Blank Page Muse Rubber Stamps Inspirational Posts

Background Panel

• Use the white card stock, inks and ink blending brushes to blend a light pale pattern

• KEY TIP: Lighter pressure is your friend when trying to achieve a light hue

• Blend in random spots first then blend the edges together

• Using the low tack tape or grip mat, secure the Butterfly Trails stencil to the background panel

• KEY TIP: Remember that if using the low tack tape option, remove the tape by slowly pulling at a 45° angle to prevent tearing

• Using and applicator, apply the Metallic Gilding Polish over the stencil

• Caution should be used with how vigorously the polish is applied so it doesn't get under the stencil 

• Carefully remove the stencil and tape

• Remove background panel from worksurface

• Clean the stencil and worksurface

• Allow the polish to dry in full  

• Once dry apply the metallic liquid accent drops and then set aside to dry 

Sentiment

• Using the watermark ink and the Kindness Changes Everything stamp, align, ink, and stamp the sentiment. Repeat if needed for complete coverage

• KEY TIP: A stamping platform works well for this step

• Using the Black embossing powder cover the watermark ink

• Shake of the excess and heat set with the heat tool

Assembly

• Trim 1/8" from all sides of the background panel for the mat revel

• Using liquid glue, align and adhere the background panel to the card base

The stamps I used can be found by following the links in the materials list or you can find them with a quick search on www.blankpagemuse.com. Visit our social media sites for more stamping fun!

I Brake For Stamps -https://ibrakeforstamps.com/ 

The Blank Page Muse- https://blankpagemuse.com/

FB Fan Page-  https://www.facebook.com/groups/blankpagemuse/

Instagram Shop-  https://www.instagram.com/blankpagemuse/

Instagram Blog-  https://www.instagram.com/blankpagemuseblog/

Twitter-  https://twitter.com/BlankPageMuse

Pinterest- https://www.pinterest.com/blankpagemuse/boards/

Focal Image

• Place and secure white cardstock into the stamping platform

• Align, ink, and stamp the focal images and sentiment using black ink

• Use Dual-Tip alcohol markers to color the focal images

• KEY TIP: Using lighter pressure when applying color and then building up the layers will result in a better-finished result

• Allow to dry.

• Cut the focal image out with scissors.

• Cut the sentiment out with scissors or a label die if available

Center Focal Image

*Optional Method: A heart-shaped hot foil plate, red cardstock, and red foil were used to create the center. This can be substituted using a heart-shaped stencil and ink or red cardstock and a heart-shaped die.

Background Panel

Begin by trimming white cardstock to slimline dimensions using slimline dies and a die-cutting machine. Alternatively, use a paper trimmer or scissors to cut the white cardstock to 3.5" x 8.5".

• Use white cardstock, colored paste (the color choices are optional), and a blending pad, apply the paste to the card until the desired hue is reached.

• Once the desired hue is reached allow the background panel to dry completely. This will prevent the paste from being smeared or removed accidentally in subsequent steps.

• Place the panel into the embossing folder

• Run the embossing folder through your die-cutting machine based on the manufacturer's recommendations

• Repeat if the impression does not transfer cleanly, however, do not remove the panel from the folder before you are satisfied so everything remains aligned

• KEY TIP: The panel MUST be dry before this step or it can stick to the embossing folder and rip when removing

• Use liquid glue to adhere the background panel to the card base.

• Position all elements onto the background panel to confirm the final position.

• Use liquid glue to adhere the background panel to the card base.

• Apply foam tape or pop dots to the back of the sentiment to add dimensions

• Remove the backing from the foam tape

• KEY TIP: Add some liquid glue onto the foam tape or before adhering into place. The liquid glue will allow a small opportunity for repositioning before the foam tape adheres to the background panel

• Once all elements are in place and adhered to, use a liquid shimmer and a fine-tip brush to add sparkle to the card.

The stamps I used can be found by following the links in the materials list or you can find them with a quick search on www.ibrakeforstamps.com. Visit our social media sites for more stamping fun!

I Brake For Stamps -https://ibrakeforstamps.com/ 

The Blank Page Muse- https://blankpagemuse.com/

FB Fan Page-  https://www.facebook.com/groups/blankpagemuse/

Instagram Shop-  https://www.instagram.com/blankpagemuse/

Instagram Blog-  https://www.instagram.com/blankpagemuseblog/

Twitter-  https://twitter.com/BlankPageMuse

Pinterest- https://www.pinterest.com/blankpagemuse/boards/

Focal Image

• Dampen the colors to be used in the watercolor pallet with some water and allow it to become saturated with pigment

• Using the fine-tip watercolor brush, carefully color the focal image.

