Royal Stamping - By Judi Kauffman for The Queen’s Ink

Thank you so much for inviting me to be part of The Queen’s Ink blog!

For this, my first post, I thought it only fitting that I feature stamps that Patti Euler designed. I chose NB-034I, NB-031H, and SC-015D -- one stamp with text running up the side and across the face (Royal Beauty), one with no text (just the lovely face), and one that is text-only (a Shakespeare quote).

The key to the quick and easy card and tags is a limited palette: Predominantly espresso, teal, red, and shades of pink.

If you are an experienced stamper:

Scroll through the photos and head for your stamps, inks, and colored pencils to create your own version of the card or tags. I stamped an allover pattern on cardstock for the background, but designer papers are another option.

Beginners or anyone who wants to duplicate the projects precisely as shown:

I hope you’ll find the instructions thorough and easy to follow. I have included little detours I call ‘Design Strategies’ to explain the WHY of the projects along with the HOW.

If you have questions leave them in the comments section of the blog and we’ll answer as soon as we can. (I’m somewhat old-school and am not at the computer every day.)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Using Espresso or any dark color ink (Eggplant, Sepia, Navy) stamp images onto uncoated white cardstock. Leave an inch or two between the images for easy cutting and tearing. *Design Strategy: I rarely stamp in black or use black embossing powder. Other colors feel richer, more lively, unexpected, and more interesting to the eye.
2. Cut out the stamped rectangles, with or without the attached words that are part of the stamp. Tear around the edges of the words to create separate elements, as shown, or if you prefer smooth edges use a craft knife and straight edge for all cutting.
3.  Color with pencils and markers as shown or as you prefer. *Design Strategies: No need to be realistic! I used a bright teal marker to intentionally color outside the pupil on the eyes for one of the tags (it makes the Queen look so pretty, don’t you think?). I added a row of Glitter Flowers peel-offs on the eyebrows for the other tag, some Glitter Dots peel-offs to her headdress, and used a trio of colored pencils on the eyelids on the card. Instead of drawing spiral curls in a dark color, I used peach so they are a subtle element instead of a bold addition. Note that the torn edges around the quote and the words on one of the tags are colored with the same trio of colored pencils (teal on two sides, peach on the third side, raspberry on the fourth).
   
   
4. Layer the elements onto tags made from stamped or purchased patterned cardstock or onto a side-fold 6” square solid color card base. *Design Strategy: To further unify the colors and incorporate another handmade touch, distress the edges of some of the layers and the edges of the tags with dark teal (shown: Stream). Use a sponge dauber to add the ink or simply pull the edges of the cardstock across the inkpad. Beginners, practice with scrap cardstock till you get the hang of it.
5.  Embellish and accent the card and tags. I used Glitter Flowers and Glitter Dots (peel-offs), scallop punched circles (cheeks and base of crown), feathers (crown), and washi tape. *Design Strategy: Transparent Glitter Flowers and Glitter Dots allow the colors below to show through! (I love ‘em!) Trace the cheek line at the left side of the stamped face onto lightweight paper and use it as a template for cutting the scallop punched circles. This ensures that the curve will match the stamped image when glued in place.
   
   
6.  Reinforce the holes on the tags with a contrasting circle. Add fibers. *Design Strategy: I used a reinforcement die from a ‘Tags & More’ die set, but you can punch a 5/8” circle with a 1 /4” circle in the center if you don’t have the die. I saved the small center circles and used them as an accent at the bottom right corner on the card! (Did you notice them?
   
   

SUPPLIES

• Stamps: NB034I, NB031H, SC015D available exclusively from The Queen’s Ink
• Inks in Espresso and Stream (Ranger) or other color(s) of choice
• Colored pencils in teal, peach and raspberry (Prismacolor) or colors of choice
• Dark teal marker (Winsor & Newton ProMarker)
• Uncoated white cardstock
• Uncoated pale aqua cardstock (6"x12", folded to 6"x6")
• Scalloped circle punch or die
• Washi tape
• Paper glue or double-sided adhesive tape
• Foam dots
• Transparent/Silver Glitter Dots and Glitter Flowers peel-offs (Elizabeth Craft Designs)
• Other embellishments - feathers, fibers
• Scissors