Hello,
Happy Sunday everyone! Today I wanted to share my very first project with Simply Stamps, and it’s all about those long days of summer (swoon).
I was inspired by two classic summer icons – ice cream cones and bicycles, and had to make a fun card! You can find these craft stamps here, plus so many more feel good options; you will probably want a day at the beach ASAP!
Step 1:
Custom Pattern Paper
I started by creating my own pattern paper using the Beach Bicycle Craft Stamp, this is a great option for color matching and for results that are exactly what you are going for. I took out my trusty T-ruler and added lines using the stamp as a guide. Then pick an ink you love and stamp away just above the pencil lines.
Once the page is fully stamped I cut it down to a 4.25 x 5.5 card front panel. To add a little something I created a frame using two circle dies, one slightly larger than the other and placed a piece vellum paper behind the images so they would take centre stage.
Step 2:
Coloring with Spectrum Noir Alcohol Markers
One of my favorite ways to bring an image to life is colouring with alcohol markers. For the Ice Cream Cone Craft Stamp, I picked three tones (light, medium and dark), and started off with a base layer of the lightest colour. With the mid-tone I created shadow details on the edges and added a touch of the darkest colour on each side. Next, I went back to the mid-tone and finally the lightest colour for a smooth blend.
Ice cream cone: TN2 TN3 TN7 IGI BG2 Blender
Step 3
Heat Embossing & Perfect Finishing Touches
Often what makes the card isn’t one intricate detail but lots of tiny ones. Each image is stamped using Versafine Onyx Black Ink and heat embossed with clear embossing powder. Tip: This also makes fussy cutting images a breeze! To add interest to the ice-cream cone I used a generous amount of my Spectrum Noir Sparkle Marker in Clear Overlay and added Glossy Accents by Ranger to add dimension. No card is complete without a few sequins!
As a final added touch, I stamped the back and envelope with my custom logo stamp, I think it’s the perfect way to complete a handmade card!
Thank you so much for stopping by!
-Jessica