• Allow to dry completely

• KEY TIP: Be sure to keep the brush clean between each color change and do not over-saturate the brush to prevent the colors from running

• Using a geometric patterned stencil, place it over the dried background panel

• Using a complementary colored paste to background panel paste, in this instance gold over blue,  blend the paste over the stencil until the desired hue is reached

• Carefully remove the stencil and allow the background to dry.

• KEY TIP: Always clean your tools after using them as a lot of brands of these pastes are meant to be permeate so they will stain the stencil if left to dry.

• Using white cardstock and colored paste, apply and blend the paste to the same hue as the background panel. Allow to dry completely.

• Using a stamp platform, align, ink, and stamp the sentiment with watermark ink.

• Apply the white embossing powder, remove excess, and then heat set with a heat tool

To create this project, you will need the following: 

Blank Page Muse Sugar Skulls by Michelle Frae

Colored Paste (Colors optional)

1 piece of White cardstock

Blending Pads

1 piece of watercolor paper

Scissors

1 A2 White Card Base

Liquid Glue

Black ink - watercolor friendly

Stamping Platform

Watercolor Pallet

Foam Tape

Fine Tip Watercolor Brush

Heat Tool

Qucik Gel Glue Pen

White Embossing Powder

Various Colors of Foil (Brand/Type optional)

Anti-static Pad

Background stencil: Geometric Pattern     

Watermark ink

The stamps I used can be found by following the links in the materials list or you can find them with a quick search on www.blankpagemuse.com. Visit our social media sites for more stamping fun!

I Brake For Stamps -https://ibrakeforstamps.com/ 

The Blank Page Muse- https://blankpagemuse.com/

FB Fan Page-  https://www.facebook.com/groups/blankpagemuse/

Instagram Shop-  https://www.instagram.com/blankpagemuse/

Instagram Blog-  https://www.instagram.com/blankpagemuseblog/

Twitter-  https://twitter.com/BlankPageMuse

Pinterest- https://www.pinterest.com/blankpagemuse/boards/

Background panel

• Secure a piece of white cardstock to your work surface.

• Using blendable blue ink and an ink blending brush, create a blue background panel to your desired hue, then allow it to dry.

• Apply watermark ink using the Clouds and Drops stencil, filling in the stencil design.

• Remove the stencil and fully cover the watermark ink with White Puffy embossing powder.

• Heat set the embossing powder using a heat tool.

• Repeat steps for clouds if additional ones are necessary. Allow the panel to cool and set it aside.

Lower Third (Focal Area)

• Preheat the laminator.

• Secure a piece of white cardstock to your work surface.

• Using blendable green ink and an ink blending brush, create a green panel to your desired hue, then allow it to dry.

• Secure the Cute Mushrooms stencil over the newly inked cardstock.

• Apply foil transfer paste wherever a mushroom is required.

• Remove and clean the stencil while the paste dries and becomes clear.

• Place metallic red foil over the transfer paste, shiny side up.

• Transfer the cardstock and foil to a parchment paper sandwich.

• Run the sandwich through the laminator.

• Open the parchment sandwich and carefully pull the foil from the cardstock at a 45-degree angle.

• Use scissors to trim a wavy pattern across the panel, creating the horizon line of the card. For a more appealing look, limit this to one-third of the final dimension of the background panel.

• Adhere the trimmed panel to the background panel using liquid glue.

Mushrooms

• Use the white lacquer pen to apply randomly positioned and sized dots on the mushroom caps.

• Color the stems of the mushrooms with a metallic gold pen. The combination of the red foil and gold pen creates a brownish-gold color that is visually appealing.

• Allow everything to dry

Sentiment

• Ink-blend a space on white cardstock that is larger than the sentiment from the Butterfly Breezes set.

• Allow the inked area to dry.

• Place the sentiment stamp on a clear block or in your preferred stamping platform.

• Ink the stamp with black ink and stamp the sentiment over the yellow ink. Allow it to dry.

• Trim the sentiment to the desired size.

• Apply foam tape to the back of the sentiment for added dimension.

