Creating Simple Christmas Cards with the Horse & Sleigh Stamp Set & Watercolor Pencils
The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and spreading warmth to our loved ones. One of the most cherished traditions is exchanging heartfelt Christmas cards. Instead of purchasing pre-made cards this year, why not unleash your creativity and make your own? In this blog post, we'll explore a simple and delightful way to create stunning Christmas cards using stamps, ink, paper, the Horse & Sleigh Stamp Set, and adding a touch of color with watercolor pencils. Let's dive into the enchanting world of handcrafted cards!
Materials Needed:
Horse & Sleigh Stamp Set (available at your local craft store or online)
Ink pads in various colors (preferably red, green, and black)
Quality cardstock or blank cards
Watercolor pencils
Paintbrush
Water container
Craft adhesive or double-sided tape
Scissors
Optional: Glitter (the Devil's embellishment), sequins, or other embellishments
Selecting the Perfect Design:
Start by selecting the image from the Horse & Sleigh Stamp Set that resonates with your personal style. The set should include festive images like a horse, sleigh, or winter scenery. This will serve as the centerpiece for your cards.
Preparing the Stamps and Ink:
Gently remove the stamps from their packaging and mount them onto clear acrylic blocks. This allows for precise placement and better control while stamping. Next, choose the ink colors that complement your card design. Classic colors like red, green, and black work well for Christmas-themed cards.
Stamping Your Card:
Position the cardstock (Watercolor Paper) or blank card on a flat surface. Ink the stamp thoroughly and press it firmly onto the cardstock, holding it for a few seconds to ensure the image transfers completely. Experiment with different arrangements, layering the stamps, and mixing colors to create a visually appealing composition. Just remember that if you are using water media to color your images you have to use a water proof ink.
Adding a Touch of Color:
Once the stamped images are dry, it's time to bring them to life with watercolor pencils. Choose colors that harmonize with the theme and color scheme of your card. Lightly color the desired areas of the stamped images using the pencils.
Activating the Watercolor Effect:
Using a paintbrush and water, carefully blend the colors, activating the watercolor effect. Dip the brush in water (remove excess water onto a paper towel) and gently brush over the colored areas, allowing the pigments to dissolve and blend together. Take care not to oversaturate the paper; use just enough water to achieve a vibrant and smooth finish.
Embellishing and Personalizing:
Let your imagination run wild and add extra flair to your cards. Sprinkle a touch of glitter for a festive sparkle, or attach sequins or small embellishments for a three-dimensional effect. Consider adding handwritten messages or sentiments to make each card unique and personal.
Assembling and Sending:
Allow your cards to dry completely before folding or trimming them, if necessary. Once dry, fold the cardstock in half or adhere it to a blank card base. Use craft adhesive or double-sided tape to secure the edges. Voila! Your beautiful handmade Christmas cards are ready to be sent to your loved ones.
Creating your own Christmas cards is not only a delightful way to express your creativity but also a heartfelt gesture that will be cherished by those who receive them. With stamps, ink, paper, the Horse & Sleigh Stamp Set, and a touch of color from watercolor pencils, you can craft personalized cards that capture the spirit of the holiday season. So, gather your supplies, let your imagination soar, and spread joy and love with your handcrafted masterpieces!
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Shop with me during the month using the Host Code A6UAVHWZ. Place a minimum $50 order before shipping and taxes using the host code and I will send you the July Fun Fold Card Kit (which has all the precut pieces, any ribbon, embellishments, and any DSP needed to create the project) as a Thank You Gift. Use this link to pace your order: https://bit.ly/June27thJuly27thHostCode
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Rick Adkins