1 Stamp Set 2 Ways for Clean and Simple Textured Cards

Hi everyone! It's Jenny here, and today I have two cards that have three things in common!

1. They're both clean and simple.
2. They feature embossing to create texture.
3. They use the Retro Plantines stamp set!

Retro Plantines is one of my favorite Altenew stamp sets. It has great solid images that are fun to do techniques with, and then some cool modern outline stamps as well – they coordinate well, and they feature leaves – always a great staple image.

I wanted to show you how I create texture on my cards while still keeping them clean and simple. A modern-looking stamp set like this is a great way to do it – clean bold lines, and solid and open space in equal measure.

Clean and Simple Monochromatic – Tone-on-Tone Heat Embossing

For my first card, I used the pair of outline leaves in the stamp set and stamped them repeatedly over a panel of A2 Jet Black cardstock in embossing ink. I then heat embossed these with Translucent Pearl Crisp Embossing Powder.

TIP! Clear or iridescent clear embossing powder on black cardstock creates an amazing tone-on-tone sheen, and that little bit of added sparkle is just gorgeous.

Layer Images with Foam Tape

I created a window in the heat-embossed panel using one of the coordinating dies in the set, and then overlaid the panel over a white notecard, lining it up in my MISTI. I aligned the stamp from the set into the window cut with the die and then stamped it in Obsidian Pigment Ink. I then adhered the embossed panel over the top with Instant Dimension Foam Tape.

To finish, I added the sentiment in Obsidian, stamped on a strip of white cardstock, in keeping with the modern look.

For my second card, I used the solid leaf images from the stamp set. I love solid stamps for one of my favorite techniques – faux watercolor. I used Watercolor Paper for my base panel to start, and placed it in my MISTI.

Keep it Soft – Faux Watercolor

I first inked up my stamp with the lighter of two coordinating colors – I used Dew Drops Crisp Dye Ink. I gave it a spritz with the Fine Mister, then stamped it down onto the watercolor paper.

After lifting up, I wiped the stamp, then added my second, darker color. I used Emerald Crisp Dye Ink, this time only adding it onto the stamp approx 1/3 of the way up from the base. I spritzed again, then restamped. The darker ink will ‘bleed' up the rest of the image, and blend together like watercolor!

Add Interest with Coordinating Splatters

I repeated this several times, then switched to a smaller leaf stamp. This time I used Misty Morning and Nimbus Crisp Dye Inks. I also added a few coordinating splatters by smooshing an ink pad onto my craft mat and then spritzing it with water.

I stamped the sentiment from the set in Obsidian Pigment Ink. Then, to add texture, I decided to run the panel through with a 3D Embossing Folder.

Clean and Simple Texture – Selective Dry Embossing

I used the Organic Stones 3D Embossing Folder for my panel; I thought the watercolor leaves had an organic look and would pair well. I ran it through only halfway vertically, then pulled it out of my die-cutting machine and ran it down about halfway again – only this time, horizontally. I then took it out, flipped the folder around, and ran it again.

I managed to ensure that most of the panel was dry embossed but not the sentiment. I have dry embossed sentiments in the past but they make them a little harder to read.

I finished by mounting the card panel onto a white notecard.

You can check out the full card making process in my video here:

I love the soft feel of that second card, so peaceful – the leaves look almost like feathers.

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you got inspired by these clean and simple techniques!

~Supplies Used~