One of the stamps I bought with my birthday money was Sweet Floral, a rather beautiful hyacinth type flower. Well, I say bought, actually it was FREE as I got it with my hostess pounds. As I am incapable of reading the catalogue correctly, I hadn't realised just how big this stamp actually is and was literally gobsmacked when it arrived (it doesn't happen often so savour the moment!). See for yourself:
My first thought was to grab the marker pens and start colouring in the stamp but then I discovered a technique called 'popping pastels'. Apparently it's been around for donkeys, but I'd never heard of it before. Basically, I inked up my stamp with Versamark and stamped onto Whisper White card stock. I then used cotton wool balls to dab on chalk pastels, trying to keep to the stamped image so as not to smear chalk all over the card. I built up layers of colour, starting with the palest colour first, adding deeper shades where I wanted them. Easy peasy... so I made two:
Stamp: Sweet Floral
Ink: VersaMark
Card: Whisper White, Naturals Ivory, Pink Pirouette, Bashful Blue
Other: 'Victoria' Crochet Trim (I bought this because it is named after me!!), pastels (Stampin' Up! do a fabulous range of pastels to coordinate with all the colours in their colour families)
I'd like to enter these into the 2 Sisters 'flowers' challenge and the Card Crafter's Circle 'Pastels or Gentle Colours' challenge. Do you think I'll get brownie points for actually using pastels as well as pastel colours?! Not if Anne-Marie has anything to do with it, I bet!!!
Thanks for visiting again,
These are so lovely Victoria. I love the shading you've achieved (& love that trim too!) xx
ReplyDeleteAbsolutly fabulous ! What a work ! Everything in simplicity. I like both versions. Bravo ! It's very successful !
ReplyDeleteHugs from France.
Catherine.
Wow you've rocked those chalks girl!!! your cards are beautiful hun and love the soft colours you have used. I have never heard of popping pastels and it is so effective. Will have to add it to the list of things crafty I need to try so thanks for the tips Victoria. Big hugs Clare xxx
ReplyDeleteWOW! Victoria this is stunning! So fabulous, looks more like a piece of art than a stamped image - love it! The funny thing is that cos I've been shopping my stash I found my pastels the other week and wondered if I could do this with them - I've done it with chalks before but the colours are never as beautifully vibrant as this. Guess what I'm going to make for my next UIU post? I shall CAS you my dear, just use my own stamps, although I would love this stamp too hugs Karen x
ReplyDeleteWow! I'm doubly glad I stopped by today. Not only did I learn a new technique, but got to see 2 gorgeous cards! These are just beautiful! I'd never heard of this before, but am sure going to try it now that I see how gorgeous it is.
ReplyDeleteOooo!!! This is absolutely GORGEOUS, Victoria! LOVE the colors you've used to chalk in the image!!! Thanks for you sweet comments--in response to your question, I actually created the patterned background on my video game card by stamping the little alien in different colors. :)
ReplyDeleteWow, wow, wow! These are spectacular Victoria! The shading is superb and that gorgeous stamp makes a real impact. Vicky x
ReplyDeleteLove how you have used your chalks. Both are very pretty. x
ReplyDeleteLove this effect too Victoria...more satisfying than embossing!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful card, so dreamy :0)
Jenny x
WOW, Victoria! Gorgeous coloring on these. Love that simple lace trim. I've never heard of this technique either and, since I also have some chalk pastels sitting unused in a drawer, I may try this. What great inspiration! Thanks ever so much.
ReplyDeleteI love the soft look of the Poppin' Pastels technique and this stamp is perfect for it! Both are beautiful, Victoria. I'm glad you had so much fun that you made two.
ReplyDeleteThese cards are stunning! Yet another technique that I've forgotten all about. Your cards put doing it again high up on my to-do list. Thank you so much!
ReplyDeleteOh my, I've come over all unnecessary.....haaaaa! Stunning results, Victoria, and absolutely perfect for our challenge at Card Crafter's Circle.....and yep, you get extra brownie points!
ReplyDeleteOoh they're lovely! What a gorgeous effect and fab stamp :o) Lisa x
ReplyDeleteLove the pretty colors you used, so soft and beautiful! Thanks for joining us at Card Crafter's Circle!!
ReplyDeleteEasy for you to say. I would have the chalk all over the card and me and the floor and probably my cats! Your card is beautiful and the technique sounds really neat. This looks like a water color and is so pretty!
ReplyDeleteSandy
Wauuuuuw, wath a beauty,s, so lovely.
ReplyDeleteBye Bennarda (Ballie)
http://balliescreationballie.blogspot.com
These are gorgeous Victoria, I keep meaning to have a play with chalks but never get around to it, you might just have inspired me enough to have a go.
ReplyDeletePauline
x
Oh my, what lovely pastel images. This is a super technique, and your images are just perfect for it. Lovely cards. Thank you for joining us ths week at Card Crafter's Circle.
ReplyDeleteHi Victoria,
ReplyDeletewhat beautiful cards and fabulous stamping well done gorgeous colours.
I am just catching up viewing as I have been poorly, feeling much better now and will be posting soon.
You have been making some fabulous cards since I have been away
well done Hugs Elaine