Saturday Sketch Challenge #189

Hello everyone and Happy Saturday morning to you! You know what Saturday means at Stamping 411! Another Sketch Challenge!


We're so glad you stopped by today and hope that you are so inspired by our sketch and our Stamping 411 Operator projects that you want to use this sketch yourself for a little stamping therapy this weekend!

As you can see, today's sketch is one of those wonderful sketches that you can do almost anything with. You can use it at face value for a quick and easy card or if you're in the mood to embellish and step-it-up, you've got a wide-open canvas to be creative with!

Here's one possible set of measurements for today's sketch. Of course, as always, you are encouraged to use this as a starting point and work your own magic from here!

1. Layer One -- Cardbase cut of 5.5 x 8.5" cardstock, scored and folded to form the card base.
2. Layer Two -- 4 x 5.25"
3. Layer Three -- 2.75 x 3.5"
4. Layer Four -- 2.5 x 3.25"

Okay, that's pretty much it! Are you ready to see how the Stamping 411 Operators dressed up this simple sketch this week? Scroll down for some delicious eye candy! Click on the Operator name under each photo to go to their blog for more pictures and details on their projects.

Patti Chesky


Robin Merriman


Gretchen Barron

Kerin Sylvester

Tiffany Bauer

Selene Kempton

Connie Babbert


Lee Conrey

Well, what did you think? Pretty fabulous, eh? Okay, the pressure is on now -- will you accept our challenge this week to create something wonderful with this sketch? We hope so and we can't wait to see what it is!

It's easy to play along. Once you've created your project and taken photos, post it to your blog or other public form and then return to this post and leave your linking information below. You have until 5 AM next Thursday morning, February 10th, to leave your link!

Have fun and Happy Stamping!

Stamper's Showcase #188

Once again, fabulous job, everyone! Your Stamping 411 Operators are amazed by your talent and creativity! Thanks to everyone for playing along this week at the 411! It was a difficult task, but here are your Operator Picks for Challenge #188!

Technique Thursday - Reinker Background

It's time for another installment of Technique Thursday, and this week I thought I'd show you a technique that was really a "wow" to me when I first started stamping. After creating this card, I wondered why it's been so long since I've used it! As a bonus, it's super simple, which makes it even more fun!

What you'll need for this technique:

• Classic Reinkers - for this sample, Pretty in Pink, Pink Pirouette, & Melon Mambo were used.
• Glossy White card stock
• Cotton balls
• Rubbing alcohol
• Basic Black StazOn ink
• Stamp set of your choice - Be My Valentine was used for this sample

First, soak your cotton ball pretty well with rubbing alcohol. It doesn't have to be soaked all the way through to where your fingers are holding it, but pretty close. Next, add 2 drops of each color reinker so the dots for a sort of triangle shape, like this:
Next, dab your inked cotton ball all over your glossy white card stock until you like the pattern. Leave it dry, the alcohol will evaporate quickly, so it will only take a minute or two for the ink to dry.
Now stamp your image in Black StazOn ink (StazOn works best on glossy paper) and finish your card. Easy peasy huh?!?!

Would you like to give this technique a shot? We'd love to see what you come up with! Link your creation below :)