2016 #8 Reverie {by Sara Naumann}

 2016 Topic 8: White Space

Hi everyone, Sara Naumann here.

Tonight I'd like to share with you this evening with a post about utilizing white space.

I love white space and clean, spare designs—just as much as I love inky and layered designs. When I make something, I'm always keeping the recipient in mind, and sometimes less is more depending on that person's taste and style. 

For this card, I wanted to use the white space to brighten up the background and provide contrast to the leaf and the very small stamped word "reverie". The idea of white space doesn't have to mean blank or boring...in fact, it doesn't even have to be all white! Here I've added some interest and texture with a very light brayered application of London Night Fresco Finish. This keeps the background from overwhelming the focal point and provides some depth. 

Step One: Use a cosmetic wedge to apply Guacamole Fresco Finish, then Tinned Peas Fresco Finish paints onto the Eclectica ESN20 leaf stamp. Spritz it lightly with water, then stamp onto white cardstock. If you don't get the perfect impression the first time, just spritz, tap with paint and try again. When you're done, be sure to clean the stamp right away.

 Eclectica ESN20

Step Two: Once the paint is dry, either punch or die-cut it into a shape. If you're die-cutting, use some washi tape or stencil tape to hold the metal die in place before running it through the machine.

Step Three: Use the cosmetic wedge to apply London Night Fresco Finish to the edges of the shape. I apply a very thin edge, then let it dry a bit, then go back and blend it out with a clean part of the cosmetic wedge.

Step Four: Use the brayer to lightly apply London Night Fresco Finish to the left side of a piece of white cardstock. Let it dry—it won't take long.

Step Five: Cut two uneven strips of green cardstock and one strip of sheet music. Glue them along the left side of the white cardstock. Use black ink to stamp "reverie". Tip: I like to position the strips and the focal before stamping the word, just to be sure I have the elements placed correctly. Trim off the ends of the strips or fold them to the back of the cardstock.

Step Six: Use foam tape to adhere the stamped focal to the white cardstock.

After that, simply mat the piece on gray cardstock and glue it to the front of a card. Add gray cabochons at each corner and a knotted piece of black and cream ribbon. 

The embellishments will add another hint of contrast and dimension: The cream of the ribbon highlights the cream sheet music paper, while the blue cabochons coordinate with the London Night brayered area. Everything is in crisp contrast to the white space background and help the stamped focal come forward. 

Hope you've enjoyed this project! Some other ways to expand on the general theme—instead of brayering on your background, try a stencil pattern. Or instead of literal white space, opt for the same layout with cream or black. I'd love to see what you do with white space so please feel free to share!

Thanks so much for joining me tonight! For more ideas, please stop by
my blog or
You Tube channel. 

Thanks Sara, I am always so impressed when minimal colours and elements can create such a strong visual piece. The linear elements behind the stamped image really help with the overall clean look. ~Darcy 

We would love to see how you interpret this White Space topic by linking what you make to our 2016 Challenge #8: White Space, on this page HERE.

All of our bloggers love to see your twist on their ideas,  particularly if you were inspired directly by their post. 

All links go in the draw to win a £50 voucher to spend on products of your choice from the PaperArtsy online store. The White Space link will close 17:00 (London Time) Sunday, May 1st 2016. The winner will be announced 2 hours later at 19:00.