Did you know that all of our cardmaking workshops include at least one papercrafting technique? Before committing to purchasing any of our workshop kits, you can see what the featured technique in the workshop is right on our website, in the product’s description:
All of our workshop guides are also downloadable, from that very same product page, no purchase necessary!
At the top of each cardmaking workshop guide, you will find the technique featured in the workshop’s artwork. For example, the In Full Bloom cardmaking workshop features second- and third-generation stamping.
As you dive into the guides a bit further, you will find that the featured techniques are spelled out in clear and simple terms to make the crafting experience as user friendly as possible, for even the newest of crafters!
So, what is “generational stamping?” For starters, it is a simple technique to master, and one that can easily elevate your artwork when you use it creatively. (Yay! 😄)
A first-generation image is achieved with basic stamping. You ink the stamp and then stamp it on your project. A second-generation image is what you get when you stamp that same image again, using the same stamp but without re-inking it in between uses. A third-generation image, as you have probably figured out, is the resulting image of when you stamp a third time with that same stamp, without re-inking. Every generational image is a lighter version of the previous version because you are stamping with less ink each time.
If you want to use a second or third generation image on a project but not a first, then simply stamp the first image on a scratch piece of paper and then stamp on your project.
The butterfly in the card above was stamped using this generational stamping technique and then colored in with a marker, using a little less color with every later generation.
If you want to recreate this card and others like it, make sure to check out our In Full Bloom cardmaking workshop kit that includes the beautiful exclusive stamp set shown above and a coordinating set of Thin Cuts (not shown). This kit has sold out before and will likely do so again, so do not hesitate to get it while supplies last!
Note: If the In Full Bloom cardmaking workshop kit does sell out before you get a chance to recreate this card, you have other options! Visit our website to see other beautiful butterfly stamp sets in our collection, as well as additional cardmaking workshopsthat we have available, along with their featured techniques!
September is National Stamping Month, and if you know just one thing about Close To My Heart, it is that we absolutely love all things stamps!
We kicked off the month with a Slimline Celebration, made up of exclusive stamps and coordinating Thin Cuts designed especially for slimline cards. Make sure to join us on September 24 for a free virtual event where we will be putting together the cards from our Slimline Celebration workshop on our Facebook page. Find all the details, here. This is an event you will not want to miss!
As we continue our stamping celebration, we compiled 10 techniques to add to your stamping arsenal and have at the ready for your next crafting session!
1.a. FIRST-GENERATION This first one is technically not a technique, but we will put it on the list to have for comparison with the next one. You get a first-generation image when you ink your stamp and stamp it on your project. (In the video below, it is referred to as “solid stamping.”)
1.b. SECOND GENERATION A second-generation stamped image is achieved by inking your stamp, stamping it on a scratch piece of paper, and then, without re-inking, stamping your image on your project. The result is a lighter version of a “first-generation” image, because you are using the “second-generation” of ink that’s leftover on the stamp.
2. RANDOM STAMPING Use this technique to create patterned papers from our stamps and solid colored cardstock. You could take a “random” approach to this, but to insure a more visually balanced and pleasing pattern, take the random right out of the equation by using visual triangles.
Follow along with Close To My Heart President Monica Wihongi, below, as she illustrates all three of these first techniques, including how to create the visual triangles for not-so-random stamping.
3. ROCK & ROLL This technique is an oldie but a goodie! Ink your stamp in one color, then gently roll the edges, and only the edges, in another color to stamp a multicolored image! (You can also combine this technique with the second-generation technique if you want to use the same color, just in different opacities!)
4. OMBRÉ STAMPING Achieving an ombré effect, where you gradually blend one color into another, is a lot easier than you might think! Simply ink the top half of the stamp in one color and the bottom half in another color, overlapping the two colors in the middle. Then, you’re all set to stamp onto your project!
5. SHADOW STAMPING Create a shadow by stamping a second-generation version of the original image just slightly offset from the original.
6. BASE & SHADE Base and shade stamping is used to create realistic dimensions through color. There are specific stamp sets designed for this technique, where you stamp the base in a lighter color and then add the details, or the “shade,” with a darker color.
7. BACK SIDE STAMPING This technique sounds a little funny, but don’t let the name fool you! If you have a stamp that is symmetrical, or just close enough, mount the stamp on your block backwards, with the smooth side up. Ink the back of the stamp and use it to create a base before flipping the stamp over to the side with the details that you will stamp on top.
8. MASKING Place a scratch piece of paper, or a sticky note, as a mask over your project to cover the area that you don’t want stamped. Stamp your image on the project and mask, and then remove the mask.
9. TONE-ON-TONE The tone-on-tone technique is exactly what it sounds like. Use a darker tone of a color, or color family, to stamp onto your project. All of our exclusive colors can be found in Exclusive Inks™ stamp pads and our two-toned cardstock, allowing you to enjoy a full spectrum of color-coordinated products whenever creativity strikes!
