I love the simple look of silhouettes. There’s something quite magical about a dark shape against a lighter, brighter background. In the past Stampin’ Up! have even created silhouette stamps, but sadly they have long since retired. When I recently bought the Watercolor Shapes Stamp Set I had an idea to use it as a simple background for silhouettes. I just needed the right image to layer on top. Then while making something else using the Nature’s Prints Stamp Set I noticed the solution was right in front of me.

NATURE’S PRINTS

I began this project with a 3-1/2″ x 4-1/2″ piece of Basic White Card. From the Watercolor Shapes Stamp Set I took the large circle and gently inked it up with Balmy Blue ink. Then I stamped it towards the top left corner of the card.

TIP: the Watercolor Shapes Stamp Set is a DistINKtive™ set that creates images with a subtle texture. For best results it’s important not to put too much ink on the stamp surface. So if your ink pad is very juicy try applying the ink to the stamp using a Sponge Dauber.

With the background done it was time to add the silhouette using Night of Navy ink. From the Nature’s Prints Stamp Set I took the solid stalk image and stamped it to one side of the stamped circle.

Then going back to Nature’s Prints I chose the “You’re on my mind” sentiment. Still using Night of Navy ink I stamped this to the right of the stalk partly overlapping the stamped circle.

Finally to add some additional interest below the stamping I cut a 1/2″ x 4-1/2″ strip of Balmy Blue Card. While I liked the colour I thought it would be fun to soften the card using the faux suede technique. This involves using a Bone Folder to break up the fibres to make the card split into two thin layers. Then when these layers are separated the result is a really soft texture.

Here’s a very short video I filmed recently showing this simple process in real time.

SIMPLE LAYERS

Now I had the main panel done I turned my attention to the card base and layers.

First I cut a 3-5/8″ x 4-5/8″ piece of Crumb Cake Card. Then using Multipurpose Liquid Glue I mounted the stamped panel on top. Next I took one of the two faux suede pieces I’d created and wrapped it around the layers with the soft side up. The strip wrapped easily around the layers like ribbon and I glued it in place on the back.

Next, using my Paper Trimmer I cut and scored some Night of Navy Card. After folding it along the scored line I sharpened the crease with a Bone Folder to create the card base. Then I attached the assembled layers to the front with Stampin’ Dimensionals.

For my coordinating feature I decided to go back to the silhouette stem and Night of Navy ink. First I stamped the stem in the bottom left corner of a 4″ x 5-1/4″ piece of Basic White Card. Then I glued this layer inside the card base. Finally I stamped the stem onto the front of a Basic White Medium Envelope and my project was complete.

I love how this project turned out. It has a really simple layout but the stamps and faux suede piece add some interesting texture. What do you think?

If you’re interested in the card project shown in the video, see my earlier blog post IDEAS blog hop: He’s the man.

PRODUCT LIST

FREE SHIPPING TOMORROW! – Don’t forget that Stampin’ Up! is offering free shipping on all orders over $100CAD (before taxes). Simply start and complete your order on June 21st (Mountain Time) to save. No special or code or coupon will be needed.

BUNDLE BONUS – I bought the Nature’s Prints Stamp Set in a bundle with the Natural Prints Dies (not used today). Buying the coordinating products using the single ‘bundle’ item number saved me 10% off the cost of buying the two items separately. I’ve included a link to the bundle in case you want to explore that option.