so much!