There are so many different ways you can use one simple stamp set that I thought I'd feature a few ways here today. One of the most basics is a floral set that can be used for many different occasions. When I started stamping years ago, I was amazed at the endless possibilities with some ink, stamps and paper.
The set that was utilized throughout this post (shown on the left) is reminiscent of a brand new set (shown on the right) that is now available through Hero Arts, Stencil Art. Most of the ideas shared below can easily be replicated with this new set if you do not currently own the stamp set used below.
When I think of Hero Arts I think of simple, clean and classic design. This mostly white design allows the beauty of the stamps to shine front and center. An easy way to make a sentiment special is to stamp an image with light colored ink and then stamp the sentiment over it. The circle is die cut using the Circle Spellbinders die. A doily, some beautiful white silk ribbon and a Hero Arts Clear Button embellishes the design.
I love stamping white on Kraft Cardstock. For this design I've used the same image but paired it up with a different sentiment. Flourish-style images are great for embellishing corners to get a frame effect. The thought bubble was created by die cutting the stamped white cardstock with an oval Spellbinders die. The Hero Arts darling little pearl stickers in graduated sizes add to the look.
One of my favorite things to do with solid image stamps it to ink them and get a watercolor effect. The perfect papers for this are the Arturo Notecards. Simply ink up the stamp with the dye ink colors you wish to use, spritz the stamp with water in a Mini Mister and get your impression. It's a lovely soft watery look. The Hero Arts Metallic Decor Silver embellishments add a unique and modern decoration.
Sometimes small images can be difficult to use if you're not sure how to use them. Repetition can be a great way to fill the design. For this card, I repeatedly stamped the floral image into a grid for a clean graphic look. Each time I made an impression, I turned the block to vary it up a little. How did I get it nicely spaced? The Magnetic Precision Mat makes it easy. Place the card so that the main intersections of the grid line up where you want them on the card. A clear acrylic block with guidelines can be lined up with the grid on the mat. You may have to eyeball it a little but it's a quick and pretty even way to accomplish it.
You may have noticed that the card isn't standard size. I love changing up the size. Every card you create does not have to be 4.25" x 5.5". For this project I sized the cardstock to fit into a 3.5 x 6.5 tag envelope. Stamp your envelopes for a quick way to make them special.
The large flourish stamp from this set makes a great border. For this fun card I've stamped it on an angle to create fun lines. The Memory Box Lagoon notecard front is cut away around the outside of the flourishes giving you a peek at the inside. The inside panel is covered with some sweet floral paper from the Basic Grey Lemonade 6x6 paper pad. Another little piece is punched out with a circle punch and layered behind a Hero Arts Clear Button tied with twine.
While my Lemonade pad was out I thought I'd have a little fun with some simple stamping combined with patterned paper. You can add stamps to any look you want and they are easy to color coordinate by changing the inks. My sentiment panel is die cut with a Spellbinders labels
die from kraft cardstock and stitched over layers of patterned paper.
Another fun and easy way to add stamping to a project is to create your own custom ribbon. I've stamped the ribbon with a straight flourish stamp from the set over some pink twill. The clear block and stamp make it super easy to line up and repeat stamp until the ribbon is covered.
Have some fun with some simple stamping and think of some new ways to create with a great basic set.
Thanks so much for stopping by the CLASSroom! Don't forget to return tomorrow at 10:00am Pacfic Standard Time for some "Scavenger Hunt" fun!
