Mountain Scene Card Tutorial

Hello fellow stampers,

I can admit, I cannot draw or paint freehand. But I have found that I can get a realistic scenic image using sponges and torn post-it paper.

Here's another sponged background card that I made for a friends recent loss. I think the color combinations and images made the scenic view seem almost peaceful.

For this card, I wanted a setting sun. I first tore mountain shapes out of post-it paper. The trick here is to use the positive and the negative pieces. Use the negative pieces to sponge the mountains and positive pieces to sponge the sky.

On this card, I chose a setting sun but a night time scene with a full moon would look just as awesome. To create the sun, I used a circle punch with post-it paper. I masked off the mountain using the positive piece of post-it paper so the sun looks like its setting behind the mountain. To create the sky, start with the lighter colors closest to the sun and gradually add darker shades as you sponge towards the opposite edge.

Once the mountains and sky were sponged and dried, I repeatedly stamped the same evergreen tree use the stamping off technique. I stamped one image with my stamp fully inked and then without reinking, I stamped it a couple more times.  I think it gives the card dimension and depth.

To finish the card, I stamped a sentiment on a layered banner and added grosgrain ribbon.

This card could be used for any occasion or just to let someone know you are thinking about them. I hope you gives scenes like this a try.

Happy stamping!

Kathie K.

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!