Ink Refills - The Maine Stamper

Enjoy The Moment in Soft Succulent

November 1, 2021

Finished card with the Enjoy The Moment Stamp Set

In Color: Soft Succulent Part III

In this final installment of Soft Succulent, I have another color pairing that will help you enjoy the moment you discover how nicely they coordinate. For this card, I am using So Saffron and Early Espresso along with Soft Succulent.

I have really enjoyed my moments with Soft Succulent. It is such a warm gray-green color; it sometimes lends itself toward blue. And mixing in Early Espresso is easy, this deep and rich neutral brown always shines. But, So Saffron has never been my favorite yellow. However, once I began to work this subtle color in, it started to grow on me.

Enjoy The Moment

With my color palette of green, brown and yellow, I wanted a nature themed card. My first thought was some lovely autumn leaves or trees. But as I thumbed through the Stampin’ Up! Annual Catalog, another stamp set caught my eye: Enjoy The Moment.

The Enjoy The Moment Stamp Set has great sketch style images of various seed pods, nuts, seeds and the like. I began with the largest image, the trio of seed pods, and stamped it using VersaMark Ink on Water Color Paper. Next, I added Copper Metallic Embossing Powder and heat set it with my Heat Tool.

Heat embossing with a stamp from Enjoy The Moment Stamp Set

TIP: Keep a small generic paintbrush handy to swipe away loose particles of embossing powder from your paper before you heat emboss it. This will help minimize stray powder from being a permanent fixture.

Moments of Watercoloring

After my focal point image was heat embossed, I began to watercolor the image and surrounding paper. I started by placing a single drop of ink refill from Early Espresso, Soft Succulent and So Saffron onto a Clear Acrylic Block. By keeping the refill bottles near the corner of the clear block that coordinates with the ink drops, I know what color is where at a glance.

I started with the Early Espresso Ink Refill drop and my smallest Water Painter Brush. With a small squeeze of the barrel, I mixed some water with the ink. Then, I covered the middle of my embossed seed pod trio.

Watercoloring with Early Espresso Ink Refill

Next, I moved onto the medium Water Painter Brush and the Soft Succulent Ink Refill drop. Again, I added some water from my Water Painter barrel to the ink drop to lighten the color and make it easier to water wash with. I swept the color along the bottom and sides of the embossed stem.

Watercoloring with Soft Succulent Ink Refill

Lastly, I used the largest Water Painter Brush and the So Saffron Ink Refill drop. I took care to not run the yellow into either the brown or green. This way, each color would stand out on its own.

Watercoloring with So Saffron Ink Refill

TIP: Cleaning Your Water Painter Brushes

Squeeze some water from the barrel and let it wash over the brush end. At the same time, use either a baby wipe or a paper towel to wipe away the inky remains. It is okay if your brush ends are stained. As long as no ink transfers when you swipe the bristles, you are good to go!

Enjoying Background Stamping

There is not a lot of designer series paper in either Early Espresso or So Saffron that I could use on my card. So instead, I created my own.

On a layer of So Saffron Cardstock, I stamped the hanging thistle image from the Enjoy The Moment Stamp Set, using So Saffron Ink. By using tone on tone ink to paper, the result is noticeable but not glaring.

Background stamping using Enjoy The Moment Stamp Set on So Saffron Cardstock

I repeated tone on tone stamping using Early Espresso Cardstock and Early Espresso Ink. This time, I chose the small trio of seeds from the Enjoy The Moment Stamp Set. The petite size was perfect, and instead of stamping all four sides, I stuck with just one edge.

Background stamping using the Enjoy The Moment Stamp Set and Early Espresso Cardstock

Checks & Dots

When it came time to add texture to my card, I looked for just the right embossing folder. Of course, I didn’t want anything floral. Bricks and animal print were not even considered. I wanted something neutral, almost masculine.

So, I turned to the Checks & Dots Embossing Folders. They are sold as a pack of two, one is checks and the other is dots. These slim folders measure 3-3/8” wide, perfect for smaller embossing machines, like the Mini Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine. They are also perfect for smaller pieces of cardstock, like my Soft Succulent. Did you know the black line along the bottom of the folder will help you to line up your paper straight when preparing it for embossing?

