Can you believe we’re almost a third of the way through August already! While it’s still very hot here in Nova Scotia there are subtle signs that autumn is not that far away. That means I need to start working on projects for the various craft fairs I’ll be attending. Each time I receive a request for something with a particular theme, sentiment, or focal image I always make a note. Common requests are for animals and the Cutest Crew Stamp Set is going to be the perfect addition for that.

I like to test out my new stamp sets and a bookmark is the perfect way to do this. So I began by cutting a 2″ x 5-1/2″ strip of Thick Basic White Card. Using Basic Gray ink I then stamped the line of dogs from the Cutest Crew Stamp Set over on the left side. Next I used a Small Blending Brush to add a light layer of Balmy Blue ink for the ‘sky’. This was followed by a light layer of Granny Apple Green ink along the bottom of the image for the ‘grass’. Finally I chose “Have the best day” (also from the Cutest Crew Stamp Set) and stamped it above the right-hand end of the image with Basic Gray ink.

Now everything was prepared I used Stampin’ Blends alcohol markers to colour in the dogs. From left to right I used light Basic Black on the spotted dog, then light Crumb Cake on the next one. The third dog used both light and dark Smoky Slate while the last one is dark Crumb Cake. For the bandanas I went with light Granny Apple Green and dark Golden Glow, and finally used light Flirty Flamingo for the second dog’s tongue.

The flowers all used light and dark Golden Glow and Granny Apple Green. But even though all the images were coloured, somehow the scene still seemed unfinished. So I took the dark Granny Apple Green maker and added a few horizontal lines beneath the dogs. That was so much better.

To finish I measured the centre of the right-hand edge 3/8″ in and punched a 1/8″ hole. Then I cut a 6″ piece of Crumb Cake Baker’s Twine along with two 6″ pieces of Linen Thread. After threading all three pieces through the hole I tied them together with a simple knot and my test project was complete.

I love how this bookmark turned out. This design could quite easily work on a slimline card, or even the front of a notebook. But I wonder if you have any other suggestions? Please leave a comment below and let me know your ideas.

PRODUCT LIST

ONLINE EXCLUSIVE: The Cutest Crew Stamp Set is part of the Online Exclusives range and not found in any catalogue. Sadly these items may be discontinued at short notice and are only available while stocks last. I bought the stamp set and coordinating dies using the single ‘bundle’ item number. This meant I saved 10% off the cost of buying the same two items separately. Even though I didn’t use the dies here I’ve included links for both options below so you can explore these further if you wish.