Everyday Expressions

Hi Everyone! It’s the beginning of a new month, and guess what that means? It is time for Whimsy Stamps’ release week! Yay!! Today I’m sharing a card using the new Cherry Blossoms background stamp and Notched Rectangle Dies.

I began by stamping the Cherry Blossoms background (click HERE to see last month’s gorgeous floral background stamp colored with Copic markers) using my MISTI stamping platform and Hero Arts White Pigment ink on gray cardstock, and colored the image with Prismacolor pencils. Next I layered and die cut using the Notched Rectangle Dies. In order to create a stacked, dimensional look, I adhered the outer frame with tape, added a single layer of foam tape on the second frame, and two layers of foam tape on the center panel.

Finally, I added the happy birthday die cut sentiments (see below for links), a frilly bow, and finished the flowers with cute little centers using Nuvo Glitter Drops in Dazzling Blue. Everything was then layered on white and dark blue cardstock, and then adhered to a Neenah 110 lb. card base.

TIPS:

The white pigment ink takes much longer to dry than you would think! I used the heat tool to dry it until all the ink turned from a shiny, wet look to dull and flat. Be patient with this. If you try to color before the ink is dry, you will get smeared mess.

When I started coloring, every blossom looked exactly the same until I realized that’s not how flowers look naturally. (Although they aren’t blue in nature either! LOL!) Flowers are lighter and darker in color, and sunlight adds shadows and depth. So I began adding darker shading and leaving some flowers much lighter in color. It created a much more interesting look overall.

TRICK:

I love the look of coloring on darker cardstock! Stamp the outline in white, and then fill in each flower with white pencil first, then layer colors from there. It makes the image “pop”. Also, pencils are great for this because the sharp point adds fine details.

So there you have it! What do you think? Isn’t this background stamp gorgeous? I love how the image aligns even with the notched die layers. Thanks so much for joining me in the craft room today! Love and crafty hugs!

Erin

Whimsy Products Used:

  Cherry Blossom Background Stamp

  Notched Rectangle Die Set

  Word Die Set – Birthday Wishes and Magical

  Word Die Set – Smiles Happy and Celebrate

Nuvo Drops

PS – Affiliate links are used where possible. I only promote products I like and highly recommend to friends. All opinions are my own.