Great Grapevines

Usually, I am adding swirly leaves and flowers to my card designs. Since this card is more “natural” and masculine themed, I had to look for something a little different.

The Grapevine Dies are perfect for my need of ‘swirly’. The large die bends around in a lovely L shape, sending shoots of leaves and vines along the way. I die cut this in Watercolor Paper with my Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine. Because this paper is thicker (to hold watercolor washing), it may require some removal of small cut pieces. To make quick clean-up of my die cut. I use the Take Your Pick Die Brush Tip on my Take Your Pick Tool.

Take Your Pick Tool with Take Your Pick Die Brush Tip

TIP: It is easy to switch up all the tool heads on the Take Your Pick Tool, but I prefer to have 2 of the Take Your Pick Tools so that my tool is ready to go without swapping back and forth. And the foam pad that comes with the Take Your Pick Die Brush Tip fits nicely in a clear Standard Stamp Case for storage.

After cleaning up my grapevine, I gave it a watercolor wash using my Water Painter Brush and some more Soft Succulent Ink Refill.

Sprigs And Sentiment

My card layers are starting to develop nicely, so it’s time to look for the right sentiment for my card. I love generic sentiments when I am not sure who my card is going to, or what occasion it may eventually cover.

The “a little note…” stamp from the Enjoy The Moment Stamp Set is perfect in this instance. I chose to heat emboss it on a small slip of Early Espresso Cardstock. First, I applied VersaMark Ink, then covered my wet stamping in Copper Metallic Embossing Powder. Lastly, I heat set the powder using my Heat Tool. The copper shine of the sentiment mimics the embossed focal point.

Heat embossing the sentiment from Enjoy the Moment Stamp Set

Because there are no coordinating dies or a punch for the Enjoy The Moment Stamp Set, I am free to try different products where needed. I chose the Sprig Punch to add a decorative touch behind my sentiment. This time, I punched Soft Saffron Designer Series Paper from the Subtles Collection.

Enjoy The Moment Base Assembly

Once I have everything stamped, die cut, punched, colored, embossed and prepared, it is time to put the card together. I started with an Early Espresso Cardstock base, then added my background stamped So Saffron piece, followed by my Checks embossed Soft Succulent.

Base Layers for the Enjoy The Moment Card

Next, I adhered the large leaves of the grapevine die down on my card front. I found it easiest to place the image where I wanted it to go, then lift the large leaves and added a drop of glue behind each. This was much easier than adding Mulitpurpose Liquid Glue to all of it and trying to place it precisely in one motion.

Enjoy The Moment Focal Assembly

Before I went too far with my focal point, I decided to do a rough tear along one edge. I also added a little Early Espresso Ink with a sponge along the opposite side. Although Stampin’ Up! retired their round sponges, I keep mine handy for small jobs like this.

My focal point layers consist of the watercolor paper, the edge stamped Early Espresso Cardstock and another piece of plain So Saffron Cardstock.

As I prepare to attach the focal point to the front of my card, I realize I have a lot of odd layer depths. My quick fix for this is to add a piece of like color cardstock to the back. This helps to raise up the “lower” side and make it lay flat when I adhere it to my card. By using the same color, it blends in beautifully if viewed from a side angle.

Adding a little lift to the layer with additional cardstock

Preparing the focal point for adhering to the card front

Before I could adhere the sentiment, I needed to place my sprig punched pieces. After a dry fit, I stuck them down with some Tear & Tape. I always place my tape in a manner that will be covered by another layer. In this instance, the tape also artfully secures some sweeping Linen Thread.

Adding sprig punched pieces and Linen Thread to card

The very last thing that I attached to my card was the sentiment. Because there were some bumps and lumps from the Linen Thread to cover up, I chose to place Mini Stampin’ Dimensionals on the back of my sentiment piece. This bit of “lift” helps give the sentiment prominence too.

