Click on artwork to see larger version with recipe.
COLORING PENCIL ACCENTS
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Add quick contrast to your artwork by shading with coloring pencils after coloring your line stamps in with the blending pen.
Begin by using the blending pen with either a marker or an ink pad to color the design. Pick up the color with the blending pen, then blend out the excess color on scratch paper until the desired color is achieved. Apply the color to your project with even, all-over color. Don’t worry about shading—you’ll do that later with the coloring pencils.
After all areas of your image have been colored with the blending pen, allow them to dry completely. Then choose coloring pencils that match or are slightly darker than the blended colors you used. Don’t worry if the colors aren’t exact—slightly different shades and hues add interest.
Shade the project with the colored pencils. First determine a “light source” for your images—which areas will be the lightest? Which will be darker? Use more or less color from your pencils to add appropriate shading. If you happen to add too much color, use the Soft Chalks Eraser (Z728) to lighten the shading. Keep shading until the desired effect is achieved.
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DRY-EMBOSSED VELLUM
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This technique gives a soft, muted look to your artwork. It can give the impression of a frosted window on a December morning, or accent a Mother’s Day card or baby shower invitation.
Brass stencils work well with this technique, however, any of the stencils will do just fine. No light table is needed to dry-emboss vellum because it is see-through, making it convenient to do anywhere. You can use the mat in the Eyelet Kit (1757) if you would like to work on a softer surface.
Simply place the stencil of your choice on the eyelet mat and then place the vellum that you’ve cut to the desired size, over the stencil. Use the dry-embossing stylus (Z607, Z608, or Z609) and trace around the stencil pattern through the vellum. After finishing, turn the vellum over to reveal the raised pattern.
You can use dry-embossing to make random or straight patterned rows on your vellum. You can place your vellum over some stamped artwork for a window effect. This will soften the look of the artwork behind the vellum. You can also place the vellum under artwork or photos as a mat, with the embossed area sticking out from behind, or use the vellum as a background for a layout.
Secure the vellum to your project using glue, eyelets, or brads. When laying vellum over a tag, try securing just the top of the vellum so the pattern underneath can be seen when the vellum is lifted up. This also creates a whimsical, pieced look to your project.
Be creative and experiment with different shapes and sizes of stencils. Layer your patterned vellum over cardstock, B&T Paper, stamped artwork, photos, and journaling to get different visual effects. Also, try embossing on just a corner of the vellum as an accent or emboss a frame around a photo. Use your imagination, mix and match stencils, and create beautiful artwork using dry-embossed vellum.
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SHADE & BASE STAMPING
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Each style of stamp has its own specific uses. Solid stamps are great for fast, simple stamping, while line stamps are great for detailed, artistic impressions. However, did you know that using the two styles together may be the best idea yet?
In the Close To My Heart Idea Book, you’ll find several sets that incorporate the shade and base style—a solid stamp (base) with a line counterpart (shade). The shades and bases can always be used separately, but are most effective when stamped together.
To begin, stamp the solid “base” design. Next, stamp the lined “shade” directly over the stamped base using a darker ink. A second-generation base with a first-generation shade is always a great combination as well. Our My Acrylix® stamps make lining up the images a breeze! Just like that, you’ve created a detailed image that is already colored for you.
Selected Shade & Base Stamp Sets
C1070 Sunflower Garden
B1044 Brush Stroke Flowers
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SPONGED-CHALK BACKGROUNDS
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Create beautiful, soft backgrounds for your stamped designs quickly and easily with Soft Chalks. Whether you want to create a blue sky and green grass or simply a whimsical background, this technique is perfect for you!
The applicator you choose for this technique will depend on the size of the area you want to fill. If you’re working with a small area, the Pixie & Pudgy Sponge Applicators (Z727) are a great choice. For slightly larger areas, use the Sponge Daubers (Z726), and select the Round Sponge (Z697) for the biggest projects.
Using your applicator, pick up the chalk color of your choice. Our Soft Chalks (Z364-Z367) are arranged into color season palettes, so it should be easy to match the colors used on your project. Apply the chalk to your project using a light touch and swirling motions. Add more layers of chalk for a darker effect. It’s fun to use multiple colors or varying intensities of the same color. Just overlap the different colors for a blended, continuous look.
The Soft Chalks Eraser (Z728) is a great tool to have on hand when using this technique. It allows you to lighten colors (dab, don’t rub). You can also add highlights around the actual stamped design, or simply clean up any stray marks or smudges. You’ll have the most fun when you simply sit down and start experimenting with sponged backgrounds and eraser effects. Start chalking today!
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Contact your local Close To My Heart Consultant today for more tips and ideas.
To find a Consultant near you, click here or call 1-888-655-6552.
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