Key Tip: Before adhering the sentiment to the background panel, add a small dab of glue to the foam tape. This will provide enough lubrication to make small adjustments to the positioning.

The last stage in the creation process is the assembly.  Trim your panel down to  4” x 5.25, which allows for a reveal, and then with liquid glue adhere it to a black mat trimmed to 4.25” x 5.5”.  Then adhere the composit to the white A2 card base.  With that, I called the card complete.

The stamps I used can be found by following the links in the materials list or you can find them with a quick search on www.blankpagemuse.com. Visit our social media sites for more stamping fun!

I Brake For Stamps -https://ibrakeforstamps.com/ 

The Blank Page Muse- https://blankpagemuse.com/

FB Fan Page-  https://www.facebook.com/groups/blankpagemuse/

Instagram Shop-  https://www.instagram.com/blankpagemuse/

Instagram Blog-  https://www.instagram.com/blankpagemuseblog/

Twitter-  https://twitter.com/BlankPageMuse

Pinterest- https://www.pinterest.com/blankpagemuse/boards/

• Place the watercolor sheet into the stamping tool and secure

• Position and secure the stamp into place

• Ink the stamp with black ink

• Stamp the image by applying even pressure

• Repeat as necessary for a clean image,

• Allow the ink to dry

• Using the Quick Gel glue pen, apply gel to areas where you will be applying foil following the manufacturer's directions

• KEY TIP: Stick to one area and one color at a time so that the foil does not adhere in unwanted locations

• Apply the foil gently over the gel and press it lightly.  If the gel is ready, then the foil will easily peel from the foil transfer and remain on the gel.

• Repeat this step for each of the foil colors to be added.

To craft your card, start by creating the background panel.  Since you will be using alcohol inks, which will stain almost anything, take precautions to cover your work surface with a plastic tarp or have a splatter box on hand. 

Using a piece of Yupo paper, or equivalent, apply random drops of alcohol ink(s) to the paper surface

• Using an air blower, move the inks around until satisfied with the look. 

• If dissatisfied with the coverage, allow to dry then add more alcohol inks and repeat the process. Drying time allows for a layered look

• If satisfied, mist lightly with a shimmer spray

• Allow everything to dry completely.

Once everything is dry, the background panel should look something like the image above.  Do not worry about your work looking precisely like the example because no two alcohol ink projects will ever be identical which is part of the fun of using them.

The next step of the project is to add our focal image.  For this card, you will use the Celestial Moon & Stars Mixed Media Stencil from Blank Page Muse, silver glitter paste, and yellow texture paste.

Using a small pallet knife, spread the silver glitter gel over the stars.  Be sure to clean off any excess from the stencil.

• Carefully remove the masking from the moon and apply the yellow paste.  I opted for finger painting for this step just to amuse myself, but a pallet knife or scrapper works well.

Allow to dry completely and then relocate the stencil as desired to add more stars to the background panel.

• KEY TIP: be sure to clean all tools after using gels or pastes to prevent hardening or staining.

• Once satisfied with the location of your additional stars allow the background panel to fully dry.

• Use white cardstock, colored paste (the color choices are optional), and a blending pad, apply the paste to the card until the desired hue is reached.

• Once the desired hue is reached be sure to allow the background panel to dry completely. This will prevent the paste from being smeared or removed accidentally in subsequent steps.

To craft your card, you will need to begin with the focal image and sentiment.

• Place white cardstock into the stamping platform

• Align the stamp, and ink with watermark ink, and stamp the focal image. Repeat to ensure complete coverage

• Align the stamp, and ink with watermark ink, and stamp the sentiment. Repeat to ensure complete coverage.

• Remove the background panel from the stamping platform

• Cover the panel liberally with white embossing powder

• Heat set the powder with a heat tool.

• Place the embossed panel on top of paper towel, a tarp, or in a splatter box

• Using various colors of mica sprays, lightly mist over the design.

• Apply enough spray to cover completely.  The embossing powder acts as a resist so don’t worry about the image

• Allow to dry completely

• Wipe excess from the embossed area which will brighten the image.

The last stage in the creation process is the assembly.  Trim your panel down to  4” x 5.25, which allows for a reveal, and then with liquid glue adhere it to the white A2 card base.  With that, I called the card complete.

The stamps I used can be found by following the links in the materials list or you can find them with a quick search on www.blankpagemuse.com. Visit our social media sites for more stamping fun!

