summer floral frame...

Hello my fabulous friends!

I'm taking another look at some of the new LDRS Creative stamps that were released at the beginning of this month....  I'm going to walk you through the creation of this floral frame, but be sure to check out the LDRS Creative blog post for today where I talk more about this project! 



Paper: Neenah Classic Crest Solar White; DCWV Holiday Glitz
Stamps: LDRS Creative Heatwave, A New Beginning, Lemonade
Ink: LDRS Creative Raven, Bali Blue; Gellyroll Clearstar
Coloring: Copics
Pink- RV21, RV42, RV25, RV29
Yellow- Y11, Y15, Y19, YR24, V22
Green-YG01, YG05, G05, G28
Blue- B00, B000, B000
Dies: LDRS Creative Happy Days
Other: LDRS Creative Stamping Mask Paper; rhinestones


The hibiscus in the Heatwave stamp set reminded me of a Hawaiian lei, and I wanted to turn that into a custom frame for my sentiment... It's really not hard to do, and today I wanted to walk you through some of the behind the scenes parts of designing so you can give it a try too!


Step 1: Figure out your shape... I knew I wanted a frame around a circle, so I started out by tracing the circle die from Happy Days onto a scratch piece of paper cut to the same size as I wanted my final card. 

There are 2 reasons for working on a scrap that is cut to the same size as my final card...

1) it helps me visually see how everything is going to fit in the final space. 
2) It allows for SUPER easy stamp placement later. 




Step 2: Start stamping... Don't worry about things overlapping... right now you are JUST looking for composition... figuring out where you want each flower, what angle it should be at...

Sometimes I get it right the first try... More often then not, I end up with several versions on scrap papers scattered around my desk before I lock in exactly what I want.  

I know that reading blogs, scrolling through Instagram, and watching YouTube videos, it seems like all artists just sit down and create a perfectly composed project out of the blue... and maybe some of them do... 

I don't. 

I do a lot of tests and trials... both for composition, and for color choices.. 

This is like sketching, or thumbnails to a traditional artist... isn't about looking pretty, it's about nailing the basic composition and colors before investing lots of time into a finial project.  

I've also found that while doing this, I stumble across new ideas to try... 


Step 3: Get ready with masks... Once you have your composition down, you'll need to make your masks.. Stamp your image onto the Mask Paper, and cut out. You can then remove the backing paper and you are good to go! 


Step 4: Start stamping your actual project.. If you have a MISTI or Stamp Platform (or anything similar), this can be EASILY done by putting your final sketch in your Stamp Platform and line up your stamp over your first flower (the one you want on top). Close the lid to pick up the stamp, then remove your sketch and put in the cardstock you are using for your card. 

Because our sketch is the same size as our final card, you know the stamp will hit exactly where you planned it to. 

Once you have stamped your first flower, cover it with a mask. 

Put your sketch back in and line up the next stamp...


Step 5: keep building... Continue using your sketch to line up the stamps, stamping, and masking until you have your whole frame stamped.


Step 6: Adding back in the circle.. Now you have your flowers stamped, you can place your circle die over them, and trace your frame... be sure to stop where the flowers start so you aren't drawing over your flowers!


Step 7: Color and decorate! 


So, there you go... some behind the scenes tips on designing your own custom scenes and floral arrangements...

I hope this helps!

See you soon!

~Kassi


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