Hi everyone, Nikki here with you today sharing a journal page (or maybe wall art) using the new mini stamps from the Eclectica³ PaperArtsy stamp collection (EPA). These mini stamps are designed to be ideal under-layers complimenting other designer lines, but I decided to make them the focal point too.
There are eight new mini stamps - Eclectica PaperArtsy EM153 - EM160. (Available from PaperArtsy Stockists). I used seven of them today.
I needed two contrasting colourways for my project so selected Fresco Chalk Acrylics in Cerise (FF136), Sunshine (FF223), Persimmon (FF209) and Electric Violet (FF201) for my warmer colours and Aquamarine (FF153) and Sargasso (FF135) for the cooler ones. It's rare I don't include some black and white in my projects, my go to colours being Little Black Dress (FF19) and Chalk (FF83).
To build up my background I also used one stencil - PaperArtsy stencil PS329 - by JOFY.
To begin I took three of the red / warm colours and loosely added to my page. No need for precision or blending here - lots more layers to go!
Next I used the stencil to add some Chalk acrylic randomly over my page followed by some stamping of the bubble wrap stamp (EM156) with Electric Violet paint.
More stamping - this time with Ranger Archival inks. I used Plum, Watering Can, Orange Blossom and Jet Black. When adding to a background like this I do not use a block but just hold the stamp into the ink and transfer to the page. I am happy if I only get half the image!
I created two of these backgrounds - and as with any process like this they are slightly different. I used black ink on one for the branches but the more subtle Orange Blossom ink on the other. On one I added some additional stencilling using Sunshine.
For my blue/green background I used my gel plate. This technique gives you the mirror image of the stamp you are using. First I add some paint to my gel plate.
Next I begin stamping off the gel plate - i.e. using the paint on the gel plate to stamp onto another piece of paper. You need to work relatively quickly (to prevent paint drying on the plate).
Once complete I use what is left on the gel plate to create the print. You can see below the gel print alongside where I have 'stamped off' the gel plate onto card.
The blue flecks of paints on the black print were leftovers from the previous print - cool effect!
To build my focus I stamped and punched or fussy cut different images. I mainly used the half circle from EM153 and the full circle from EM157. I stamped on both the warm (reds) and cooler (blue/greens) backgrounds and also used the gel print black circles.
I cut other parts of the background to form the layers. As I was using square backgrounds but circles as the focus I made sure I softened the edges with a corner punch.
Each layer was mounted onto black card (or card painted black).
I created a little cluster of stamped elements and added one of the word stamps.
I love how the stamped semi circles look over the busy multicoloured background.
I hope you like my journal page. I look forward to seeing what you do with this fabulous collection of Mini's.
Happy crafting, Nikki.
