One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is seeing the stamp designers I work with, grow and change as they gain more experience, practice & perspective. Lisa Johnson has really exemplified this point with her contribution to the March release, Life. This collection of silhouettes and meaningful *life* lessons is full of sophistication, all with just a touch of Lisa's rustic whimsy. She has been sharing some incredible samples on her blog already this week. If you haven't checked them out already, be sure to do so!
I became so inspired when I started using the images found in Life. All of the silhouettes can take on different styles depending on your color choices and sentiment combinations.
One of the sprig images in the set reminded me a bit of lavender, so I decided to base my color scheme for this project on the idea of that. The *lavender* is stamped in Lavender Moon ink onto Vintage Cream cardstock. I did just a bit of sponging with distress ink around the edge to help warm it up. The background was created with an image from Background Basics: Retro, using Plum Pudding cardstock.
I love, LOVE, love this little detail that I created with the twine. It's wrapped around the card front a few times and tied in a bow through one of our vintage cream buttons. It's so dainty & delicate, a fun departure from standard ribbon. Here's a little tip for when you try this look yourself. I notched the edge of card front with a 1/16th-inch hole punch to allow a place for the twine to be cradles. It really helps keep it in place so it doesn't roll around!
To showcase some contrast, this project uses the same sprig image from above, paired with a few other silhouettes from the set. They are all stamped in True Black ink onto crisp white cardstock. I think it really achieves a hip & modern look. The True Black Gingham ribbon is tied in a bow and embellished with one of our new True Black vintage buttons.
Don't be afraid to use these silhouette images by themselves rather than a group. In this project the sprig is stamped in Spring Moss onto Vintage Cream cardstock and used a bold focal point. Our Spring Rain Gingham ribbon and Spring Moss Bitty Dot Basics paper help to set the tone for the color scheme.
I created this beautiful patterned strip using the same sprig as found in the focal point. I stamped the image repeatedly with spring moss ink, then went back in with spring rain ink and randomly added a small flower image from the set. I went back in with a marker and added small dots of a slightly darker blue to the centers. It made such a pretty pattern that I am looking forward to recreating again in the future, perhaps with pink instead!
(click on above photo for a larger view and to see the shadow stamping a bit better)
My last project demonstrates how you can shadow stamp with your images without re-inking in between, creating a lighter shade of your main ink. When doing this, be sure to rotate the stamp just slightly so that the *shadow* image is slightly off-kilter from the original. This is a quick and easy way to add a bit more dimension to your stamped images.
The background for this card was created with Guide Lines Two using Versamark ink on Melon Berry cardstock. I love the tone-on-tone look and the subtlety of it. To point out an additional detail, the stitched border continues right across the focal point block, which helps to ground the floral silhouettes.
Aren't you just SO excited to get your hands on this set! I am anxious to see what all of YOU create with it once it arrives at your doorstep! One lucky winner will have the set arrive FREE of charge!!!
From what you have seen here and on Lisa's blog, what type of project will be first on your list? What color scheme are you excited to integrate with the images? We want to know!
One comment will be chosen randomly to win a copy of this all-new Life stamp set!
The Fine Print: Only one comment per person please. Contest will close at 9am EST, Wednesday March 13th. Winner will be announced by noon EST HERE, on our official March Release Prize Page. Winner will be responsible for contacting Customer Service to claim prize.
Lisa has a few new samples on her blog today that you won't want to miss out on!
Lauren has put together another peek at her templates releasing this month!
Melissa has some additional projects to share using Wishing You!
CLICK HERE for complete supply lists for all of today's projects.