I Brake For Stamps -https://ibrakeforstamps.com/ 

The Blank Page Muse- https://blankpagemuse.com/

FB Fan Page-  https://www.facebook.com/groups/blankpagemuse/

Instagram Shop-  https://www.instagram.com/blankpagemuse/

Instagram Blog-  https://www.instagram.com/blankpagemuseblog/

Twitter-  https://twitter.com/BlankPageMuse

Pinterest- https://www.pinterest.com/blankpagemuse/boards/

Position the stencil where best fits based on your panel.  For this version, I imagined that the left side of the panel was a distant nebula and so wanted to keep that uncovered.

• Secure the stencil to your worksurface making sure that you Do NOT use a high tack tape over the background panel itself in order to prevent the paper from ripping when removing the stencil

• Once satisfied with the location of the stencil, mask off the moon.  The yellow paste being used in a later step will cover any issues resulting from tape removal

The last stage in the creation process is the assembly.  Trim your panel down to an A2 size, 4.25” x 5.5”, and with liquid glue adhere it to the white A2 card base.  With that, I called the card complete.

The stamps I used can be found by following the links in the materials list or you can find them with a quick search on www.blankpagemuse.com. Visit our social media sites for more stamping fun!

I Brake For Stamps -https://ibrakeforstamps.com/ 

The Blank Page Muse- https://blankpagemuse.com/

FB Fan Page-  https://www.facebook.com/groups/blankpagemuse/

Instagram Shop-  https://www.instagram.com/blankpagemuse/

Instagram Blog-  https://www.instagram.com/blankpagemuseblog/

Twitter-  https://twitter.com/BlankPageMuse

Pinterest- https://www.pinterest.com/blankpagemuse/boards/

To craft your card, start by creating the background panel.  Using your choice of stamping platform begin with the flower stamp from the You Make Me Happy set and position it on the left side of the white cardstock.  Once satisfied with the position and the stamp is secured to the platform, ink the stamp with black ink and stamp the image. Repeat this step if required to ensure coverage.

The next step is to use ink blending brushes and your choice of inks to create the soft blue sky and to color the flower.  I choose to use Distress Oxide for this card if you wish to recreate the same look.

To create this project, you will need the following:

·        Blank Page Muse You Make Me Happy Hummingbird Clouds Flower set

·        Black ink pad

·        Watermark ink

·        Cardstock - white

·        Cardstock – black

·        Distress Oxides or similar

·        Vellum

·        Scissors

·        Alcohol Markers

·        Blending brushes

·        Liquid glue

·        Paper trimmer

·        Anti-static powder

·        Stamping platform

·        Black embossing powder

·        Heat Tool

·        A2 card base – purple (4.25” x 5.5”)

The next thing to create is the Hummingbird. Using your choice of stamping platforms secure the stamp into position over the sheet of vellum.  Next, with watermark ink, ink the stamp up and stamp the image on the vellum.  Repeat this step if required to ensure coverage. Once satisfied, thoroughly cover the inked image with black embossing powder, remove the excess, and then set with a heat tool. KEY TIP: Do this slowly while applying the heat to both sides of the vellum to prevent curling.  Allow it to cool completely.

Once cool, flip the vellum sheet to the side opposite from the embossing and then color in the pattern on the Hummingbird using alcohol markers.  Use a light touch with light colors and go over the places you want to darken with the same color after it has dried as the markers will dry much lighter than the wet color presents itself.  Once completed and dry, use scissors to cut the Hummingbird out.  You should do this on the outside of, but right against, the outermost profile of the Hummingbird.

The next stage is assembly and finishing.  Once the Hummingbird has been cut out you will need to adhere it into place on your background panel.  To do this use liquid glue.  KEY TIP: To prevent bubbling, DO NOT apply your liquid glue directly to the vellum.  Instead put some liquid glue on to a washable surface and use some sort of applicator to apply in a pouncing method until the image is completely covered.

Once the focal image is adhered, use the included sentiment stamp, some black ink, and your preferred stamping platform to stamp the sentiment into place.  Lastly, trim your background panel and black mat down to their final dimensions, adhere them together and then adhere the composite to the card base to complete the card.

The stamps I used can be found by following the links in the materials list or you can find them with a quick search on www.blankpagemuse.com. Visit our social media sites for more stamping fun!

