April Hop - Stamp Set Showdown

Welcome to A Year of Card Techniques Blog Hop where each month we’ll feature a different card technique. We’ve assembled a team of fabulous card makers who range from new to advanced, so you’ll see a wide variety of cards and ideas.

The month of April features a Showdown! A stamp set showdown, that is. We’re using one stamp set in various ways. Let’s face it, stamp sets are getting more and more expensive; so we’re here to inspire you by demonstrating how to s-t-r-e-t-c-h those stamps!

If you would like to check out our past technique hops, you can do that here:

• January - Shaving cream marbleizing
• February - So Sketchyl
• March-no hop

We have an amazing sponsor this month, Wilma Payne of Fun Stamper's Journey:

Please take a moment to check out the great products Fun Stampers Journey has to offer. To visit Wilma's blog, click here and her Facebook Group here.

And the awesome prize this month is:

We really appreciate feedback, so please leave a comment on each of the blogs in the hop today. One winner will be chosen from all comments on the hop as of April 28, 2017. The winner will be announced in our May hop; so be sure to come back next month.

You should have arrived here from INSERT LINK TO PREVIOUS BLOG. If you're visiting here first, you might want to start at the beginning so you don't miss a thing and increase your chances of winning by leaving a comment on each blog.

Card a Day Challenge has a wonderful design team and we are showcasing three of them today. 

We start with Gracie who used the same stamp set to do cards for both a girl and boy.

Gracie's stamp set

The stamp set I used for this hop came from Raisin Boat stamps.  I used the set to make cards for both baby boys and baby boys.  I stamped the images with Memento Luxe black ink and embossed with clear embossing powder.  The images were colored with Spectrum Noir markers.  I used twine for the clothes lines and attached them with enamel dots to the card fronts.  Thanks to Sweet Petunia for making MISTI!!! ~ Gracie

Denise shows cards that can be used for Mother's Day or even given to your own children to let them know you love them.

Embossed on Velum

Spectrum Noir Markers

Watercolor with Distress Ink

Denise's stamp set

I chose a new set I purchased from Unity Stamp Company and designed by Gina K called Another Name for Love. It is made up of this lovely Peony and several sentiments.  I did the flower three different ways - embossed, alcohol markers and watercolor, which gives different looks.  I also used three different sentiments and ways of using them.  The top is velum mounted over a paper from a K & Company stack called Classic K.  The middle was colored with Spectrum Noir markers and backed with paper from an Authentique 6 x 6 pad called Latest & Greatest.  The final is watercolor using Distress Inks on watercolor paper.  I used an edge die and put a DCWV paper from their Le Tres Chic stack along the edge. - Denise

Sue shows how many different looks you can get from her chosen stamp set.

Sue's set

For the first card, I used Hero Arts Shadow Inks – Charcoal with the eight leaf branch and the swirl stamps. The monochromatic look makes this a good choice for a sympathy card. The sentiment is from Your Next Stamp’s Whatnot Sentiments Seven.

For the second card, I used a watercolor technique to create this card. I started with 140 lb watercolor paper and my MISTI. I used the same stamps as I did for the first card. For each impression, I stamped once with one color, spritzed with water then applied the stamp to the card. Without moving the stamp, I inked with another color, spritzed with water and then applied the stamp. This created a really fun effect. For the sentiment, I die cut using MFT Die-namics Happy Hellos. To complete the card, I added some Wink of Stella on the sentiment die cut to add a bit of sparkle.

For the third card, again using the same two stamps, I stamped with two colors, Hero Arts Shadow Inks Passion Flower and Lime Green. By choosing these two colors, it gives the card a fun, fresh Spring-like look. The sentiment is also from Your Next Stamp’s Whatnot Sentiments Seven. I finished the card with a few sequins to give it a bit of sparkle. - Sue

Now you’re off to visit with Rhonda. Hope you had fun and thanks for stopping by. See you next month with another technique!

Denise and the Card A Day Challenge team.

Here’s the full line-up in case you get lost:

• Sharon
• Claudia
• Kim
• Wilma
• Jearise
• Amanda
• Lisa
• Jodie
• Card A Day Challenge Team
• Ronda
• Sandy
• Candy