OCC: Stamp Happy

So this week is my very first week hosting the challenge blog at Our Creative Corner and I couldn't be more excited! Getting to be a part of a group that is looking for new ways to challenge papercrafters is a real treat. I'm a firm believer that a challenge is the best way to improve your skills. The OCC blog has certainly has its fair share of challenges in the past that have forced some real creativity. All I can say is hang on! Looking ahead to the next few months, there won't be any shortage of thought-pushing challenges in the near future.

I actually struggled a bit coming up with a card after I chose this week's theme - stamping on printed or designer paper -  but I am thrilled with the outcome. It took some thinking. It took some practice. It took some time. But in the end, I'm happy to share with you my card.

I started with a new set of papers from Echo Park that I just love. The Dots and Stripes pads are perfect for a project like this. They offer two pads in different colors, Metropolitan (using more manly colors like black, blue, grey) and the one I've used here - Candy Shoppe (using more girly colors like pink, yellow and orange)

With the same patterns on all the colors, it makes it really easy to mix and match.

I cut the strips to the size I wanted. and adhered them to a piece of cardstock. Then with Post-it notes, I masked all three strips separately and stamped my image (I put the stamps together on one single large acrylic block so I could stamp each color once.) Then I peeled away each Post-it, inking my stamps with the appropriate color, stamping then covering it back up and moving onto the next color. It took a few tries but I think the effort was worth the outcome. I added a stitch, distressed the edges and smiled.

I inked the twine a little to keep it from being pure white and raspberry. I added the tag with my sentiment and a cute little flower resin brad. I'm de-fin-ately doing this again. This is a perfect handmade card template to start a new set with!

So challenge yourself this week. Do something to stretch your creativity. Play along with us this week at Our Creative Corner and use this week's challenge as your inspiration and don't forget to check out the other DT blogs to see how they've stamped on patterned paper for their projects!

Linda Coughlin
Lori Rider
Wendy Janson
Vicki Burdick
Sharon Wheet
Jen Rzasa
Kristen Tierney
Anne Marie Hile
Marjie Kemper
Tui Nathan

Have a great weekend!
Holly