As well as being a passionate papercrafter I’m also an avid reader. Although I do use an e-reader when I’m on holiday, I much prefer books printed on paper. Of course my regular blog readers will know that along with my book I always have a bookmark to hand. So when Stampin’ Up! launches a new catalogue one of the first things I seek out are images or sentiments that I can make into a new bookmark.

Today’s project uses the Believe You Can (host) Stamp Set. This can be found towards the back of the 2019/2020 Annual Catalogue in the ‘host’ section. These exclusive stamp sets can only be obtained using Stampin’ Rewards. To earn Stampin’ Rewards, simply place an order for at least $200 CAD of product (before shipping and taxes). Alternatively get together with some friends and host a workshop that achieves that same threshold. Then you earn Stampin’ Rewards as a percentage of your sales/purchases, starting at 10%. But onto my project…

WATERCOLOUR BOOKMARK BASE

Today I decided to make a bookmark base using the new Fluid 100 Watercolor Paper. This was only my second project using this new paper and I’m still learning about how it performs.

As the Fluid 100 paper comes in 5″ x 7″ sheets, I decided to cut a strip 2″ x 5″ and shaped the top using the Delightful Tag Topper Punch.

I wiped the strip with an Embossing Buddy and placed it onto the platform of my Stamparatus on top of the Deluxe Foam Mat.

Next I used VersaMark ink to stamp the “Believe you can” image onto the strip. I sprinkled the sticky ink with Gold Stampin’ Emboss Powder and tapped off the excess. Then I removed a few stray specks before melting the rest with my Heat Tool set on 2 (high).

The embossing didn’t puff up as much as normal and I have a feeling that the Watercolor Paper absorbed some of the VersaMark ink. It could also be that my VersaMark ink pad needs reinking with VersaMark ink. This is something I will have to investigate further.

Despite this, I was happy with the image as the intended gold shine was still there, so I decided to carry on.

SIMPLE WATERCOLOR TECHNIQUE

I wanted the image to have a little colour, but for it to be more of an accent so I opted to use a watercoloured marker technique.

I began by using the brush tip of a Gray Granite Stampin’ Write Marker (from the Neutrals collection) to draw a line along the left side of the path, and also on the right side just at the top by the scalloped line. Then I took an Aqua Painter filled with clean water and starting on top of my drawn lines, pulled the colour down over the rest of the path.

For the bright colours I turned to the 2018-2020 InColor Stampin’ Write Markers. Call Me Clover was used for the bushes, and Pineapple Punch for the sun. Then I coloured the “you can” banner using Grapefruit Grove. Each time I used the brush tip to draw a line where I wanted the darkest colour, then I pulled the colour over the rest of the section with the wet Aqua Painter.

The word “believe” was a little more tricky as the letters are quite narrow. So instead of the brush tip I used the writing tip just at the bottom of each letter. Then I carefully pulled the colour up each letter with the tip of the Aqua painter to create an ombre look.

With the colouring complete, all that was left was to add the tie at the top. For this I chose Grapefruit Grove twine from the Nature’s Twine pack. I folded the twine in half and threaded the loop through the hole at the top of the bookmark. Then I threaded the ends of the twine through the loop and pulled tight to secure it.

A simple layout, and a delicate watercoloured effect but a great result, don’t you think?

DEMONSTRATOR PERKS: STAMPIN’ REWARDS

Did you know that as a Demonstrator I still qualify for Stampin’ Rewards on my orders? I get the same percentage benefits as customers, but then my Demonstrator discount is deducted from the total amount I pay. It’s just one of the perks when you join Stampin’ Up! With my last order I used my Stampin’ Rewards to purchase the Believe You Can Stamp Set and some other items.

Right now Stampin’ Up! is offering you the chance to join for $135 and choose $205 of products to put in your starter kit. You’ll pay no shipping costs, and in most provinces there’s no tax due on the starter kit either. Plus you’ll also receive a $14 e-coupon spend on any order by October 31st. And as a Demonstrator, you’ll still get all your orders discounted by at least 20%.

If you live anywhere in Canada you can join my team now. Perhaps you’re considering joining but have questions. If so, please contact me and I’ll be happy to answer them for you. Then if you do decide to join my Crafty Canadians Team, you’ll find this bookmark included in the welcome package I’ll send to you.

PRODUCT LIST

BELIEVE YOU CAN – As the Believe You Can Stamp Set is a ‘host’ set, it can only be purchased using Stampin’ Rewards, earned as previously explained. When placing an order online, as you begin the checkout process the system will tell you if you have earned Stampin’ Rewards, and how much you have to spend. At this point you can add enter the item number for this, or any of the other host stamp sets. For this reason I have left it to the end of the product list. You can also use Stampin’ Rewards to purchase any other items in the catalogue or Clearance Rack, and also put it towards a starter kit if you wish.