I recently purchased a brand new Stampin' Pastels set with all the colors from the new Collections! My pastels set was from my original Starter Kit, purchased in 2003, and it included very old, retired favorites such as Mint Melody, Forest Foliage, and Mauve Mist. Trendy.
Finally, I can be color-coordinated again! Ahhh! All those pretty, new, unbroken pastel squares! Wonder how long it will take before the first crack appears. I know it doesn't matter, you receive the same awesome results even if they are in tiny bits, but for this rare moment, I'm savoring their smooth, intactness.
It's been a long while since I've done the Poppin' Pastels technique, and doesn't it look beautiful with the Christmas Collage background stamp?! So soft and pretty!
Poppin' Pastels Technique
This was the very first "wow" technique that I learned at my very first Stampin' Up! workshop back in 2002. (Shout out to Michelle Aschliman for introducing me!) It's so easy, too!
Simply stamp with clear VersaMark ink, then dab and rub pastel color over the sticky image. The color sticks to the VersaMark making it pop in the color of your choice. The color also lightly smudges the "white space" areas, which is awesome for a soft background like this one. I used Soft Suede with Bravo Burgundy and Not Quite Navy.
TIP: The set comes with applicator sticks, which work superbly for detailed areas. Sponge Daubers work great for small images. For broader coverage, I use a cotton ball. Dab the pastels onto the image first; rubbing initially may cause the VersaMark Ink to smear, distorting the image. Once the pattern is fully covered in color, you can lightly rub over the entire design to bring out the image details.
Accents & Embellishments : I used the Bells & Boughs set for the medallion focal point. This set coordinates perfectly, mirroring the "Merry Christmas" sentiment! Stamping the bells with permanent Black StazOn Ink first, I watercolored the image using Blender Pens and Classic Ink. TIP: Use your ink pad as a palette—press down on the ink pad before opening to transfer ink to the lid. Then, pick up the color with your blender.
After coloring, I punched out the bells with the 1-3/4" Circle Punch, and layered it on a Soft Suede 2-3/8" Scallop Circle Punch.
The delicate Chantilly Crochet Trim finishes off the vintage look.
Watercoloring With Pastels
Did you know that you can also watercolor with your pastels? You can! Dip the tip of a blender pen on to the corner or side of a Stampin' Pastel square, then apply to the stamped image. TIP: Always pick up the color from the edge of the square. Moisture will form a "skin" on the pastel, and if the "skin" is over the top of the square, it makes it difficult to pick up color with a dauber or cotton ball. If it gets too crusty, you can always scrape a layer off the top to get back to the soft, blendable pastels.
Distressing Essentials Kit
The edges of the background are inked with some cool colors in the new Distressing Essentials Kit. This handy little set includes everything you need to create an aged, vintage look that's all the rage. There are four Stampin' Spots in new blendable colors, plus a nice assortment of sanding tools and precision files for distressing and smoothing paper and card stock.
Here are the Stampin' Spot colors included in the kit: Charcoal, Tea Stain, Mahogany, and Blue. I used the Tea Stain color on my burgundy card, and the Navy on my blue card.
Wow! That was lots of fun on one little card! Look for this one to be a part of the next Stamp Club event on November 12th!
Angie
Clearance Rack Blitz Update!
There is still a fantastic selection of retired items at unbelievable prices in the Stampin' Up! Clearance Rack! All clearance merchandise is up to 80% off! Designer Paper, card stock, ink, ribbon, embellishments of all kinds...only while supplies last! And, believe me, they are selling fast at these prices! Don't miss out! Place your online order today!
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