Pleasant Poppies is another of the gorgeous full-size images currently available from Stampin’ Up! (see it online – 129499). Last week I mentioned a few tips for using large stamps on small projects. Today I have a couple more technique tips for you: the Spotlighting Technique and a Watercolor Refresher! Both techniques are wrapped up in this paper lunch sack turned into a Gift Bag.
This project was actually one from my Stamps in the Mail Club during the last round. If you haven’t ever participated, get ready for the next round. Signups begin in April for the May Round!
Spotlighting Technique
Spotlighting is a nice way to highlight a certain part of a larger stamp, like with Pleasant Poppies or Swallowtail.
- Stamp your large image on the background.
- Stamp again on scrap paper and use a Circle Punch to punch out the piece(s) you’d like to highlight.
- Color the circles differently from the background and match them back onto your main image.
Here are a few more Spotlighting Technique card ideas on my blog.
Refresher Technique Focus: Watercolor
Watercolor Wonder Crayons (WWC) combined with an Aquapainter or paintbrush allow an artist to create realistic watercolor effects. Here are few pointers to perfecting your technique:
- Gently wipe the wet tip of the AQP across the end of the WWC, picking up color
- Begin with the lightest color layer: use a light touch and extra water to thin out your color
- Add a 2nd color layer, either of the same tone or different. Be sure to leave some of the lightest layer showing
- Add a 3rd color layer as the darkest layer, using the most pigment from the crayon and the least amount of water
- Consider your shadows – which direction does the light in your picture shine? Objects with a shadow around the outer stamped black line look more dimensional and realistic
Curious about how the gift bag works? I have a Video Tutorial that shows how to make these Card Topper Gift Bags.
And be sure to check for more Pleasant Poppies ideas on my blog!
Happy Stamping!
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Supplies: Stamps: Pleasant Poppies, Curly Cute; Inks: Jet Black Staz-On Ink; Cardstock: Watercolor Paper, Tangerine Tango, Whisper White, Pacific Point; Accessories: Sycamore Street Ribbon (Sale-A-Bration gift), Jumbo Rhinestone, Pacific Point Stitched Ribbon, Watercolor Wonder Crayons – Brights Collection, Aqua Painters, Distressing Tool (optional – Spring Catalog), 1 ¼” Circle Punch, 1 ¾” Circle Punch