Stampin' Newbies

Hello Everyone!

I've just been contacted by a self-proclaimed Stampin' newbie!  It makes me stop and think....where does a newbie begin?  The following are some handy beginners facts to hang on to:

1.  The most typical size card made by the hand crafter is referred to as the A2.  The finished size of this card is 4 1/4" wide by 5 1/2" tall.  The card is one half of an 8 1/2" x 11" piece of Early Espresso card stock folded in half.  You can either cut the piece of card stock lengthwise at the 4 1/4" mark or from side to side at the 5 1/2" mark.  Simply for the cut piece in half

Cut at 4 1/4" down the 11" length

                                                                 

4 1/4" x 11" folded in half.  Can  be used upright or sideways

                                                                     

2.  Layering of color coordinated card stock on the front of your card adds interest.  This is one of a number of very common layouts for cards that use the layering technique.  I cut  a piece of Marina Mist card stock to cover the front of the card leaving a 1/4" margin of the Early Espresso showing.  That means the Marina Mist card stock is cut 5 1/4" x 4".  Following that same pattern, I cut a piece of Whisper White card stock 5" x 3 3/4" to place on top of the Marina Mist. Now I have my layers!

3.  Beginners often try to build their supply inventory (card stock, ink, stamps) by shopping at your local craft store.  I did that for years.  I struggled every time I sat down to begin a project.  There is no color coordination between the inks  and the card stock you find at the local craft store.  Using Stampin' Up! products eliminates that problem.  If you find a color you love, you can order card stock and ink and embellishments in the same color!  Having card stock and ink that match eliminates so many issues when you want to complete a project!  The other thing that I have noticed is that I was often disappointed with the stamped image I got when using non-Stampin' Up! stamps.  Stampin' Up! stamps leave a very clear, crisp image.

4.  The step I completed was to use the drywall mesh stamp I made with 3 layers of mesh on an acrylic block.  I inked up the drywall mesh with the Marina Mist ink and randomly stamped the Whisper White card stock with the homemade stamp.

5.  Just to add a little interest I took my 1" Stampin' Up! punch and used it to notch out the corners of both the Marina Mist and the Whisper White card stock.  I put the two pieces of stock together and lined up the corners then punched.  When you have notched out all four corners and centered the two pieces you see the layered effect of the two colors!

6.  Next, using the "Wetlands" stamp set from Stampin' Up! I inked up the goose stamp and also the cattail stamp with the Early Espresso ink. Stamp the goose somewhere around center and then stamp one set of cattails on the left of edge, then without inking up again, stamp the cattails one more time between the goose and the cattails you have already stamped.  Repeat this process to the right side of the goose as well.  Stamping twice without re-inking is called shadow stamping.

7.  To add a little "pop" of color to this monochromatic scene I pulled out a stamp with tall skinny flowers on it.  Because I didn't want to use the whole stamp, I used markers to color the portion of the stamp that I wanted.  You can use any color you choose...this is just something to add a little interest to the scene.  I repeated this process on both side of the goose.

8.  I also used three gold brads on the upper left corner of the card....again to just to add a little something extra.  Using a piercing tool, poke three evenly spaced holes in a vertical line in your Whisper White card stock.  Cutting these holes in the card stock makes inserting the brads so much easier!

9. When using dark colored card stock for the base of your card, you need to cut a piece of lighter colored (I use white) card stock for the inside of the card.  Stamping on the dark colored stock makes for difficulty reading the card.  So, again with a stamp from the "Wetlands" stamp set I decorate the bottom left corner of the piece of Whisper White stock you will use on the inside of the card.

10.  Lastly you need to use your adhesive to adhere all the layers together and voila!  You have a VERY PRETTY multi-purpose card.  I purposely wait to stamp a sentiment on either the front or the inside, because you are never sure what kind of card you will need. 

This card can be used as a birthday card for either a male or female and could also be used as a sympathy card.

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial! 

Pat