Adding sentiment with Mini Stampin' Dimensionals

Soft Succulent Moments

I have truly enjoyed my color exploration of the 2021-2023 In Color, Soft Succulent. To see my last card and color combo with this great green, click here. And don’t despair because we are done exploring Soft Succulent, there is still one more new In Color to delight us in November.

Do you need any of the products I used here for your next creation? Make sure you stop by my online store at any time and enjoy the moment of shopping for your stamping supplies! Until next time, stay inspired!

Basic Pattern Decorative Masks: Victorian

July 9, 2020

Decorative Masks Part II

Card made with Basic Pattern Decorative Masks, Victorian style

Basic Pattern Decorative Masks (item #150697) come in a set of 4 masks, sized 6 x 6″ each. They are thin and pliable, plastic in nature and easily cleaned. The enclosed insert lists 5 different methods you can use when you create with these decorative masks: spritz, sponge, trace, emboss and texture.

The variety in the Basic Pattern Decorative Masks is wonderful, and this set has something for everyone. Part I in my mini series on Decorative Masks focused on the Dot Mask, and creating a textured background. To see that post, which contains great information and card making tips, click here.

In Part II of my mini series on Decorative Masks, I have focused on the Victorian Mask and the spritzing technique. I find this technique useful with any mask, and can use it in any color as well. Let me show you the fun of spritzing!

Spritzing Technique

Are you looking for big impact in card making on a low budget? I have news for you: spritzing is the way to go! The Stampin’ Spritzers (item #126185) cost $3 for a set of 2. Classic Stampin’ Ink Refill (in the color of your choice) costs $3.75. All you need now is rubbing alcohol or water, and you have the mixin’s for some wow.

Stampin' Spritzer and Classic Stampin' Ink Refill

The magic mix of spritzer lasts a long time, since a little goes a long way. In fact, I still had some left-over from another project, as can be seen in my blog post, here.

Tips For Mixing And Using The Stampin’ Spritzers:

*Stampin’ Spritzers can be used to spray color saturation on your paper.

*Add 6-8 drops of Ink Refill to the opened spritzer (protective cap pops off and spritzing mechanism/tube screws off) and dilute with rubbing alcohol or water. Rubbing alcohol is preferred to water, since the alcohol base dries quicker. Percentage on rubbing alcohol bottle is not crucial.

*The more liquid, the lighter the overall color. Add more ink or more liquid until you are happy with the result. Experiment!

*Shake your spritzer well before each use to avoid settling or separation. Store your filled spritzer upright.

*Spritz with care! You can use an empty card-board box to place your paper in and spritz away if you are concerned with making a mess. I find that having a great clearance around my work surface ensures that nothing gets an accidental coating of color from over-spray.

*Before using it on your project, you may need to flatten your finished color-spritzed paper. Drying time will vary depending on the liquid choice used and humidity levels in your home.

*Watercolor Paper or Shimmery White Cardstock work nicely with these wet procedures. And don’t rule out Glimmer Paper for extra sparkle.

*The spritzer bottle is easy to clean, just wash with soapy water and rinse. Don’t forget to clean the inner tube and spritzer mechanism too.

Set Up For Spritzing Success

Spritzing can be done with or without a mask. Just like in my previous Decorative Mask post using Embossing Paste, I highly recommend securing your paper and mask to avoid shifting mid-work while spritzing.

I took advantage of a Tombow Removable Adhesive Tape Runner, and secured my cardstock to my graph paper. This kind of tape runner allows temporary holds, and is easily removed without tearing or residue. In fact, when I rub my finger across the removable adhesive, it crumbles away like pencil erasing. Only a very small amount is needed here.

Next, I secured the Basic Pattern Decorative Mask Victorian design in the exact position I wanted it to be. This time I used Painters Tape to hold the mask down. I made sure I did not cover my cardstock with the tape.

Time to spritz! I applied an even coverage over the entire Decorative Mask. The alcohol scent can be strong, and liquid that does not hit the paper will remain on top of the mask. I absorbed the extra fluid by blotting with a paper towel.