I Brake For Stamps -https://ibrakeforstamps.com/ 

The Blank Page Muse- https://blankpagemuse.com/

FB Fan Page-  https://www.facebook.com/groups/blankpagemuse/

Instagram Shop-  https://www.instagram.com/blankpagemuse/

Instagram Blog-  https://www.instagram.com/blankpagemuseblog/

Twitter-  https://twitter.com/BlankPageMuse

Pinterest- https://www.pinterest.com/blankpagemuse/boards/

To craft your card, you will need to begin with a piece of white cardstock, the Beyond the Border stamp set, a stamping platform, and a watermark ink pad.  Using the stamping platform, secure the cardstock into place so it does not move.  Then you need to align the border stamp across the cardstock horizontally before adhering it to the stamping platform.  Using the watermark ink pad, liberally apply the ink to the stamp and then stamp the image onto the cardstock being sure to use an even pressure across the entirety of the stamp.  My personal preference is to repeat this step a couple of times to ensure I thoroughly transferred the image.  Next reposition the stamp horizontally again and repeat the entire process as many times as you like for your card.  I chose five because it is an odd number (visual interest) and the human eye picks up on that distinction much better than when it is an even number (symmetry). If you are worried that your ink may dry to quickly you can move to the next step or as mentioned stamp the rest of the images first.

The next stage is the addition of the white embossing powder to the newly watermarked images.  While placing your stamped cardstock over a plate or another piece of cardstock, thoroughly coat the stamped images in embossing powder and then dump off the excess.  Be sure to give the cardstock a good flick to remove any excess powder.  Once satisfied use the heat tool to set the embossing powder.  Once that is done for all of the border stamps, use the same method as described above but with the You Make Me Happy sentiment stamp and black embossing powder.

Following the stamping and embossing of the images comes the addition of the color to the background panel.  For this project I used the left-over colors that were still on my ink blending brushes, something I do often to maximize my supplies, however the basic hues to use are pink and purple.  Using your ink blending brushes, blend small amounts of each color onto the panel, working from the outside in until satisfied with the final hue.  Take your time with this step so that you can blend the colors together and not have streaks or uneven coverage.  Once the ink is dry use a microfiber towel to wipe the excess ink from the embossed images.

Beginning with a matching dimension to the A2 card in mind, it is time to trim down the mats and the background panel to their final dimensions.  As this look is subjective to the one creating it, the actual dimension could vary wildly.  As a rule of thumb, removing 1/8” from all sides is a good look for layered mats.  To replicate this look, you would need to remove 1/8” on the bottom (White) mat from all sides, then 1/4" from all sides for the next (Black) mat and then finally 1/8” on all sides for the background panel which comes to 3.25” wide x 5” long in the end. Once trimmed down to final size adhere each layer together with liquid glue ensuring the spacing is correct and everything is straight.  To finalize the card, adhere an odd number of the iridescent flat black pearls to random locations on the background panel to add dimension.

The stamps I used can be found by following the links in the materials list or you can find them with a quick search on www.blankpagemuse.com. Visit our social media sites for more stamping fun!

I Brake For Stamps -https://ibrakeforstamps.com/ 

The Blank Page Muse- https://blankpagemuse.com/

FB Fan Page-  https://www.facebook.com/groups/blankpagemuse/

Instagram Shop-  https://www.instagram.com/blankpagemuse/

Instagram Blog-  https://www.instagram.com/blankpagemuseblog/

Twitter-  https://twitter.com/BlankPageMuse

Pinterest- https://www.pinterest.com/blankpagemuse/boards/

To craft your card, start by creating the background panel, as this is the most time-consuming portion. First, mix the Cherry Kool-Aid per the package instructions, minus the sugar, in a tub or tray. Once it's fully incorporated, place a sheet of watercolor paper into the prepared liquid. Allow the paper to set for a full 24 hours to absorb the color, then let it dry completely. You can use a heat gun to speed up the process, but the color doesn't look as nice in the final product.

Next, stamp your focal images. Using black ink and the Floral Spray Sunflowers Chrysanthemum Line Art stamp, ink and then stamp the image on the area of the watercolor paper where the color looks the most pleasing to your eye. Allow the ink to dry.

