Hello, my friends! I was so excited to receive my new stamp sets from the Tim Holt Stampers Anonymous collection. These stamps were just released a few weeks ago. I was only able to order just a few this time but there’s always later. LOL. I used both of the sets I bought in this make. I think my favorite of these was the set “Bold Sayings” (CMS433). They just scream that they need a WILD background. I’m not real sure, but I may have over done it on the back ground, but I think it’s growing on me the more I look at it. LOL. I do admit I think I threw a little bit of everything inky into this one.
I’m feeling a little blah today, with allergies and sinuses, so I wanted to go bright and cheery with this one. The colors I chose were Distress Oxide Picked Raspberry, Dusty Concord, Mermaid Lagoon, Ripe Persimmon, Mustard Seed, and Mowed Lawn. I smudged a little of each individual ink pad onto the nonstick portion of my glass mat. I spritzed it with a little bit of water, and dabbed the paper into each color until I was happy with the coverage. The paper that I used today was Distress Heavystock in white. I think the bold colors really popped on the white. There were a few white spots left, but not too many. To take care of those, I used Squeezed Lemonade and a blending tool. I know I use this technique alot, but I just LOVE the way it turns out.
Next, I took my Distress sprayer bottle, squirted a little water into my hand, and flung it onto the card. Fling, sling, hopefully you get the idea. LOL. Then you dab the water off with a paper towel or rag, whatever you have handy. The next step was to add a little layering stencil. The stencil I chose was THS083. I used the latest addition to the Distress color line, Salvaged Patina and a blending brush. I have to tell you that I don’t think this step really shows up, now that it’s all said and done, but it’s in there. I promise.
Once the inky layers were done, came the stamping part of the background process. I felt like those colors were almost neon on that white paper, so I figured I wouldn’t go wrong with a little grunge so I used the Stampers Anonymous set “Ultimate Grunge” (CMS075). It’s an older set, obviously by the number, but it is definitely well used. The colors I chose for this stamp set were Distress Archival colors Mermaid Lagoon and Spiced Marmalade. Then I got brave, I think, and used the brand new set “Floral Outlines” (CMS430) on the background as well. To stamp these images, I used the brand new Distress Archival Hickory Smoke. Not a brand new color, but brand new FULL SIZE. So excited about the full size pads. As you can see from the Mermaid Lagoon and Spiced Marmalade in the above pic, the larger ink pad is much easier to work with than the minis. And I don’t think I would consider a background complete without a little Vintage Photo distressed edges. LOL.
Last step but definitely not the least step is the sentiment. For the sentiment on this card, I used the Brand New set “Bold Sayings” (CMS433). I went with embossing it instead of just stamping because I wanted it to stand out more. I think I can consider that mission accomplished. It really pops on this bright and bold background. For the embossing I used Ranger Black embossing powder, Distress Embossing Ink, and my Heidi Swapp embossing tool. For those that don’t know, embossing is a really easy technique. First, you stamp your image with the embossing ink. Then you place your stamped image over a piece of paper, or a coffee filter to catch the excess. You then sprinkle the embossing powder very liberally over stamped image. Then you tip the paper so that the excess falls onto the piece of paper. You will then pour the excess back into the jar of powder. After you’re sure that your image is well covered with the powder, you take the embossing tool and heat the powder. Depending on the type of powder you used, you will know it’s done, when it turns shiny in this case. Some embossing powders have a dull finish or metallic. Like I said, it just depends on the type and the brand.
Well, I hope this quick tutorial was helpful in some way. The jury is still out on whether I like it or not. LOL. It may be a little too busyfor me. I think that’s normal with any crafter. We are always our worst critic. LOL. I was going for Bold and Bright and it is definitely that. What do you think? Let me know!
Until next time,
Jennifer
J Cooper Creates 