Hello there from the Creative Squad! Here we have Jennifer Gallagher with us sharing a great project that combines two things that are fun to make and delightfully small: artist trading cards and bookmarks! She is using my Broadway and Toledo stencils and my Fantastic Small, Small Circle Jumble, and Fanfare rubber stamps and this month’s theme: Little Wonder – We’re thinking small this month and focusing in on a tiny scale, exploring the delicate details, and creating something that is petite and precious.
I just love working small. Not only is it fun, but it’s a great way to be creative when you’re busy, I’m really excited to share with you a great tutorial for turning artist trading cards into bookmarks. They are small enough to use in your paperbacks, but really pack a visual punch.
I began by cutting smooth watercolor paper into four pieces that each measure 2.5 by 3.5 inches. Next, I dry-brushed olive green and aqua green onto my artist trading cards.
Using a cosmetic sponge I apply quinacridone magenta acrylic paint through two of Nat’s four inch stencils, Broadway and Toledo mini. To keep it interesting, turn your stencils in different directions or only use a portion of it.
To beat back some of the brightness, I dipped a palette knife into white acrylic paint and drug it across the surface of the cards.
Next, using Memento Tuxedo Black ink, I stamped various designs from Nat’s stamps. Keeping with the mini-theme, I used Fantastic small, Fan-fare, and Small Circle Jumble stamps.
To add some additional interest, I doodled on each card using a Sakura Gelly Roll pen in black. Then I added additional mark-making using Posca Pens in black and white.
I felt like they needed some kind of text, so I used my Tim Holtz’s Ideaology clippings stickers. Then, using a hole punch, I placed a hole at the top of each card and added some craft twine.
Working small can be a great way to find time to be creative in the midst of our busy lives. I hope you have enjoyed this tutorial and that it will inspire you to pull out your n*Studio stamps and stencils and spend a few minutes being creative. Be sure to share your creations with us.
Thank you Jennifer! Love each one of these and their inviting layers and colors!
Want to try making some yourself? You can find all my Rubber Stamps and Stencils in my Online Shop and here are some of the other products Jennifer used:
Feel inspired? Working on something yourself that you’d like to share? I love to see how you interpret our monthly themes. Email me how you used my stencils and stamps with the theme and email me an image – I would love to share your projects in my next “n*Spiration From Around the Globe“.
