Sometimes the smallest techniques can add the biggest pop to a card. Today’s project is all about partial stenciling and a bit of layered dimension using the Just a Couple Spring Chickens stamp set from Unity Stamp Company. I’m sharing how this sunny little scene comes together, plus a quick JAM SESH video so you can see it in action.
Just A Minute {JAM} Session Videos are quick videos with simple ideas or techniques to help spark your creativity. Watch it on YouTube.
Featured Unity Supplies
 Just a Couple Spring Chickens stamp USC |
 Postage Stamp {die} USC |
 Scalloped & Stitched Sentiment Dies USC |
 3-in-1 Stencil USC |
 Raindrop Serenade Paper USC |
Compensated affiliate links may be used at no additional cost to you. I greatly appreciate the support if you are inspired to shop using my links. Unity Stamp Company usually has a new sale almost EVERY week. Check the website for details. Stamp sets go on and off sale all the time. If it is not on sale this week, just add the stamp set to your wishlist and wait for the next sale so you get a great deal.
A Bloomin’ Sunny Day
I started by stamping the chicken on white cardstock and die cutting it with a Postage Stamp die, then brought in the rays from the 3-in-1 stencil for that sunny spotlight. The key was aligning the center circle right over her body so the rays feel like they’re radiating from the chicken herself. This is my favorite kind of partial stenciling because it looks intentional and fancy, but it’s really just a well-placed blend.
For the stamped image on the panel, I kept the coloring super minimal and only colored the legs and ground. Then I stamped the chicken again on separate cardstock and colored it with Copic markers. Then fussy cut just the top of the bird, skipping the legs and leaving a tiny white border. The colorful chickie gets popped up and aligned right over the original stamped image, so the body is lifted while the legs stay grounded.
Copic Colors:
- Bird: B01, B02, YG03, Y18
- Cup: V12, V15, E49
- Grass/Flowers: YG03, Y18
The background is two sections of Raindrop Serenade paper, and the whole focal panel is popped up on top before adding the sentiment last for the final touch.
Creative Tips
- Mask for clean partial stenciling: If the stencil design is tricky to avoid inking areas, cover the area you do not want ink with scrap paper or low-tack tape before blending.
- Sunburst spotlight: The rays are centered on the chicken’s body, so the whole card feels like it’s glowing from the middle.
- Use the stamped image as your guide: Stamping once on the panel first makes lining up the popped layer so much easier.
- Leave a tiny white border: That little edge on the fussy cut layer helps hide micro-misalignment and looks crisp on top.
- Pop strategically: Popping up just the top portion of the chicken adds dimension while hiding the stenciling behind it.
A little sunshine, a goofy chicken, and a simple technique that adds just the right bit of dimension. I hope this inspires you to pull out your stencils, try a little partial blending, and add a popped up layer to one of your stamped images. It is such a fun way to bring a card to life.
Which part would you try first, the partial stenciling or popped-up stamped image?
Thank you for joining me today. I sincerely hope that today’s project inspires you. If you create something, feel free to tag me, @dahlhousedesigns, on social media as I would be thrilled to see it! Plus, join us in the Unity Show & Tell Facebook group to share your Unity creations. It is such a fun and loving group of creators.
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Supplies
Some links include affiliate links. I may receive a small commission for the referral but at no cost to you. I greatly appreciate the support should you choose to shop via my links.
Please Note: Product names with ** are suggested supply substitutions if I use something discontinued or hard to find.
Just a Couple Spring Chickens stamp USC |
Postage Stamp {die} USC |
Scalloped & Stitched Sentiment Dies USC |
3-in-1 Stencil USC |
 Hammermill Cardstock AMZ |
Raindrop Serenade Paper USC |
 Obsidian Amalgam Ink OTH |
 Wild Dandelion SBC | OTH |
Most Used Tools
 1.5″ block SB | OTH |
 Big Shot SB |
 Black Stamping Tool SB |
 Blending Brushes AMZ |
Blending Brushes Large AMZ |
 Blending Brushes Medium AMZ |
 Blending Brushes Mini AMZ |
 Blending Brushes Small AMZ |
 Connect Glue SB |
 Cutter Bee Scissors SB | SSS |
 Die Cut Envelope AMZ |
 Foam Roll – 2 Inch SB |
 Foam Roll Combo Pack SB |
 Grip Mat 4.75×6 AMZ |
 Grip Mat 6.5×8.5 AMZ |
 Grip Mat 6×6 AMZ |
 Media Mat Mini SB | SSS |
 Mini Blending Brushes AMZ |
 Mini Stencil Mat** SB |
 Mini Trimmer SB |
 MISTI – Mini SB | SSS |
 MISTI – Original SB | SSS |
 MISTI – Original – Black SB |
 MISTI Corners SB | AMZ |
 Nuvo Deluxe Adhesive SB |
 Post It Note Tape AMZ |
 Reverse Tweezers SB |
 Sticky Mat SB |
 Triangle Trays AMZ |
 White Gel Pens SB | AMZ |
 White Glass Mat SB | OTH | AMZ |
 Adhesive Roll SBC |
