Monday 27 October 2014

Block stamping technique


I'm glad there has been some challenges around lately encouraging you to try new techniques. It's easy to get stuck in the same old "stamp and colour" routine. Not saying there is anything wrong with it at all, but it's fun to try something different from time to time. Recently I tried the "galaxy technique" which you can see here. And today, inspired by the Just Add Ink challenge I have used the clear block stamping technique. It's pretty much what it says on the tin, you ink up your blocks and use them as stamps. 

For this card, I looked for inspiration from two images that both gave me a very similar feel. The colours for this card are inspired by the image from Just Us Girls - vibrant and warm yellows, oranges and reds. Warm colours are so not my thing, but this is all about challenging yourself (and using those ink pads and cardstock that you don't usually use!!). The roses and blacks were inspired by the image from the Fusion Challenge. The black, shiny glass on the table was my inspiration for the intense black sentiments and for the glitter added to the roses. I also used the sketch from the Fusion challenge for the layout of the card, luckily I had a stamp block which was just the right size.


I inked my clear block using Stampin' Up Summer Starfruit, Pumpkin Pie and Real Red. After inking it generously, I spritzed the block with Perfect Pearls water mist (just mix a bit of Perfect Pearls with water in a spritzing bottle). I stamped off some of the ink onto scrap paper and then stamped onto the card. The Perfect Pearls leave a subtle shine and stamping off some of the ink ensures that you don't just get a solidly coloured square, but a watercolour type effect. I think it's really cool, and it's great to see how it will turn out as the ink just spreads around as it wants. You also get different effects depending on what cardstock you use and how it absorbs the water and the ink, so it's fun to experiment. The background squares need to be completely dry before stamping on the sentiments and roses - a heat gun is an impatient girl's best friend. I used Memento black ink for the roses and sentiments. Lastly I added some stickles to the roses. Quick, clean, simple and very easy with a bit of an artsy feel to it.

Card: Leonardo Stationery 300 gsm white card, Stampin' Up Pumpkin Pie card
Stamps: Paper Smooches Sentiment Sampler, Inspirations Flowers Clear Stamp set
Ink: Stampin' Up Summer Starfruit, Pumpkin Pie, Real Red, Tsukineko Memento Tuxedo Black
Other: Tim Holtz Distress stickles Mustard Seed and Spiced Marmalade, Ranger Ice Stickles Coffee Ice

13 comments:

Nikki Spencer said...

Love your design! Great use of clear block stamping and the way you've applied the sentiments and images is just perfect
Thanks for joining us at Just Add Ink.

Ina G said...

I love this technique and have used it in the past with great effect. Your card is fabulous - cas and so colourful. So glad you shared it with us this week at JUGS.

Nancy said...

Yes we all tend to get in our comfort rut while making cards and yes we need to be pushed out of our comfort zone now and again. You did a great job with the blocking technique and we appreciate you joining us at Just Us Girls! Hope to see you again!

Christine Blain said...

Oh, I love this! Great use of the clear block stamping technique; isn't it wonderful that you get a different effect each time? Thanks for joining in the fun at Just Add Ink this week!

Jan Clothier said...

I love the funky feel to your card. The different coloured panels was a great idea!

Louise Sharp said...

Very bright and happy card! Love the watercolour effect with the clear block stamping. Thanks for playing along to Just Add Ink this week. Louise xo

Anonymous said...

I love how you have used the clear block and 3 different colours. Creates a very arty card. Chantell JAI

Maria said...

This is great! thanks so much for playing along with Just Us Girls this week!

Anonymous said...

Fun card - great take on the sketch!

wienerhoneymooners said...

AMAZING colors, lovely addition to the FUSION Gallery of cards, LOVE it, thanks for joining us at FUSION!!!

Betty said...

Love your clear block stamping technique and the colour combo. Really beautiful card. Thanks for playing along at the FUSION card challenge and hope to see you again.

~amy~ said...

Such a gorgeous technique! Love your card!
Thanks so much for playing with us at FUSION!

Skylark said...

This is a new technique to me and I love the arty watercolour effect. Great card! Stef x