Simple stamping can be fun for everyone. Whether you’re brand new to papercrafting or you just want to stamp a greeting to add to a plate of cookies, we all need ideas for quick cards. I need to remind myself that sometimes “less is more.”
Here’s several simple cards created by the Stampin’ Up! artists which Stampin’ Up! recently shared with us.
One way to make simple cards is using the “stamp-off” technique shown on the card on the right using the Love of Leaves Stamp Set. This technique gives your card sophistication and depth without a lot of effort—and you get several shades of ink from one ink pad. Just add a bow, ribbon or bling and a sentiment and you’re done! What’s “stamp-off?” Simple – follow these easy steps:
- Ink the stamp.
- Stamp the image.
- Re-stamp the image one or more times without re-inking it.
The middle card uses the stunningly beautiful Autumn Greetings Stamp Set to show you how stamped cardstock layers can add visual complexity without requiring a ton of work. Stamp one layer with a large stamp and adhere it to the card front. Then add a stamped tag—popped up with a Stampin’ Dimensional. It looks sophisticated, yet it’s easy to do. Simple stamping at its finest!
You can always add a touch of color to a card using a simple Blender Pen trick. (see the wheelbarrow image from the Autumn Goodness Stamp Set.) Stamp the image, then go over the stamped lines with the Blender Pen to color in the wheelbarrow. So fun! Plus, you’ve added a touch of artistry that doesn’t require a lot of effort. I must admit I always forget this technique because I’m not very good at coloring. But this method is very easy, no coloring skills needed!
I combined the first two techniques into my cards. I started with an Early Espresso card base with a Very Vanilla top pieces. I stamped the large leaf from the Gather Together stamp set several times using two colors rather than just one. Cajun Craze and Cinnamon Cider ink pads. The tag is Very Vanilla on top of a piece of Early Espresso, stamped with Early Espresso ink (okay so I’ve expanded the simple card idea to include 3 ink colors). The tag is popped up with dimensionals and added a triple Linen thread bow for interest. I was quite pleased with this simple look for a fall Thanksgiving card.
My second card combines the stamping off and masking technique to create my pumpkin scene. I tried stamping off on the pumpkins but it didn’t really work. So I stamped both pumpkins onto scrap paper and then cut them out to use as a mask.
I stamped the small pumpkins first on Very Vanilla, then added my 2-pumpkin scrap over that image before I stamped the big pumpkin. Then I also added the big pumpkin scrap along the small pumpkins scrap and stamped the wheat shafts twice without reining. The final image looks like it was all one stamp rather than 3. I cut a bigger piece of Early Espresso and then an even bigger piece of Cajun Craze to layer them together. I layered it off center so that the right and bottom edges were wider margins than the top and left side. I stamped my greeting, then popped the image up off-center with dimensionals. Another simple card, and not my usual card. I need to keep reminding myself to try more simple cards!
Here’s the supplies I used for today’s cards:
Thanks for stopping by today. Remember your cards don’t have to be elaborate and complicated. Sometimes you need (or want) a quick simple card. So remember these suggestions and happy stamping!
Janice B at JB Stamper
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