Ink Resist Technique

Hello stampers,

As you can probably tell from my recent posts, I like making cards with fun and creative backgrounds. I think the background of any card is what makes it really special and unique. The latest background technique that I am experimenting with is ink-resist.

I made the backgrounds using Versamark ink and clear embossing powder. I like how the details of the stamped image show up so well.  I applied the different colors of ink using sponges.  I like using sponges because I can control how dark or light I want the color to be.

The first image is a sample of the ink-resist background cardstock before I have used it on a card. You can use any color combination that you like.  On the sample piece, I sponged on three colors; I used four colors on the background of the anniversary and birthday cards.

The background on the anniversary and birthday cards were made from the same piece. Cutting the background cardstock into two pieces allowed me to stretch the use of the background paper and my creativity.

What are your favorite background techniques?

You can find these cards and many more on my Etsy shop.  Exclusive savings for blog readers.  Get free shipping on all orders over $20.  Using coupon code BlogShip.

Thanks for visiting my blog.

Happy stamping!

Birthday cards for him and her

Hello fellow stampers,

I love sending handmade birthday cards to friends and family to help make their day a little more special.  The following cards were a lot of fun to make using a couple of my favorite stamps sets from Stampin' Up - Pocket Fun and Lovely as a Tree.

The pocket card has the sentiment behind the pocket as a little surprise.  The flowers were made using a flower and daisy punch.  I curled the edges to them a little dimension.  There is a flower on the inside of the card and on the envelope to tie everything together.  I used pearl-type embellishments as the centers.

The main colors are Dapper Denim and Always Artichoke from Stampin Up.  The flowers were punched from designer paper in my stash.  Here's a tip:  when you have a small scrap of designer paper, punch a couple of flowers and save for a future projects. I store mine in an extra plastic box but anything will work.

I just love the Lovely as a Tree stamp set.  It's great for any card for him and for her.  This one I think is a perfect for a special guy - not too feminine. The tree is stamped in black and the background colors were quickly sponged on.

The main color for this card is also Dapper Denim with black accents.  The black ribbon tied in a know gives the card dimension and serves as place to pop-up the sentiment. I also stamped the inside of the card and on the envelope with the multi-tree stamp.

Both cards are available for purchase on my Etsy shop, Handmade By Kathie K.

Happy stamping!

Wilderness Inspiration for Greeting Cards

Hello fellow stampers,

I just got back from a fabulous family vacation and feel very relaxed and inspired.  The mountains and wilderness were just breathtaking.  All this natural beauty inspired me to make this card.

I used the Noble Deer stamp set from Stampin' Up and the rest is a sponging technique.  I used several masks on the deer, sun and to the make the distant mountains. I am definitely not an artist so this is my best shot of a mountain lake and wildlife.

Inspiration can come from anything - just keep your mind and eyes open.  You will be making one of kind cards in no time.

Happy Stamping!

Sunsets by the ocean

Hello fellow crafters!

When my husband and I are able to take a vacation, we love going somewhere warm by the ocean. Since we live in the mid-west, this is something that we don't get to do very often. So in between vacations, I recreate those memories through stamping.

Here are my current favorites.  I love doing the sponging technique to create the blue/green hues of the ocean, and the yellow and purple sky of a setting sun. Thanks to all of you that post your great creations as they definitely inspire my creativity. The thing that I like most is that every card turns out a little different.

The cards below were made for a couple of my friends that needed a little pick me up.  I also think these designs would be great for sympathy cards and for the guys in your life.  The version with the lighthouse was made for my brother's birthday.

Both cards were made with the Stampin' Up High Tide stamp set.  Here are few tips when making these cards:

• Before stamping or sponging, make sure your card stock is cut to the finished size.  When I made these cards I trimmed after and lost the really cool edging the sponging makes.
• For the masking, I found post-it notes that have a large sticky area.  This made masking so much easier. They are made by Post-it and called full adhesive notes.
• When stamping the lighthouse, be aware of the shadow that is created by layering the two stamps together.  Just make sure you place the light source on left.

I am still amazed how these turned out!  Both cards started out completely white,  Give this a try.  I hope you have as much fun as I do making these cards.

Happy crafting!