The Queen's Inkling: Ladies in Waiting by Judi Kauffman for The Queen’s Ink

My new Lynne Perrella Collection stamp sets have taken up residence on my work table, that’s why I’ve started referring to them as Ladies in Waiting!

This week’s project began with three sheets of speckled white cardstock. I cut one piece into 10 Artist Trading Cards, one into quarters for postcards, and the last into five 8.5” strips of varying widths for bookmarks.

My 2-step goal:

Combine my newest stamps with some of my favorite ‘oldies’!
Use some of the completed ATCs or postcards to create some cards.

Your challenge: Do likewise. Choose your favorite set, or pick up more than one so you can mix and match among them. And add in stamps that you already have on hand.

If you’re just starting to stamp, this project provides a good excuse to pick up some sentiments and small motifs – there are so many wonderful options at The Queen’s Ink. (And even if you own a lot of stamps, it can’t hurt to add others, right?)

ATCs (above)

1. Cut an 8.5” x 11” piece of heavy cardstock as follows:

Two 2.5” x 11” strips, leaving a 3.5” x 11” strip).

Cut the 2.5” strips into three pieces, each 3.5” long.

Cut the 3.5” strip into four pieces, each 2.5” high.

2. Stamp each rectangle as shown or as you prefer.

Combine one large image from the Lynne Perrella set with a mix of small stamps.

3. Color with markers, pencils, pens, and paints of choice. Ink the edges.

4. Optional: Do MORE – add collage elements, low-relief dimensional embellishments.

POSTCARDS (above) AND BOOKMARKS (keep scrolling)

1. Start with a quarter sheet of cardstock for each postcard or a narrow strip for each bookmark.

2. Stamp as shown or as you prefer. Do a bit of masking here and there for the illusion of depth.

3. Color with markers, pencils, pens, and paints of choice. Ink the edges.

4. Optional: Do MORE to the cards – add collage elements, low-relief dimensional embellishments. Laminate the bookmarks for added durability.

OPTION: MAKE CARDS

Take ATCs and postcards to the next level by adding them to card fronts. Each of the cards below includes an ATC, plus solid color cardstock as the card base and assorted embellishments. Glittery mesh, wire-edge ribbon, handmade paper, glitter heart stickers, a piece of gold foil from the neck of a bottle of sparkling cider all put in an appearance! The cards are standard A2 (4.25” x 5.5”) with a side fold.

Here are two close-ups to show the glittered mesh across the eyes on one card (very ‘Lady Gaga’, don’t you think?) and the cider bottle foil and handmade paper on another.