Stamp Ink Paper is having a Favorite Punch challenge this week and luckily it is acceptable to use dies also.
I did a podcast several years ago about how I prefer punches over dies. I just found them so convenient because I had them in a storage unit right on my desk and they were within reach and I was always grabbing them for my projects.
Times have changed! I’ve moved the punches off my desk and rarely use them any more.
I love my dies. My favorite dies include layered word dies and stitched shape dies. That’s what I used for this card today!
I’ve ventured into the world of Digi Stamps and I’m enjoying it. I had a CyberMonday coupon code for Gerda Steiner stamps and I was there looking at digi stamps to use for copic coloring practice.
While I was there I found this super cute stamp set called Long Time No See. I also found a cute little bear called Warm Fuzzies that I ordered as well. I purchased a few digi stamps which of course you get to download and start playing with those immediately. The two small stamp sets that I purchased arrived yesterday in a wonderfully decorated envelope. They include a personal note from someone at the shop and 3 very adorable stickers that will be amazing in my Canvo Journal for this week.
I stamped this little guy out and made an attempt at coloring him in with my limited selection of Copic markers. I tried to use the things that I’ve been learning from my MyCreativeScoop classes and from the Kit & Clowder classes.
I am definitely improving and that is actually fun to see. When I compare where I was a year ago with alcohol maker coloring and where I am now, it is rewarding to see the difference.
I think the next step is to actually buy some card stock meant for Copic markers. I understand that the color sits on top and blends better with this specialty paper.
I used my warm grays for the body, snow and top of the hat. I used some reds and yellows for the hat, feet and beak. My reds and yellows are very limited so I don’t have a lot of options.
I decided to use my Distress Oxides to create the sky. I feel guilty using the Copics to create backgrounds because they are expensive and I have not yet ventured into purchasing refills for them.
Since I am participating in the Stamp, Ink and Paper Challenge for the week, I decided to cut him out with a set of stitched oval dies and the stitched flag dies from MFT stamps. I LOVE the stitched details around the shaped dies. It just adds a nice subtle border to your project. I added some white sparkle washi tape and some apple red cardstock to the edge. I used my favorite new sentiment from my MFT stamps Sweet Holiday Penguins. (I know that I’ve been using a lot of penguins in my projects this week! They are super fun to color and they are adorable!)
I also added some NUVO aqua shimmer to the snow under the penguin. That fabulous background paper is from Catherine Pooler Designs and it is her Love, Doves & Poinsettias 6 x 6″ 80 lb cardstock patterned paper stack. I love this paper. You can see that it has a shine to it and this black and white script pattern is especially fun with the penguin. I love the pops of red and the sparkle with this paper!
You may notice the drop shadow that I used on the left and bottom of the penguin image. This is a great detail that gives the little guy a bit of dimension.
I do have to say that one instructor focuses on flicking and the other on blending. I have to figure out which style works best for me and what circumstances each applies to. Learning a new skill is definitely about finding your style.
I’m still searching!
Thank you for stopping by! Have a fantastic day!
