Three Variations with One Leaf Die & Stencil
All three of these cards use the same White Fusion stencils and die (from Simon Says Stamp), but I used it a little bit differently for each card. Take a look, and see which approach you like best.
Techniques:
Each leaf is created to be monochromatic - with a colored cardstock die cut for the base, and each is stenciled with light and dark variations of the cardstock color used as the base.
The three leaves are in an analagous color grouping - meaning that they are neighbors on the color wheel.
They pop off the background so well because that Watermelon card base is loosely a complementary color from those cool colored leaves. Complementary colors can create an energy (which varies by values used).
For the layout, I created some interest by having the leaves positioned so they are cropped by the card size. Varying the position and what is cropped of each leaf builds that interest, but keeping the flow of them going generally in the same direction and keeping the white space between the leaves somewhat consistent keeps it from feeling jumbled.
I added texture and pattern to the Watermelon background with the Gradient Dots embossing folder before adding the leaves. A splattering of white gouache on the assembled card adds another layer of detail interest, and also ties in the white embossed greeting with the background.
The sentiment is from the Birthday Basics stamps and dies (CZ), embossed in white on black cardstock, and applied with foam to create a dimensional focal point on the card.
Colors:
cardstock: Concord & 9th Watermelon, Lemongrass, Aqua Sky, Oceanside
ink: Concord & 9th Lemongrass, Aqua Sky, Tidepool, Oceanside. Hero Arts White
Techniques:
This card uses an exclusively analogous color palette, similar to the colors used on the leaves of card 1. I only used two leaves this time, because I wanted to leave some open space for the delicate greeting to be, without getting lost.
The greeting is embossed in white.
The two leaves are die cut from colored cardstock. I stenciled two layers with ink, and then used coordinating colors of Lunar Paste for the final layer. I love the effect the shine and texture add.
A couple of tips for stenciling with pastes: I highly recommend doing that layer last so you can let it all dry. If you want to use Lunar Paste on other layers, I recommend making it a very thin coat and allowing drying time. I’ve tried multiple layers of paste before, but if the paste is too thick the following stencils won’t lay as flat to the paper and you can get ink or paste seeping under the edges of the die.
Colors:
cardstock: Concord & 9th Avocado, Tidepool, Oceanside.
ink: Concord & 9th Avocado, Tidepool, Oceanside.
Lunar Paste: Shooting Star & Later Gator (blended together for the green leaf), Tropical Tango
Techniques:
This card again uses die cut leaves, an analogous color way, and monochromatic inking on each, but this time I created an interactive card with it. Instead of fitting the leaves together like a puzzle, I intentionally overlapped them. I created the folds by wrapping the part of the two top layers of leaves around to the back of the card front and gluing them there. (Tip: when I layered the leaves on top to figure out my arrangement, I used a pencil to mark the two sides of where the fold needed to be. This way I could score it, knowing the score line would be at the angle I wanted.
Layering the leaves like that creates a space for a greeting inside, and I added a small embossed heart (included in the Thank You Basics stamps) also.
The main merci beaucoup greeting is stamped in black on the top leaf layer, and embossed with clear embossing power for a bit of shine and subtle texture.
Colors:
cardstock: Simon Says Stamp Cream. Concord & 9th Avocado, Artichoke, Juniper, Rainforest.
ink: Concord & 9th Avocado, Artichoke, Juniper.
Thank you for visiting!
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