Hello! Today’s post is inspired by a challenge for simple stamping using retiring In Colours.
What’s simple stamping?
Simple stamping is keeping to the basics and just using card and ink to create. So no using extras like ribbon, embellishments, die cutting etc. All those things are fun and exciting but you don’t need them to start stamping and make beautiful cards. All you need is card, ink and of course some stamps. Those taking in part in showing their simple stamping are using the hashtag #simplestamping. So check that out on Instagram for other examples.
What are In Colours?
In Colours are a set of 5 new colours introduced as an “In Colour” collection by Stampin’ Up! each annual catalogue. There are 2 sets current at a given time, so these In Colours stick around for 2 years at a time. The main colour I’ve used for these cards is Tranquil Tide and I’ve also used Fresh Fig. Both of these are from the 2017-18 In Colour collection and so won’t be available in the new catalogue (4th June). They’re both favourites of mine so they’ll be sticking around for me 🙂
Stepping up
By stepping up, I mean taking a simple card design and doing it again adding more elements and techniques. I’ve aimed my examples at 3 different types of crafters.
The beginner crafter – just that, beginners. Simple stamping is perfect for those starting off and just figuring things out. Also if you’re just starting out your supplies will likely be limited.
This card is made using minimal supplies. On Whisper White card, using the 3 inks shown in the product list below, I used the Eastern Beauty stamp set to create my design. I then backed this onto a slightly larger piece of Tranquil Tide card and attached to my card base. Done!
You need a trimmer to cut the card and some glue to stick your layers down. Supplies I used are shown below:
Beginner Product List  | ||
 |  |  Crushed Curry Classic Stampin’ Pad [131173] £6.00 |
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The casual crafter – you’ve been crafting a while, you’ve built up your supplies a bit – but you’re not obsessed (yet 😉 ).
This card is made using a few more supplies:
- Scissors for fussy cutting out the flower shape.
- Circle dies for cutting out the circle (note: you need a die cutting machine in order to use dies).
- Ribbon, I taped this to the Tranquil Tide cardstock and round the back before layering onto the card base.
- Pearl embellishments. Well just one, in the middle of the flower.
All added to the product list below:
Casual Product List| | ||
| | | Crushed Curry Classic Stampin’ Pad [131173] £6.00 |
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The avid crafter – me, already. Obsession has kicked in. You want all the matchy matchy things. You’ve played around with different techniques and are willing to be more adventurous.
So although this card looks quite different to last, there isn’t a huge amount more going on and only 1 additional supply.
- No extra supplies needed for the extra pattern layer! Using another stamp out of the same Eastern Beauty set I took some more Whisper White card stock, cut it down to a smidge smaller than my Tranquil Tide card layer and then stamped the hell out of it (with Tranquil Tide ink). Nothing clever, just fill the paper.
- Some more ribbon! Again in tranquil tide.
- More pearls – this time around the sentiment “Let’s be friends forever”.
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| | | Crushed Curry Classic Stampin’ Pad [131173] £6.00 |
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So again, start off simple and add new techniques as you learn them. Everyone starts somewhere and I’m still early on in my own crafting journey. For more inspiration on simple cards for beginners, search the hashtag #simplestamping on social media.
For more information on any of the products used in this post just get in touch or visit the online shop here. Note that the products featured in this particular post are while stock last as they will be retiring and not available in the June 19-20 catalogue.
Thanks for reading,
Sam
Curious Moose Crafts 