Now it's time to add color. For this project, watercolors are suggested, but you can also use quality-colored pencils or alcohol markers if you prefer. The best technique with watercolors is to wet small areas of the image at a time with water, then drop small amounts of watercolor pigments into the wet area. Slowly brush the pigment into the desired areas. If the color is too heavy, use a paper towel to dab up the excess. This technique allows you to slowly build up color and results in a better finish. Once you're done, let the paper dry completely.

Good day, fellow crafters. It’s Tamara once again, with a new post where I am going be showcasing my latest card created using I Brake for Stamps and Blank Page Muse products! 

Koi fish are renowned for their vibrant colors and graceful movements, making them symbols of beauty and serenity in many cultures. Their scales display a dazzling array of colors, from shimmering golds and fiery reds to cool blues and tranquil whites, each with intricate patterns that captivate the eye. Incorporating a koi fish stamp into a greeting card layout brings this natural elegance to your design. The koi's flowing lines and dynamic shapes create a sense of movement and tranquility, making the card both visually stunning and emotionally soothing. Whether you use vivid inks to replicate the koi’s natural splendor or more subdued tones for a minimalist effect, a koi fish stamp transforms any card into a work of art that conveys grace and harmony.

Next, cut the background panel and the cover mat to size. Using a paper trimmer, first trim your water-colored background panel to its final dimensions. For this design, the dimensions are smaller than the A2 card base to provide some visual interest. Then, trim the black cardstock to 4.25” x 5.5” to cover the front of the card base. Set these aside.

Now it’s time to create the sentiment. Start with the black cardstock, using either any extra pieces that were trimmed off in the previous step or, as is often done in my studio, the center of the cover mat since it will be covered in the assembly stage. Place your black cardstock in your stamping platform of choice. Align the "Happiness Blooms from Within" words stamp over the area of the card you wish to stamp. Lightly dab the area with an anti-static powder pad where the stamp will land. Using a watermark ink pad, tap the ink pad onto the stamp to get an even coat. Once inked, stamp the image onto the cardstock. Repeat one or two times to ensure a proper image transfer. Cover the freshly stamped image with white embossing powder, then dump off the excess. Heat set this with a heat tool until melted. Lastly, using a label die that fits around the sentiment and a die-cutting machine, cut out the sentiment.

For the final step, assemble your card. Using liquid glue, adhere the black cardstock to the card base. Next, align and adhere the background panel with more glue. Lastly, position the sentiment in the desired location and adhere it to the background panel with liquid glue. As an optional idea, you can use pop-dots or foam tape for the sentiment. With that, your card is complete.

The stamps I used can be found by following the links in the materials list or you can find them with a quick search on www.blankpagemuse.com. Visit our social media sites for more stamping fun!

I Brake For Stamps -https://ibrakeforstamps.com/ 

The Blank Page Muse- https://blankpagemuse.com/

FB Fan Page-  https://www.facebook.com/groups/blankpagemuse/

Instagram Shop-  https://www.instagram.com/blankpagemuse/

Instagram Blog-  https://www.instagram.com/blankpagemuseblog/

Twitter-  https://twitter.com/BlankPageMuse

Pinterest- https://www.pinterest.com/blankpagemuse/boards/

To create this project, you will need the following:

• I Brake for Stamps Koi Fish

• Blank Page Muse Kindness Changes Everything words stamp

• Black ink pad

• Cardstock – black

• Card base - white

• liquid glue

• paper trimmer

• watercolor paper

• Blue Raspberry kool-aid

• Watercolor pigments

• Liquid glue

• Paper trimmer

• Tub or tray for the kool-aid

• Paint brushes

• Cup of water for cleaning paint brushes

To craft your card, start by creating the background panel as this is the most time-consuming portion. First, mix the Blue Raspberry Kool-Aid per the package instructions minus the sugar in a tub or tray. Once incorporated fully, place a sheet of watercolor paper into the prepared liquid. Allow the paper to set for a full 24 hours to absorb the color and then allow it to dry fully naturally. A heat gun can be used to speed up the process but the color doesn’t seem to look as nice in the final product.

The next stage is to stamp your focal images. With black ink and using random placements, stamp multiple images of the Koi fish onto the background panel. The placements can even be offset if you wish as done in my card. The number of fish stamped is also totally up to your imagination. Following the stamping of the images comes the addition of the color. For this project watercolors are suggested, however other media such as a quality colored pencil or an alcohol marker may be to your liking. The best technique to employ with the water coloring pigments is to wet small areas of the image at a time with water, and then drop small amounts of watercolor pigments into the wet area. Then slowly brush the pigment into the areas where color is wanted. If the color is to heavy, use a paper towel to dab up the excess. This technique allows you to slowly build up color and results in a better finish. Once the color addition is complete allow the paper to dry completely.

