Unity Stamp Company Blog Hop

It’s time for the Unity Design Team Inspiration Blog Hop. There are lots of lovely new releases and so many beautiful creations to see. If you haven’t been hopping along, all the action starts on the Unity blog. I’m featuring the brand new sentiment kit for April today.

Featured Stamp Kit

Lots of pretty sentiments in this kit to match that gorgeous swan. I thought, what bird do we need in a sentiment kit? Why a swan of course!!! So elegant and graceful. Swans are perfect for any occasion.

Project #1

The Details

This image is just perfect for watercolor. My brand new Arteza Real Brush pens just came in, so I just had to try them out right away.

I’m still working out the kinks. These do take some practice. I’m using some cold press watercolor paper and I’m noticing the pens may not be saturated or pigmented enough to really move like watercolor or Zig Clean Color Real Brush pens. But for the price, they are pretty nice (keep an eye on Amazon’s lightning deals. You can usually grab the 48 count for way under $30).

I’m just still working out how to use these.
I used two different methods. First, I scribbled ink on an acrylic block and then applied to the image with a water brush. This allowed the ink to move freely and created a nice even layer of color. It was great for the purple background of the image. Next, I tried directly brushing the ink onto the image and using a water brush to spread out the color. That worked well on the flowers. The trouble occurred if I tried to layer ink directly over a previous area, it would not spread out with water afterward. So layering shading did not work so well, but if you wanted to add strokes or texture (such as the flower) it did work amazingly.

So that said, I’m still working out my technique and will share a video if I have any solid tips to share. After I finished coloring my image, I die cut it out with a circle. Popped that up over some watercolor patterned paper die cut with a scalloped edge. I placed that all over the black cardstock background that I clear embossed with the ever so amazing Worn Grid background. That might be one of my most used backgrounds… I love it for the texture and simple pattern. Last, I stamped and embossed my sentiment in white on black cardstock.

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Project #2

The Details

What I love about this stamp is its versatility. Not only does it have a nice grungy image that includes the flowers and scripty background, but you can easily fussy cut those swans out so they shine on their own.

For this card, I used the mirror image tool to create two swans facing each other. I have a video HERE to show how I like to use my MISTI and the mirror image tool.

Once I stamped and fussy cut out my images, I used Distress markers to color the swan. I only used one color – Pumice stone. Super easy to do and I even used regular white cardstock since I didn’t use a lot of water.

I had a scrap piece of paper from some cards where I created a watercolor background. If you want to see that video click HERE. I used a heart die to add a bit of color to the card.

I popped up the swans and heart on a die cut piece of white cardstock that I stamped the sentiment on. Then matted that with a lovely seafoam green and ivory cardstock. I debated on the string and bow but decided to just go for it and add that too. Adds just another level of interest and texture to the card.

Now I’m all set for a special occasion – maybe a wedding, anniversary or even a birthday card. This card could cover it all.

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Hop List & Prize

Don’t forget to leave a comment on each blog as you hop with us today.
Everyone hopping today is listed below, just click on the next girl in line to continue on your way.

Amanda
Angeline
Camille
Crystal
Donna
Echo
Gaylynn
Joslyn
Karen
Kary
Kris
>> Lisa << you are here
Mandi
Maria
Sharon
Shemaine
Stephanie
Unity Stamp Co

Supplies

Thinking of You Swan

Pair of Swans

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