There's a real possibility that my best stamping bud in all the world will be vacationing in Maine next month. Health issues have prevented visiting for quite some time, so I'm ecstatic on many counts. Of course, I want Liz to remain holding her own physically, but very selfishly, I also want a chance to see her, talk stamping, families, etc, and be blessed by her sense of humor. I have missed her so much, and am praying that God won't let anything stand in the way.
Over the years, regardless of seeing, or not seeing each other, Liz and I have maintained our friendship via snail mail. In fact, before I got 'busier and busier' with smARTworks, I used to be a little more attentive to my end of the correspondence, and would try to get at least a card out every week to ten days, or so...Now once a month is more like it... ~sigh!
Anyway, what I really want to share is the pretty much impromptu card I put together to go with the 'can't wait to see you' (and other stuff) letter I sent out this week.
I used an oldie, but goodie technique I've always called 'Watercolor Restamp'. I think I first stumbled over some version of it on the Paper Inspirations (?) website long before the Trask house even had a computer. I remember skimming over the directions while online at my mother-in-law's house, and thinking, "I'll remember that..."
When I got home, however, I realized I was lacking a few essential details (and name), so did a lot of experimenting with the basics I could remember, and came up with the following. To this day, it remains one of my all-time favorite techniques.
Materials Needed:
Smooth, but not glossy, white or ivory cardstock*
Water-based Markers in 2 shades of each color -- a light and dark version**
Water-filled Mister
Stamp Positioner (VERY necessary!)
Botanical Stamp with limited details
* The reason you want to work on smooth stock is because you don't want the ink/water to be absorbed too quickly -- You might still like the outcome if done say, on watercolor paper, but it won't be the same.
** You can also choose 2 contrasting, but compatible colors (ones that look good when blended).
Process:
1. Prepare the stamp positioner's imaging sheet by aligning it with the positioner, and stamping it with the image you are using. Set aside. Clean stamp.
2. Using only the lighter markers, color your chosen image.
3. Now lightly mist the image, and stamp.
Note -- Even though the photo shows me spraying the stamp, best results are achieved by orienting oneself away from the work area, spraying the the water into the air, and 'catching the mist'. I usually 'catch' three mistings before stamping.
4. Using the darker markers, recolor the image, but this time only in spots -- concentrate on the outer edges, and any inner niches.
5. Mist as before, but set aside while you place the stamp postioner's guide directly over the previously stamped image.
6. Guided by the positioner, stamp the image with the dark highlights.
Note -- Best results will be achieved by refraining from pushing down too hard on the stamp... A lighter touch allows the wet ink to 'move & mingle' before being absorbed into the first image. 7. Allow finished result to dry, then use as desired.
Other Details for the card sent to Liz --
* Memories Mists in Magarita was lightly sprayed across circle, and allowed to dry before any other stamping was done.
* Stamps Used: Botanical image from SBO-Cookie Plate #1, Sentiment from WD-218 Prayer.
* Bottom lines of saying were covered with masking tape, then the first line was inked, and tape removed before inked portion was stamped in black and clear embossed on front circle. Stamp was cleaned, then process reversed to place the rest of the sentiment inside the card.
If you've never tried this technique before, the results can be quite stunning, so give it a go. If you have tried it before, but not in awhile, why not play with it again? It's an oldie, but always fast, fun, and fabulous!
Happy Stamping,
Susan T.
P.S. Image used in sample hails from the SBO-Big 'n Bold stamp set.
Beautiful!!! I hope you and Liz will have a wonderful visit! :)
Posted by: Michelle Adams | Saturday, June 20, 2009 at 11:26 AM