I was recently following along with a tutorial from Emma Block about mixing skin tones. I mixed a range of different colours and swatched them into my sketchbook. Over time, I kept coming back to that page in my sketchbook because I liked the rows of little blocks of colour and of course the symbolism, which in turn led to this card. I’ve linked all supplies with compensated affiliate links used where possible at no cost to you.
SIMON SAYS STAMP SEPTEMBER CARD KIT
Before I get onto the details of my card, here’s the September Card Kit from Simon Says Stamp.
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- Simon Says Stamp Exclusive 6×8 inch clear stamp set named “Just Miss You”
- Simon Says Stamp Exclusive “Sending Smiles” Shadow and word dies
- Vicki Boutin 6×8 Paper Pad 12 Double Sided Sheets “Let’s Wander”
- Vicki Boutin Full package 6 Mini Cards & 6 mini Envelopes
- Simon Says Stamp Exclusive “Smiles” sequins mix
- Marvy Jewel Picker
- Simon Says Stamp Doll Pink 8.5 x 11 inch Cardstock
- Simon Says Stamp Sunshine 8.5 x 11 inch Cardstock
- Simon Says Stamp Peacock 8.5 x 11 inch Cardstock
- Simon Says Stamp Royal Purple 8.5 x 11 inch Cardstock
- Neenah 110 lb 8.5 x 11 inch White Cardstock
- Simon Says Stamp White Envelope A2 sized
- Simon Says Stamp Kraft 4 Bar Envelope
I love the Just Miss You set with all the lovely sentiments and I’m pleased to see the Vicki Boutin papers and mini envelopes too, they should be fun!
STRONGER TOGETHER
KEY INGREDIENTS
- Simon Says Stamp Stronger Together
- Winsor & Newton Permanent White Gouache + gouache or watercolours
STEP BY STEP HOW TO
- Mix a range of skin tones using Winsor & Newton Permanent White Gouache and Yellow Ochre, Burnt Sienna and Burnt Umber.
- On a piece of watercolour card, swatch out the colours in a grid. To help me keep some semblance of order, I pencilled a grid and then erased the lines once the swatches were dry.
- Keep the consistency of the paint quite dry, so you see the brush marks for added texture. I wish, in hindsight, that I’d used a drier brush to get more texture.
- Trim the panel and foam mount onto a panel of Fog card. In turn, foam mount the Fog card onto an Ivory card base.
- Partially stamp a sentiment from the Stronger Together set in Versafine Onyx Black ink and trim out with scissors. Foam mount onto the card front.
- Embellish with Bubblegum Blush and Dark Walnut Nuvo droplets and an Eggshell Pearl.
TAKEAWAYS
I think what drew me to the swatches in my sketchbook was not only the symbolism but the repetition of little blocks of colour. Repetition is a great design tool to use and something I try and include in my projects be it the repetition of colour or shape. It doesn’t have to be as uniform as these swatches are, it could be that you use three patches of red in a card that draw the eye around the key elements. Or it could be that you use a leaf shape and repeat that leaf several times throughout.
This card was quick to make, the time-consuming part was the design making and colour mixing. Once I knew what I wanted to do, the process was quick and simple. When I’m making a card I often start and then decide how things will be as I go along. I think I need to plan designs out more. I’m a great believer in planners and to-do lists etc so I’m hoping this will come naturally to me. Kristina Werner has a couple of videos of how she plans out card designs and I think I’ll try and do the same for the next release.
Talking of which, it’s not long until STAMPtember! If you are new around here, STAMPtember is a month-long party held by Simon Says Stamp throughout September. I’m not sure what this year will hold, but in previous years the month was filled with new releases, collaborations, blog hops, giveaways, limited edition kits and so much more. I can’t wait to see what this STAMPtember holds for us! I’ll be keeping you updated as much as I can throughout the month here on my blog.
FURTHER EXAMPLES
Here’s another example of using repetition, this time using Winsor & Newton masking fluid to create patterns on watercolour circles as a backdrop to the leaf from the Be Kind set. You can find the original post here.
SUPPLIES
You can find links to the supplies I’ve used below; click on the picture or shop icon to get taken directly to the product. Where available I use compensated affiliate links which means if you make a purchase I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you! Items marked with an asterisk (*) provided by a store or the manufacturer. You can read my affiliate and product disclosure here. I genuinely appreciate your support.
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PIN ME
Summary of the project which gives all the views of the card in one photo :D I’d love if you pinned and called by on Pinterest :D
Debby, thanks for the tutorial for this card…so many helpful tips throughout it. The resulting card is so timely! Like you, I tend to design as I go along but if I’m using a lot of die cuts, I keep playing with the arrangement until I find one I like. tfs-stay well.
Thanks for the reminder about use of repetition! Lovely cards! Thank you for inspiring readers/viewers.
lovely cards
Beautiful cards!!!
I LOVE this very much. It’s extraordinary in its simplicity and impact. LOVE it!