By taping down one side of the mask only, I was able to lift the mask once it was dried off, to view my handi-work. I decided to spritz some more in certain areas, and placed the mask back in its original position to do so.

My paper dried quite quickly, and it did not need to be flattened before use.

Just Saying Hello

The light purple of my spritzed masked cardstock needed a strong coordinating hue to back it up, so I chose a Blackberry Bliss card base. To go with the soft pastel-color focal background, I added in Soft Sea Foam green, too.

I trimmed a small piece off of my spritzed paper, and set it aside for another project.

Adjusting the size of the spritzed masked cardstcok

I was looking for a generic, large sentiment for this card, along with a basic die cut. So, I pulled out the stamp set, Tasteful Touches (item #152562) and inked “just saying hello” in Blackberry Bliss.

Tasteful Touches Stamp Set and Blackberry Bliss Ink

Next, I die cut the sentiment using one of my new favorites, the Tasteful Labels Dies (item #152886).

Victorian Flowers

The Many Layered Blossoms Dies (item #153582) provide two large open flower die cuts, which can be used individually or combined. I wanted a lot of my spritzed masked background to show, so I chose the thinner outline of the dies to use.

I die cut the flowers in Purple Posy CS, so they would not compete with my light purple background.

Many Layered Blossoms Dies and Take Your Pick Tool — The Take Your Pick Tool (item #144107) and Take Your Pick Die Brush Tip (item #149655) are great for getting all the fine die cuts removed quickly and easily. Here, I chose to keep some of the cut-aways intact.

I love to add some greenery to my flower cards, but the Many Layered Blossoms Dies do not provide any leaves. Instead, I took small scraps of Soft Sea Foam CS and die cut just the leafy outer areas of the bolder die image.

Stampin’ Up! brought in a new version of Adhesive Sheets (item #152334), and I was so happy to use them on the smaller die cut flowers. This double sided sticky paper works wonders where glue or tape are impossible. Simply remove adhesive on one side, attach to cardstock, die cut, and you have an “instant sticker”.

Small die cuts from Many Layered Blossoms Dies and Adhesive Sheets — I mistakenly thought the small flower dies would combine together to make two-toned flowers. The thinner flower dies are meant to go on the outer flowers of the large flower die.

Award Winning Ribbon

All this ribbon and not one is in the color I am looking for today. But, I have a super simple solution to make white ribbon the right ribbon!

Did you know that you could color white ribbon with any color of Stampin’ Blends and create the shade you want? My favorite ribbon to do this with is the 1/4″ Crinkled Seam Binding Ribbon (item #151326).

Coloring the Crinkled Seam Binding Ribbon with Stampin' Blends

I chose the light Soft Sea Foam Stampin’ Blend, which was the color of ribbon I was looking for. I placed the ribbon on my Silicone Craft Sheet (item #127853, also great for use with glue and tape) and used the broad tip brush to swipe color along the ribbon. The ribbon soaks up the color and dries quickly.

Layering on the card front — I used Tear & Tape Adhesive (item #138995) to secure my ribbon and the ends of the leaves. My sentiment die cut will cover this area on the finished card.

A Little Hello

Remember that small piece of spritzed masked cardstock I cut away for another project? It was perfect for a mini card.

Mini’s are easy to make: cut a piece of cardstock 3 x 6″ and score at 3″ for a 3 x 3″ card. The mini cards fit the 3 x 3″ Envelopes (item #145829) for big impact.

Mini Card with Itty Bitty Greetings Stamp Set — Itty Bitty Greetings Stamp Set (item #151331) is no longer offered as a wood mount option. Yours will come in cling (red rubber) stamps.

As you can see, spritzing with the Basic Pattern Decorative Masks is easy and versatile, and another great way to incorporate masks into your projects. If you need any of the supplies I used in my cards today, head over to my online store, https://juliemakson.stampinup.net.

Cards made with Basic Pattern Decorative Masks

There are lots of options and uses left to explore with Decorative Masks, and I will continue to cover them in my ongoing mini series. Be sure to check back in, to see what I come up with next!