Whenever Stampin’ Up! brings out a new catalogue I immediately turn to the new stamp sets. Even if a particular set doesn’t appeal to me, I still appreciate the skill of the artists at Stampin’ Up! There’s something for everyone but I’ve found I’m drawn to stamp sets with images that have been designed to be coloured. One of the best new examples of that is the A Good Man Stamp Set, and I knew this image would make a great bookmark.

SIMPLE PREPARATION

To begin my project I cut a 2″ x 5-1/2″ piece of Thick Very Vanilla Card. Then I punched the top using the Scalloped Tag Topper Punch.

With that done I used Tuxedo Black ink to stamp the standing man image onto the card.

To create a mask I fixed two large Full-Adhesive Post-It® Notes together with sellotape (it was too big to fit on one). Then I stamped the standing man image onto them and fussy-cut the image with Paper Snips. Once that was done I placed the mask on top of the man I’d stamped on the bookmark.

Now I could begin to sponge the ocean scene.

LAYERS OF SPONGED INKS

To start, I tore piece of scrap paper to create a roughly straight edge and covered all but the bottom third of the bookmark.

Then using pieces of Stampin’ Sponge I sponged the bottom section with Pineapple Punch and then Mint Macaron ink.

Once the ground was done, I covered that with scrap paper and added another torn piece of scrap paper over the top half of the bookmark. The visible section in the middle would become the sea.

For this I started by sponging the new Seaside Spray ink and then Balmy Blue. To create the waves I used the new Pretty Peacock ink to stamp the water image from the High Tide Stamp Set.

Next I covered the sea and uncovered the top half of the bookmark so I could create the moody sky. This started with Petal Pink, followed by some of the new Purple Posy. On top of that I added the new Rococo Rose and then the new Terracotta Tile.

Finally I removed everything but the mask over the man and sponged Pretty Peacock ink around the edges of the whole piece.

BOLD STAMPIN’ BLENDS

I love the contrast in textures between sponged and Stampin’ Blends alcohol markers. This would be a major feature of my bookmark.

I removed the Post-It Note mask from the man, revealing the stamped image beneath and began to colour. In the end I used the light versions of Night of Navy, Balmy Blue, Poppy Parade, Soft Suede and Shaded Spruce. In addition to these I used the dark Daffodil Delight, plus Bronze and finally Ivory.

I wasn’t concerned with actually blending the colours, all I wanted was a smooth bold finish.

That just left a little more stamping to complete the project.

YOU’RE THE BEST

Going back to the A Good Man Stamp Set I used Tuxedo Black ink to stamp the ‘You’re the best ‘sentiment.

Then for the three small seabirds I turned to the new Sailing Home Stamp Set.

Finally I threaded a piece of Gold 3/8″ Metallic-Edge Ribbon through the slot at the top and secured it in place with a Mini Glue Dot on either side.

I really love how this bookmark turned out and it really isn’t as difficult as it might seem. Once again the artists at Stampin’ Up! have made my job easier. They really are the best.

A GOOD MAN

If you want a stamp set to make masculine projects, A Good Man could be just what you’re looking for. I know I’ll be using a lot. This stamp set, like all the new products shown in my sneak peek, will be available to customers starting June 4th.

Of course the arrival of new products is offset by the departure of retiring ones. Starting today, all retiring stamp sets are now only available while stocks last. I have a feeling some will sell out quickly, and in fact the clear-mount Lovely As A Tree Stamp Set has already gone! Time to give the ‘Last Chance‘ section one final glance.

For now though, here’s the A Good Man Stamp Set for you to enjoy. I do hope you’ll join me again tomorrow for another sneak peek.

PRODUCT LIST

BUNDLE BONUS – The Sailing Home Stamp Set (used for the birds image) can be purchased by itself. Alternatively you can purchase the stamp set in a bundle with the coordinating Smooth Sailing Dies. As buying the bundle will save you 10% off the cost of getting the stamps and dies separately I’ve included a link below so you can explore this further if you wish.