A sigh of happiness, and a new technique

I'm back! And my stamp room missed me, too. I literally sighed with happiness when I walked in and saw everything as I left it (the table cleared off, for once), all ready and waiting for me. We got home about nine p.m. last night and by eleven I had already unpacked, put the kids to bed, called both sets of parents to confirm our arrival, dealt with the most pressing emails, and was happily stamping away. Am I a sick lady or what??? Hee hee!

Here's two quick one-layer cards I put together in the wee hours (after I mounted the sets!). Was supposed to be working on projects for tonight's Incredible Cards Club, but when the mojo is flowing, I've learned not to stop it! Both of these cards use Confetti White as a base, for added sturdiness.

This first one used Soft Suede and River Rock (awesome together!) and the brand new GORGEOUS set called Just Believe (page 109 in the new Idea Book & Catalog). Love the frame stamp from that set, as well as the largest image. Looking forward to playing with this set a bunch more, soon!

I went a completely different direction with this next one-layer card, and used a bright combination of Poppy Parade, Old Olive and Pumpkin Pie. The set is totally adorable, a doodly-style throwback called For Everything (page 62). It's super easy to line up, and lends itself perfectly to the self-watercoloring technique.

Don't know what the "self-watercoloring" technique is? Well, it's so easy, you'll laugh. All you do is stamp your images like normal. Then, take an Aquapainter with water in it, and go over all your lines. It slightly blurs and softens the edges of your image, as well as increasing the vibrancy of the colors about 100%. I call it "self-watercoloring" because you are using only the ink from the stamped image itself, with no added inks or paints. You can see what the end result looks like on both cards above--a great half-sharp, half soft look that you'll love. Enjoy! 

Comments

[Kristen Bryant]

I really like the top card! I love that set too. IT was a must have:)

[Jan Hoyt]

Well, how about that...I have been "self water coloring" for ages and never even knew it! I discovered it last fall with an Autumn Leaves set(maybe Autumn Splendor?)when it just wasn't "doing it" for me and I went over the images with my AquaPen and wow, what a difference!

Love this card, Lyssa! Jan
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