Friday, September 05, 2008

rockin' with a couple of cards

Here are a couple of cards that I made recently but hadn't had time to upload.


This first card was made using Memento dye inks. I was wanting to show off the colors and the way that they're a bit translucent and overlap. The stamps are by Heidi Grace Designs, and the embellishments are Robin's Nest dew drops.


For this card I used the regular and scalloped circle and regular and scalloped paisley Nestabilities dies by Spellbinders. I also used the large JustRite monogram stamp as well as the Hero Arts owl image and sentiment all inked with Memento dye inks. I used my Stardust pen to add the extra touches of glitter here and there.

Now, I wanted to mention that I tried something new when I made these cards. With the exception of the monogram stamp, all of the images on these two cards were stamped using clear stamps. I like them, but I've been accustomed to using rubber and sometimes the clear can be a little less forgiving about the amount of pressure that I put on them. I decided to give rock-a-blocks a try. They're made by Crafter's Companion and have been around in the UK for a while. What I like about these mounting "blocks" is that they help regulate the amount of pressure that's applied to the stamp. They also stamp the image using a rocking motion rather than direct downward pressure. I may write in more detail about this later. Suffice it to say, my images made using clear stamps do look good on a more consistent basis now. I'll take the help where I can get it, plus these blocks do fit in with my credo of making things easier and more foolproof. :-)

6 comments:

  1. OOOHHH, please do write more about these blocks. I've heard about them, but haven't seen them in action, or read any reviews. I have so many clear stamps I just don't use-and keep buying them for some reason- thinking I will get better at it. Can't wait to hear what you say. Amy V.

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  2. Okay, Jay, I want to talk about the Memento colors. I though they would be brighter. So you say they are translucent. Tell me a little bit more. I love the card by the way and also the one below it. Two different cards.

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  3. WOW!! Look at those fabulous cards!!!!!
    I am a huge fan of heidi grace stamps and love that first card. (what is the name of the stamp set?).
    Deanne
    xx

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  4. Both are great cards, Jay!! TFS

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  5. Can't wait for more info on the rock-a-blocks! I've been eyeing them but couldn't make a decision- so I'm looking forward to your always good advice!

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  6. Okay! I've made a new post about rock-a-blocks. I like them and they've made getting crisp images with my clear stamps much more consistent. It helps that I had a pretty good idea of what I was tending to do wrong with my clear stamps though.

    Shirley, in my new post I stamped some solid images using some of the Mementos. I think those will give you a better idea of how bright the inks can look. I should have overlapped some, but I forgot. I'll try to stamp some images to show their translucency and post them later.

    Deanne, that's the Girlfriends Set. I really like the Heidi Grace line, too.

    Thanks everyone for the lovely comments and for coming by!

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