The next stage is assembly. Using a paper trimmer, trim your background panel to its final dimensions and then with slightly larger dimensions cut the black cardstock down for a mat. In the example, I chose to have those dimensions be large enough to cover the entirety of the front of my A2 card base. Next, using liquid glue, adhere the background panel and the mat together and then with more glue adhere the composite to the white card base.

Lastly, using black ink and the Kindness Changes Everything word stamp, ink and stamp the sentiment onto the card. With that, your card is complete.

The stamps I used can be found by following the links in the materials list or you can find them with a quick search on www.blankpagemuse.com. Visit our social media sites for more stamping fun!

I Brake For Stamps -https://ibrakeforstamps.com/ 

The Blank Page Muse- https://blankpagemuse.com/

FB Fan Page-  https://www.facebook.com/groups/blankpagemuse/

Instagram Shop-  https://www.instagram.com/blankpagemuse/

Instagram Blog-  https://www.instagram.com/blankpagemuseblog/

Twitter-  https://twitter.com/BlankPageMuse

Pinterest- https://www.pinterest.com/blankpagemuse/boards/

stamp the images onto the panel in the colored area of your choice. You can either let the natural color of the background panel stand out or add additional coloring to the images. Once stamped, or stamped and colored, fussy cut the stamped images and set them aside for later.

For the background panel, you will need a piece of white cardstock, the Blank Page Muse Blocks Pattern Stencil, and some masking tape. Because the stencil is smaller than an A2 card, masking is necessary. First, secure the white cardstock to your work surface and then secure the stencil in place. Mask off the area where you don’t want ink, and use yellow ink and an ink blending brush to apply the color. Once completed, remove the stencil, realign it on the opposite side of the panel, secure it, mask, and ink blend this side of the panel. Allow it to dry fully.

The last stage is to assemble the card. Using a paper trimmer, cut the inked background panel to its final dimensions. Trim a piece of yellow cardstock slightly larger than the finished background panel to create a mat. Once both sheets are to size, use liquid glue to adhere the background panel to the mat, then adhere the composite to a white card base. Once dry, orient and adhere your sunflower and butterflies to the panel. Finally, using the sentiment from the Butterfly Breezes stamp set and black ink, orient and stamp the sentiment. With that, your card is complete.

The stamps I used can be found by following the links in the materials list or you can find them with a quick search on www.blankpagemuse.com. Visit our social media sites for more stamping fun!

I Brake For Stamps -https://ibrakeforstamps.com/ 

The Blank Page Muse- https://blankpagemuse.com/

FB Fan Page-  https://www.facebook.com/groups/blankpagemuse/

Instagram Shop-  https://www.instagram.com/blankpagemuse/

Instagram Blog-  https://www.instagram.com/blankpagemuseblog/

Twitter-  https://twitter.com/BlankPageMuse

Pinterest- https://www.pinterest.com/blankpagemuse/boards/

 May The Dragons Be With You

Good day, fellow crafters. Today, I'm excited to be showcasing my latest card!  Dragons have always intrigued me due to their representation of strength, wisdom, and fortune in many cultures. Particularly in Eastern mythology, they are viewed as protective figures, offering guidance and safety to humans. This card celebrates these powerful creatures, highlighting their significance and the respect they garner across cultures. Join me in discovering the symbolism and artistic portrayal of dragons in my latest design.

foundation for each card you create. This particular piece was a really good fit for a “golden” dragon, so it was exciting to use it. The next step is to employ the Little Draco stamp by Carmen Medlin Designs. Apply black pigment ink to the stamp and press it onto your background panel. At this stage, you can decide to either let the natural color of the background panel stand out or choose to add any additional coloring to the image. In this case, by not adding additional color this allows the intricate details of the stamp to integrate seamlessly with the vibrant hues of the background.

With black ink and the sentiment stamp from the You Make Me Happy stamp set, add your sentiment next. Lastly, trim the background panel to its final dimensions as well as a black mat for added visual appeal. Then use liquid glue to adhere the background panel to the mat and repeat the process to adhere the composite to a white card base. With that, you can call the card complete.

