A Delightful Summer Hello Card: Mashing Up Playing in the Rain and Happy Hedgehog Stamp Sets!
As summer approaches, it's time to embrace the warmth, vibrant colors, and the joy of creating beautiful handmade cards. If you're an avid card maker and love exploring new techniques, then you're in for a treat today! In this blog post, we'll guide you through the process of mashing up the delightful Playing in the Rain and Happy Hedgehog Stamp Sets from Stampin' Up! to create a fun and cheerful Summer Hello Card. We'll be incorporating the magical effects of watercolor pencils and a touch of ink blending to bring this card to life. Let's dive in!

Gathering Inspiration and Choosing the Design:
Before starting any project, it's always helpful to gather some inspiration. Look for summer-themed images, colors, and patterns that resonate with you. This will guide you in selecting the perfect stamps and colors for your card. Once you have an idea in mind, choose a design layout that allows you to incorporate both stamp sets seamlessly.

Stamping and Coloring the Images:
Using the Playing in the Rain Stamp Set, stamp one of the cute little critters onto the watercolor paper. Don't forget to stamp some adorable bird and mushroom from the Happy Hedgehog Stamp Set as well. Ensure that the images are stamped with waterproof ink, as we'll be using watercolor pencils and blending techniques later on.
Next, pick your favorite watercolor pencils and start adding color to the stamped images. You can blend multiple colors together or keep them vibrant and bold. Experiment with shading and layering to create depth and dimension. Remember, there's no right or wrong way to color! Once you're satisfied with the coloring, use a water brush or paintbrush to blend the colors, creating a beautiful watercolor effect.

Ink Blending for Background:
To create a vibrant and summery background for your card, grab your blending brushes or foam daubers and a selection of ink pads in complementary shades. Start with the lightest color and gently blend it onto the card base using a circular motion. Gradually layer additional colors, moving from light to dark, to create an ombre effect or a sunset sky. Experiment with different color combinations until you achieve the desired look.
Assembling the Card:
Once your background is dry, it's time to assemble the card. Trim down the ink blended cardstock leaving a small border if desired. Die cut the watercolor paper with the stamped and colored images with the coordinating dies or fussy cut them out with your Paper Snips. Mount the background panel onto a coordinating cardstock mat for stability. Attach the focal pieces onto the ink-blended background using adhesive.

To complete the card, add a sentiment of your choice. You can either use a pre-made sentiment stamp or get creative with alphabet stamps to spell out a cheerful greeting. Stamp the sentiment onto a strip of cardstock and adhere it to the card using foam tape for dimension.
Finishing Touches:
To add extra charm and interest, consider embellishing your card with sequins, rhinestones, or even a touch of glitter. These small details can make a significant difference, enhancing the overall appeal of your creation.

Creating handmade cards allows us to infuse our own personality and creativity into every piece. By mashing up the Playing in the Rain and Happy Hedgehog Stamp Sets from Stampin' Up!, we've brought together the whimsy and the cuteness of both sets to craft a fun Summer Hello Card. The addition of watercolor pencils and ink blending techniques brings the card to life with vibrant colors and depth. With a little imagination and the right supplies, you can explore endless possibilities and create your own unique summer-themed cards. So, go ahead, get inspired, and let your creativity shine through your card making endeavors!
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Rick Adkins