Finally there’s definite signs of spring here in Nova Scotia. The temperature is in the double digits (just), and the grass is turning green. The grass turning brown in winter doesn’t happen in the UK, but I’ve had to get used to it since moving here. So seeing that first tinge of green outside is a big thing now. The local critters are more active too. Yesterday in the space of an hour we had 4 deer on the front lawn and a gorgeous fox at the back. We also had a visit from an strange tabby cat, our cat Houdini was less than impressed at that. Anyway, the green grass and animals inspired my choice for today’s project, the Over The Moon Stamp Set.
A DIFFERENT KIND OF SPONGING
I’ve been experimenting with different ways to create background scenes and the Over The Moon Stamp Set gave me another opportunity.
I began by stamping the dreamy cow onto a layer of Shimmery White Card using StazOn Jet Black ink. Then I stamped the same image onto a Full-Adhesive Post-It® Note. Using Paper Snips I cut out the Post-It Note to create a mask and placed it over the cow on the Shimmery White piece. Then it was time to try a different kind of sponging.
Normally I tap my Stampin’ Sponge onto an ink pad and rub the sponge over the surface of the card. Today I wanted to create something that looked more ‘painted’. So I squeezed a drop of Balmy Blue ink refill onto a saucer and mixed it with a couple of drops of clean water. Then I dipped my piece of Stampin’ Sponge in the watered-down ink before tapping it onto the Shimmery White layer.
Once I had covered the ‘sky’ area I then mixed some Pear Pizzazz ink with water and swapped to another piece of Stampin’ Sponge. This allowed me to add ‘grass’ to the bottom section. With that done I removed the now soggy Post-It Note and set the piece aside to dry thoroughly.
OVER THE MOON
Once everything was dry I used StazOn Jet Black ink to stamp the “Cow’s it going?” sentiment from the Over The Moon Stamp Set directly onto the background. Then I went back to the cow image and stamped it across the corner of a Whisper White Medium Envelope. I also stamped the cow across the corner of a layer of Whisper White Card. Finally on the envelope and white layer I added the dreamy heart image above the cows’ heads.
I really wanted to keep everything simple so to colour in the images I decided to use the brush tips on some Stampin’ Write Markers. On each of the three cows I started with a Basic Black marker for the hair and patches. Then with a Flirty Flamingo Stampin’ Write Marker from the Brights collection I coloured inside the ears and nose, and on the two hearts. Finally I used a Mango Melody Stampin’ Write Marker (also from the brights collection) for the cowbell.
All I had left to do was assemble everything using Multipurpose Liquid Glue (Tombow).
I used my Paper Trimmer to cut and score some Thick Whisper White Card. I folded it along the scored line and sharpened the crease with a Bone Folder to create a card base. Then I mounted the sponged panel onto a layer of Pear Pizzazz Card before adding it to the card front. Finally I fixed the Whisper White layer inside the card base and my project was complete.
I love the Over The Moon Stamp Set, it’s such fun to create with. Here’s some links to other projects I made using this set:
If you like the Balmy Blue / Pear Pizzazz colour combination, check out my blog post Playing with a block stamped background for a completely different technique.
Do you like playing with different ink techniques? What’s your favourite?
CLEARANCE RACK UPDATED
Stampin’ Up! has updated the Clearance Rack today. Retired products are up to 60% off but only available while stocks last. To avoid missing out order straight away via my online store.
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