Hello, friends! I’m thrilled to be writing for the Stampin’ Up! blog this week. I’ve been playing with some of my new favorites from the 2017–2018 annual catalog (US/CA) and I’m bursting at the seams with my excitement over these new products!

If you’ve been stamping for a long time, you may have been as thrilled as I was to find that Glossy White Cardstock (item 144240) has made its triumphant return! The glossy surface is non-porous, which lends itself to some amazing techniques with ink.

One of my favorite tricks with Glossy White Cardstock is to use alcohol to blend the ink. I’ve filled a Stampin’ Spritzer (item 126185) with isopropyl alcohol for this purpose—it has a permanent home in my craft room!

After spending several days playing with ink, I am covered in stains and happy to share three of my favorite techniques with you.

Technique #1: The Brushstroke

This technique couldn’t be easier, and it results in an amazing layered background that looks like it was painted by a master. How perfect to pair with paint brushes! These stamps, from the Crafting Forever Stamp Set (item 143955) and the Just Add Text Stamp Set (item 143931) fit this artistic technique to a tee.

To recreate this technique, start with a dry sheet of Glossy White Cardstock and an ink pad of your choice. I used a Bermuda Bay Classic Stampin’ Pad (item 131171) and an Old Olive Classic Stampin’ Pad (item 126953). Holding your ink pad at a 45-degree angle to your cardstock, simply drag the ink along the surface. Varying your pressure and angle will change the look slightly. Adding a variety of layers and textures with your ink will perfect the “painted” look!

Technique #2: The Fade

The fade is so easy with Glossy White Cardstock, and it creates a subtle effect of a spotlight on a stamped image. Start by embossing the image of your choice. I used White Stampin’ Emboss Powder (item 109132). Heat-set with your Heat Tool (item 129053). Choose three Classic Stampin’ Pads in the same color scheme—I used Pool Party (item 126982), Bermuda Bay (131171), and Island Indigo (item 126986); then, using Sponge Daubers (item 133773), sponge the ink in a circular motion, starting with the lightest color in the center. Continue adding colors one at a time to the outer edges, proceeding from lightest to darkest. When your colors have been added, add some isopropyl alcohol to a clean Sponge Dauber and blend the inks.

I used this technique to spotlight the scissors from the Crafting Forever Stamp Set and added the coordinating sentiment die-cut using Stitched Shapes Framelits Dies (item 145372). Accented with a background stamp from the Tabs for Everything Stamp Set (item 143907) and Bermuda Bay 3/8″ Mini Chevron Ribbon (item 144198), this card makes a great clean-and-simple note for a friend.

Technique #3: The Faux Watercolor

Talk about wow factor! This background technique is SO easy but it packs a major punch. You’ll need Glossy White Cardstock, isopropyl alcohol in a Stampin’ Spritzer, and a Classic Stampin’ Ink Refill in your choice of color. Shown here is Berry Burst (item 144089.) And there’s a little bonus! This technique yields TWO background pieces, so you have half the work per card!

To create this background, start by cutting two pieces of Glossy White Cardstock to your desired size (mine are 4-1/8″ x 5-3/8″). On ONE sheet of your cardstock, spray thoroughly with isopropyl alcohol, then drip your Classic Stampin’ Ink Refill over the surface. I recommend around 8–10 drops in various locations. Spray your cardstock again (it should be very wet) and tilt it in various directions until the ink runs. Set it flat on your protected surface, then place the second piece of Glossy White Cardstock shiny-side-down on the wet surface. You may want to slide your top piece of cardstock slightly to achieve a more blended look. Separate the two pieces of cardstock and your background design is finished; set it aside to dry and you’re ready to go!

If you find your ink didn’t blend as desired, simply add more alcohol while it’s still wet (since the alcohol is what helps it blend).

The focal point of this card was created with the Color Theory Designer Series Paper Stack (item 144193), Crafting Forever Stamp Set, Berry Burst 1/2″ Finely Woven Ribbon (item 144133), and a sentiment from the Wood Words Stamp Set (item 143928). Layering these elements in the corner lets the background shine.

Speaking of the Crafting Forever Stamp Set, in addition to the fabulous stamps used here, there’s one more great stamp included in this set that’s a must-have for every crafter.

The Stampin’ Up! Angel Policy means you can sell projects you’ve made with Stampin’ Up! copyright images as long as they include “© Stampin’ Up!” on them. Each catalog has one of these sets, and this year’s is Crafting Forever! How fabulous is that?!

Thank you so much for joining me today. I hope this blog inspired you to get out your new Glossy White Cardstock and start playing. Enjoy those inky hands!

Cheers,

Shannon Lane
2017 Artisan Design Team