Monday, March 17, 2014

inspiration monday


the calendar says that spring is officially here later this week, so let's celebrate by making a little card using some rubber stamps and my favorite "faux watercolor" technique!  all you need are a few distress ink pads, a black stamp pad, a small piece of watercolor paper, some springtime rubber stamps, a waterbrush or paintbrush, and a black marker.
{i'm using fabriano artistico 140 lb CP paper and my new "grow happy" stamp set!}




first, divide the watercolor paper into three sections on the long side, 
and mark the edge with a pencil.
{my paper is about 8"x4", so i marked at 2-5/8" from each end}




now stamp your images using a water based ink pad.
{i used distress inks by ranger}  






touch a wet paintbrush to the ink to "paint" your image.  
the water will activate the ink and you can move it around to create a watercolor effect.  




if the image starts to disappear, you can fix it once everything is dry by dabbing your paintbrush directly onto the stamp pad, and then painting the details back in.






now stamp a cheerful sentiment using black ink….. 
and add a border, if you like!




place a ruler on the pencil marks, and use a bone folder 
to score from edge to edge across the front.





now fold the paper along the scored lines into three sections…..





and write your own happy springtime message!





now just tuck your sweet greeting inside an envelope and share it with someone special!
celebrate those warm, sunny, springtime days ahead!!  woo hoo!

{i found these little polka-dot glassine bags at michael's and the card fits inside perfectly….i just love it when that happens, don't you?!} 



{i used these supplies to make my card:  
fabriano artistico 140 lb CP watercolor paper,  "grow happy" stamp set, distress ink pads, black archival ink pad, waterbrush, micron pen, ruler, bone folder, pencil}




25 comments:

Connie said...

Perfectly lovely.
Happy Spring!
Connie :)

fran pascazio said...

You're the best at making simple really look simple…but we all know, you have a magical talent! Thanks for this happy spring card….right now it's 18 degrees here in upstate New York! First day of spring is forecasted to be "maybe" 40ish…then right back down to the 20's….oh well, spring will still arrive no matter what the temp says and eventually the ice and snow will melt away to beautiful flowers. As always, thank you for sharing.

Jeanette said...

Lori,
EVERYTHING you touch is a sheer delight!!! This is just lovely and I know you will have a most-gleeful recipient! :)
Here's bunches of springtime splendidness coming your way...
XooX,
Jeanette

Sandi Keene said...

Lori- that is an great stamp set! So springy and so you! Love it.

Julie S said...

What a great set! I love the accordion card too - such a happy card to open. :) I think I need to make a Michaels run. Great little bag, too. Home run, Lori!

Dawn said...

Sweet little card. Good idea to include in happy mail.

Pamela said...

I LOVE the simplicity of this and the way you folded the card - so stinkin' cute! The bag for the envelope is also a fantastic idea...may just have to check out Michael's.

ellie said...

why aren't you ruling the creative universe yet? i simply don't understand! you rock!

cards4ubylouise and other treasures said...

What a neat technique....I must try that today!!!!

angela said...

I love how your 1st picture is of the products you are about to use, it gives me a sense of anticipation :) I also love the new stamp set! Thanks for sharing the faux watercolor technique, so clever! I hope you have a Happy Spring Lori!

Debs M said...

gorgeous make - love that envelope x

patricia zapata said...

Love the technique and your stamps! Was just thinking that I miss stamping with linocuts...

Unknown said...

Yum, yum, oh, yum. This just makes me totally happy!!!

Linda Kittmer said...

Beautiful Lori and I love your watercolour technique! Have a wonderful week!

Carolynn Anctil said...

Love it! I love polka dots, too.

Createology said...

Your sweet little card and polka dot bag is as happy and cheerful as my favorite Pharrell Williams song..."Happy, Clap Along". April is National Letter Writing Month and I am participating with a group of 130 pen friends. So Happy to make these and send them along. Thank you dear for always inspiring with your Happy Art!!! Chocolate Hugs...

Margaret said...

Such a happy card, Lori. I was expecting to see a smiley on the final photos lol but you surprised me by not doing. Would look kinda cute though'
Finished my Doodle Page just need the courage to post it on my blog :)
Hugs, Margaret xx

Katia said...

it's a fantastic idea

Maureen Astrid said...

Hi Lori, I love this one! It is so bright and happy. This tutorial makes me want to go and create on myself. Thank you for sharing!

Lana Manis said...

Love this idea, Lori! I think I'll make up several to have on hand for little "thank you" and "thinking of you" notes. :)

Renee V said...

You've inspired me - I love this awesome technique and your card is so sweet! TFS

~amy~ said...

a-mazing...I super love this!

vlrbreingan@yahoo.com said...

How adoreable,thank you for another fab idea

Stacy H-W said...

Super cute card! I'm inspired to go make my own "watercolor" card!

Joan V said...

Beautiful card. Thanks for the tutorial. Great stamp set, too.

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