Make Your Mark: SSS Monday Challenge Entry
Good day, fellow crafters. Time for another Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge, this time the theme is “Make Your Mark”. At first I couldn’t decide what the actual intention of this theme was but the more I thought about it the more I came to a realization. Making your mark is about establishing who you are and what you want to be seen as by others. It is about experimentation and growing your experiences, so my entry for me captures that. I hope you enjoy.
So for my experimentation and growth of experiences I tried working with some different materials and with different shapes. To create this card I began with a set of shaped dies from Momenta and a pre-cut White A2 card base. I offset the largest die that would still fit the A2 card base so that when it was cut it would leave enough of the folded crease as to retain a hinge for the card to open and close. I next used the same size die and a piece of Pink cardstock to cover the front of the card base in its entirety. Next using a couple sizes smaller die I cut the Pale Blue cardstock and aligned and adhered it to the Pink completing the card base.
The focal point of the card was create on White cardstock by stamping flowers from the Simon Says Stamp Best Friends Ever stamp set with Gina K’s Amalgam ink. I then proceed to do something I had only recently seen done but never attempted. I used my Arteza Metallic Colored Pencils along with Gamsol to create a watercolor effect on the stamped image. Here is how this is done.
The technique that uses Gamsol and colored pencils is called solvent blending. This technique involves using a solvent, such as Gamsol or mineral spirits, to blend and smooth out the colored pencil pigments on the paper.
To use this technique, you can start by layering your colored pencils on the paper, applying light pressure and building up the colors gradually. Then, you can dip a brush or a cotton swab into the Gamsol or mineral spirits and use it to blend and spread the pigments on the paper. The solvent will dissolve and activate the colored pencils, creating a smoother, more blended effect.
It's important to use this technique in a well-ventilated area and to avoid inhaling the fumes from the solvent. You should also test the technique on a small area before applying it to your entire artwork, as it can affect the paper and the colors differently. Additionally, some colored pencils may not be compatible with this technique, so you should check the manufacturer's recommendations before using solvent blending.
To complete this card I returned to my Momenta dies and chose a much smaller one and again used Pink cardstock to cut out the background for my sentiment. To this I stamped on my message using the Pink Fresh Studio Be Courageous stamp set and the same Gina K ink.
I think I met the theme of “Make You Mark” with this card and I hope that I have inspired you to do something you have never done to make your own mark.