The stamps I used can be found by following the links in the materials list or you can find them with a quick search on www.blankpagemuse.com. Visit our social media sites for more stamping fun!

I Brake For Stamps -https://ibrakeforstamps.com/ 

The Blank Page Muse- https://blankpagemuse.com/

FB Fan Page-  https://www.facebook.com/groups/blankpagemuse/

Instagram Shop-  https://www.instagram.com/blankpagemuse/

Instagram Blog-  https://www.instagram.com/blankpagemuseblog/

Twitter-  https://twitter.com/BlankPageMuse

Pinterest- https://www.pinterest.com/blankpagemuse/boards/

 A little Asian Flair

Good day, fellow crafters. It's me, Tamara, and today, I'm excited to unveil a captivating new design on the Blank Page Muse blog, inspired by my deep appreciation for the Far East and its vibrant cultural traditions. This project reflects the colorful ceremonies and rich history that have always intrigued me. Dive into this artistic exploration and discover how Eastern aesthetics can enrich your crafting. Don’t miss out—visit the Blank Page Muse blog and let your creativity take flight with this unique design!

To get started, you will need the following:

• I Brake for Stamps Little Draco

• Blank Page Muse You Make Me Happy

• Background panel of your choice

• Black ink pad

• Cardstock

• liquid glue

To craft your card, start by selecting a previously created background panel or a freshly created one depending on your preference. In crafting, prioritizing efficiency and resourcefulness by utilizing any leftover inks, paints, or watercolors is key. Make good use of any leftovers as "dips" for white cardstock, allowing the paper to soak up the remaining pigments. Using a piece of acetate as your artist's palette, simplifies the process, though a glass mat works just as well. This approach not only saves time, money, and materials but also provides a unique

To get started, you will need the following:

• Blank Page Muse Japanese Characters Background  

• Blank Page Muse Geisha Collage

• High quality watercolor paper

• Coffee

• Black, brown and red ink pads

• Clear embossing powder

• Masking tape

• Watercolor pigments

• Cardstock

• liquid glue

Begin by immersing the watercolor paper in coffee for a full twenty-four hours to achieve a deeply weathered and aged appearance. As the paper dries, it adopts the warm, sepia-toned hues and slightly textured surface reminiscent of vintage posters you might find tucked

away in an antique shop. This intentional aging process gave the paper a beautifully distressed look that perfectly complements the historical theme of my design.

Following the aging process of the paper, move on to create the background. I used the Japanese Characters Background stamp with brown ink to introduce an element of subtle depth and texture. To ensure the characters appeared subtly, first ink the stamp and press onto a scrap piece of paper—a technique known as 'stamping off. ' This step removes excess ink so that when it is stamped onto the background panel, the characters will be faint and contribute to the card's aged appearance.

This method was effective in giving the design a more authentic, worn look, as if the characters had been part of the paper for decades.

The next step in creating the background panel was the addition of the Geisha Collage stamp. To begin, mask off the large character on the left side of the stamp with some masking tape to keep it ink-free. Then apply black ink to the remaining parts of the stamp. After removing the masking tape, I inked the previously covered character in red before applying the entire stamp on my background panel. 

Next, while the stamped image is still wet, sprinkle clear embossing powder over the ink and heat set it in preparation for the next step which was to water color the image. 

(I personally like to add this step when I use watercolor pigments because the melted embossing powder provides a bit of a well to apply your pigments too which assists in reducing bleed through of colors.) Once the embossing is set, secure the panel to your work surface and water colored the image. 

While the image dries, choose some cardstock colors that fit together with your theme, in this case red and black, them trim them to their final dimensions to act as mats for the background panel.  Then adhere them together with the image onto a white card base.

The stamps I used can be found by following the links in the materials list or you can find them with a quick search on www.blankpagemuse.com. Visit our social media sites for more stamping fun!

I Brake For Stamps -https://ibrakeforstamps.com/ 

The Blank Page Muse- https://blankpagemuse.com/

FB Fan Page-  https://www.facebook.com/groups/blankpagemuse/

Instagram Shop-  https://www.instagram.com/blankpagemuse/

Instagram Blog-  https://www.instagram.com/blankpagemuseblog/

Twitter-  https://twitter.com/BlankPageMuse

Pinterest- https://www.pinterest.com/blankpagemuse/boards/