10. KISSING TECHNIQUE For this technique you will need two stamps, one to act as the base image and the other to create an effect on the base image. First, ink the base stamp. Then, with both stamps mounted on blocks, press the two stamps together. The second stamp will not have ink on it and will remove some of the ink from the first stamp in its shape. After your stamps kiss, stamp your prepared base stamp on paper. Use this method to add textures and all kids of shapes or designs to your stamping! (Another way to use this method is to ink both stamps in two different colors and then have them kiss.)
BONUS** NO-LINE STAMPING This technique is great to use when you are coloring your stamped images with watercolor paints. You can easily achieve a “no-line” look by stamping your image in a light ink, like Linen. Then, use the soft color as a guide as you add the watercolor with your brush. The inked parts of the image will show up as a darker version of the paint color you are using. Move the paint around, and color in the other parts of the design, as well, and easily create beautiful watercolor images!
Layered stamping is a wonderful way to expand your creative skills and improve as a crafter! This type of stamping isn’t limited to simply plunking down one stamp on top of another—there are a wide variety of techniques you can use to achieve different outcomes. Today, we’ll be showing you a few layered stamping tips and techniques with the gorgeous stamps from our Mothers Are the Best special.
If you’re new to layered stamps and how to use them in your artwork, one of the first things you’ll want to practice is how to align the various coordinating stamps for clear, precise images. Coordinated layered stamps are usually designed with one solid, base piece for color distribution, and one detailed piece.
In these Mothers Are the Best stamp sets, you can see the dark-colored base pieces alongside the detailed pieces. In order to create a layered stamp image, you need to align these pieces, preferably with all the details lined up with the solid color portions (our equivalent to coloring inside the lines). This is where our clear acrylic blocks come in clutch!
Having a clear line of sight for stamp placement is a lifesaver when it comes to layered stamping. Whenever you decide to incorporate a layered stamp image into your artwork, we recommend doing a couple practice runs on a piece of scratch paper before stamping on your actual project. Once you feel confident with layered stamping, it’s a great way to spice up your crafting projects! For even more layered stamping fun, check out these five tips and techniques and learn how to get the most out of your layered stamp sets!
1. Stamping Layers in Different Colors
When using layered or coordinating stamps, one way to get a more precise image is to stamp using the darkest color first. It may seem logical to always stamp the base (or solid portion) of your image first, but if you’ve decided to use a darker color for the details stamp, stamping that image first will make it easier for you to see where to place every other stamp for precise alignment.
In this example, you can see how the flower has been created by stamping the details in a darker color first and then, using these more visible lines for alignment, the lighter base.
If you don’t want to use two different colors, you can also incorporate second-generation stamping on either your base or details stamp.
To achieve a second-generation image, you ink your stamp and then stamp it on a scratch piece of paper. Then, without re-inking the stamp, you stamp the image on your project. This lighter impression is a second-generation image.
In the example, you can see how this technique has been used to create a perfectly aligned leaf, with first-generation details and a second-generation base!
2. Embossing the Top Layer
This technique is pretty basic but incorporating it into your artwork can make a real splash!
Instead of using regular ink for the top layer of our stamped image, use a VersaMark™ ink pad and some embossing powder to add a sparkly textured layer to your project!
(Tip: To ensure that extra embossing powder doesn’t stick to your project where it doesn’t belong, use an Anti-static Pouch to rub the area you want to emboss before stamping with VersaMark™ ink.)
3. Using Just One Layer
Many stamps you’d use for a layered image are designed to fit together, but one way you can maximize your use of these sets is to use just one of the stamps in your artwork.
On the bag pictured, we’ve used the details portion of the leafy stamp to create leaf outlines, providing a beautiful addition to the Peacock flower and complementing the rounded edges of the tag and circle.
You can also use individual stamps from a layered set to create your own personalized background.
See how we created a subtle leafy background to complement the project as a whole? It’s simple enough to be an effective background element but does a great deal to tie the entire piece together.
4. Second-generation and Kissing Stamping Techniques
A real stand-out stamping technique for layered sets is second-generation kissing.
For this technique, first mount your base stamp and a details stamp on two separate blocks. Then, ink your base stamp and stamp it on a piece of scratch paper. Without inking the details stamp, gently press the two stamps together (muah! 😘) and then separate them. When you take the two stamps apart, you will find that the un-inked stamp removed ink from the inked one in the design of its impression.
After your stamps’ “kiss,” stamp your prepared inked base stamp on your project for a beautiful subtle image! (For a darker image, skip the part where you stamp on a scratch piece of paper.)
5. Second-generation and Rock & Roll Stamping Techniques
Another technique that’s a knockout with layered stamps is the combination of second-generation stamping with the rock & roll technique.
This technique requires you to, once again, ink your base stamp and stamp it on a piece of scratch paper. After you’ve completed this step, carefully roll the edges of the stamp on the stamp pad again—you can mix things up and use a different color, even, for this rolling part. Once your stamp is inked, stamp it on your project.
When you stamp your rolled second-generation base image, you’ll be left with a flawless fade from saturated color at the edges of the image to a softer, lighter hue toward the middle.
Incorporating layered stamping techniques like these into your artwork is an excellent way to elevate the quality of your artwork, all while being a ton of fun! Did any of these techniques stand out to you? Leave a comment below to tell us about your favorite technique from this post!
