Instructions:
Creating depth and dimension with stamping is a simple technique that brings a sophistication not often found in store-bought cards, stickers, and other types of cards and scrapbooks. The key to depth and dimension is color, layering, and embellishing. We will focus on coloring.
Getting Started
First gather your materials. The fine details of Hero Arts stamp label-tops lend a guide for shading with depth. With the ArtPrints used to make the cards at left, coloring is as good a place as any to start adding depth.
Thus, collect watercolor pencils, a fine tip watercolor brush, water, a clean eraser, paper towel, stamps, card stock and Memories dye ink pads (this particular formula is acid-free, unlike most dye ink pads).
Stamp your images on light card stock and allow them to dry completely. The examples to the left were colored using watercolor pencils. Using firm pressure, start adding color with pencils.
Now Add Depth of Color
For areas where you want bright or brilliant color, use a small brush dipped in water, blot on a paper towel, and gently paint over the penciled area. Allow to dry, and repeat coloring again.
For areas needing lighter shades, use an eraser to take color away.
To add more depth, outline the image areas with the same color but with heavy pressure. In some areas you can also add shadows, using either black or grey pencils (or both for a “gradation shadow effect”).
Blending and Contrasting
Blending colors add even more interest and dimension. Try using teal blending into blue, yellow blending into red, pink into purple, etc.
Another appealing look is to use contrast colors next to each other. They trick the eye, and compliment each other. Examples of these colors are; blue/orange, black/white, red/green, yellow/purple.
Finally, white pencils and gel pens add more enhancement when you want to highlight specific areas.
Trim and mount your finished piece of art onto other card stock.
The Next Level
The next level of adding depth and dimension is layering coordinating papers onto your stamped piece. You can add one, two, or even three coordinating colors to give real dimension.
Also, adding tags and strips of paper is another form of layering that works very well. In the top card at left, the small tags across the bottom adds a nice touch.
Finally, embellish, embellish, embellish. From brads to eyelets, non-paper materials to buttons, embellishing adds dimension to your cards. But that is the subject for another technique.
Enjoy! |
