January 2000
Stars and Daffodils
Designed By Judi Kauffman
When I received sheet #42390 GEOMETRIC SHAPES,
my first thought was how much
fun I'd have stamping the stars, circles, squares and triangles in bright
colors. But the same shipment included sheet
#42110 FLOWERS, and I gave
myself a challenge -- to see if I could combine them for the first project of
the year 2000. The photo mat and two cards use the same basic idea -- to
stamp with a geometric shape that has been inked twice, first with a flat
color or combination of colors, second with an image (in this case, the
daffodil, but you can choose a different flower or grapes from #42110).
The technique is simple, and one that you will want to use again and again.
If you've never tried it, please practice to gain confidence and see how it
works. You can always cut your experiments into strips for bookmarks or make
a few gift tags or postcards if you like them. When you practice you can
also test alternative color combinations, too.
Start by inking a 1-3/4" square with any pigment ink. Dab a second color
along the edges if you want to get a mottled and dimensional look. Then ink
a second stamp (I used the daffodil) and print it onto the inked square.
Stamp the square (with both flat color and the daffodil image) onto card
stock. The result is either a soft image or an abstract pattern. If you
position the daffodil stamp so you can see the flowers, you will see a
picture. If you position it so that only portions of stems show, it will be
abstract. The smaller shapes like the stars will be more abstract since you
will see only a tiny section of the flower stamp.
Materials
For Both Mat and Cards
Red Castle #42390 GEOMETRIC SHAPES and #42110 FLOWERS
Tsukineko Ultimate Metallic pigment ink pads - HONEYDEW and BLUE
Ranger Adirondack dye ink pad - RAISIN
Scissors or craft knife
Therm O Web PeelnStick Double Sided Adhesive
Therm O Web PeelnStick Foam Squares
For Mat
Pre-cut photo mat (white)
White card stock
For Cards
Ranger ColorIt pigment ink pad - BLACK
Card stock as shown or in colors you prefer
I used a purchased Strathmore greeting card with deckle edge, handmade paper
with imbedded leaves, and tan coated stock, plus white uncoated stock for
stamping stars and squares
STEPS
Mat
Note: The size of stars will be your choice, use larger stars for big mats,
small stars for little mats. If you prefer, use the roses, pansies, grapes
or coreopsis instead of daffodils.
Mount stamps with HALO loop tape, wood block and cushion, or as desired.
-
Lightly brush mat with Honeydew ink pad, applying color directly from pad for
mottled background.
-
For a random border, stamp daffodils with Raisin ink. Let them aim inward at
the sides, grow upright across the bottom, and peek up from the opening
across the top.
-
Stamp three or more sizes of stars with Blue ink.
-
Stamp stars using two-stamp technique as follows: Ink star with Honeydew.
Ink daffodil with Blue or Raisin and stamp onto surface of star. Stamp stars
onto white stock, some close together, some with more space between them.
When ink is dry (heat set or leave overnight), cut out groups of stars
(connected) and single stars with a narrow white border. Do not clean stamps
as you re-ink. The color mixing and shadow images that remain are part of
what makes it interesting!
-
Arrange stars on mat as shown or as desired. Glue some of them against mat,
raise some of them (groups or individual stars) with Thermo O Web PeelnStick
Foam Squares. Tape or glue photo in position. Back with heavyweight
cardboard and an easel, or frame in a shadow box so stars do not get crushed.
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Cards
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Using two-stamp method described in directions for MAT, stamp stars or
squares with both a background and flower image. On tan card, different
sections of the daffodil stamp are used for each of the squares.
-
Cut out stars leaving a narrow white border. Cut out and layer squares on
handmade paper (tan card), or tear them and layer them for a collage (blue
card).
-
Combine the pieces as shown or as you prefer. Note that in both cards some
of the pieces are raised on Therm O Web PeelnStick Foam Squares for
dimension. Add a border to a small photo and include it for a special touch.
OPTIONS AND OTHER IDEAS
-
Instead of a cardboard mat, paint a flat wood frame with Ranger DecorIt ink
to match your decor. Stamp flowers and stars, then emboss with Clear
embossing powder. Seal with a spray finish.
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Print the shapes right onto card stock instead of making a layered collage.
-
Choose circles or triangles instead of, or in addition to, the stars and
squares.
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Do not ink the geometric shape. Stamp the flower onto the shape and then
stamp the shape. This will give a clean and simple shaped image.
-
Stamp small squares to create a mosaic. One row around the edge of a mat
makes a nice border. For extra dimension use Therm O Web PeelnStick Foam
Squares to raise some of the mosaic pieces or raise the squares for the
entire border.
-
Invent your own options using any stamp you want on the face of the
geometric shapes! Try a pattern background, tiny animal footprints, fish
scales, hearts, and more.
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