Beautify Your Stamped Cards with Creative Coloring

Stamping is one of the most versatile crafts around because there are so many different options that you can use to enhance even the most basic stamp. When you look at some colored stamped images, you may be overwhelmed by how beautiful they are. Some look like works of art that have been meticulously painted by tiny little brushes. For a beginner, or even intermediate stamper, they make look overwhelming. The truth is however, that coloring stamped images does not have to be difficult, and it does not require any special artistic skill.

Chances are if you are already involved with stamping, you have enough creativity to color in your stamped images beautifully. There are a number of different tools that you can use to color, and the most popular ones for stampers are pastels, or chalks, watercolor pencils, markers or ink pads.

Chalks

Chalks are a great way to color in stamped images because they are inexpensive and versatile. You do not have to spend too much money to get a full set of chalks that you can use for a very long time. Most chalk sets will come with an applicator or two. These applicators look similar to eye shadow brushes. Other tools that work well to apply chalks are cotton swabs or cotton balls, small sponge brushes, or clean eye make up brushes. It is always a good idea to practice on a scrap piece of cardstock before you apply the color to your image.

Practice blending shades of chalk together to achieve the desired result. Press very lightly for a softer look, and a little bit harder for a strong, sharper color. Shade with the applicator for effect, or hi light certain areas of your image. You can mix chalk colors directly on the cards stock or image, or you can mix the colors on the applicator before applying to your product, whichever you prefer.

Watercolors

Watercolor pencil crayons are one of the most versatile coloring tools that you can find because there are so many different techniques that you can create with them. If you want a strong colored image, apply the pencil crayons directly to the image just as you would with regular coloring crayons. However, if you want water colored look, you can use a blender pen to create that effect. Simply color along the edge of the image with the pencil, and use the blender pen to "pull" the color into the desired area.

Another way to apply color is by rubbing your pencil crayon on a piece of scrap and "dipping" the blender pen into the color before applying. This will create a softer effect. Another way to watercolor is by using your ink pad. With the lid shut, push in the middle of the pad to create a pool of ink on the lid. Then you simply dip your blender pen into the ink and paint into the image. By doing this, you can create a stronger coloring effect.

Markers

Markers are also a popular choice for coloring in stamps because of how easy they are to use. Simply color in the stamped image. If you have watercolor markers you may be able to use a blender pen to mix the colors, or create a softer look. Whatever color method you choose, it is generally a good idea to use a spray fixative to secure the colors. Do not use hairspray for this job because over time it will yellow the images and the paper.

Melanie Brown is an avid card maker and Stampin Up demonstrator. Go to her stampinaddict.com card gallery to view beautiful cards and submit your own creations while enjoying articles on the many techniques of creating cards with rubber stamps.

---

Google News Updated : Tue, 07 Oct 2008 08:49:19 GMT Frerotte leads Vikings to Monday night victory - FOXSports.com Boston Globe Frerotte leads Vikings to Monday night victory FOXSports.com - 1 hour ago by Alex Marvez Alex Marvez is a Senior NFL Writer for FOXSports.com. He's covered the NFL for 14 seasons as a beat writer and is the president of the Pro Football Writers of America. Frerotte proves mettle against sloppy Saints SportingNews.com National Football League Game Capsules Sports Network Minneapolis Star Tribune - Boston Herald - Philadelphia Inquirer - Newsday all 1,172 news articles Publ.Date : Tue, 07 Oct 2008 07:39:53 GMT McCain, Obama introduce newly sharp tone amid major news events - Los Angeles Times Washington Post McCain, Obama introduce newly sharp tone amid major news events Los Angeles Times - 1 hour ago McCain intensifies his attack on Obama's past and character, and Obama returns the favor. The tactics may not resonate with voters in a time of crisis. Video: AP Campaign Minute AssociatedPress McCain, Obama unleash another round of attacks Reuters New York Times - Chicago Tribune - Dallas Morning News - The Miami Herald all 4,436 news articles Publ.Date : Tue, 07 Oct 2008 07:01:25 GMT Sri Lanka: international probe called into killing - International Herald Tribune ABC News Sri Lanka: international probe called into killing International Herald Tribune - 29 minutes ago AP COLOMBO, Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka's top opposition party called Tuesday for an international investigation into a bomb attack the previous day that killed a popular former army general and 26 others. Video: Sri Lanka army closes in on Tamil Tigers - 07 Oct 08 AlJazeeraEnglish Former Tamil rebel fighter named as member of parliament Monsters and Critics.com guardian.co.uk - The Associated Press - ABC Online - Radio Australia all 1,419 news articles Publ.Date : Tue, 07 Oct 2008 08:19:30 GMT Red Sox roar into AL title series - Boston Globe Red Sox roar into AL title series Boston Globe - 1 hour ago By Dan Shaughnessy Bring on the Rays. Bring on the Dodgers or Phillies if you like. There is plenty of champagne left in New England and Mayor Menino has sent the duck boats to have their tires rotated. Red Sox not taking Rays lightly in next round of postseason MLB.com Red Sox squeeze past Angels, advance to ALCS Washington Post SI.com - ESPN - Boston Herald - FOXSports.com all 3,162 news articles Publ.Date : Tue, 07 Oct 2008 06:49:29 GMT Fan in Room Seems to Cut Infants’ Risk of Crib Death - New York Times InjuryBoard.com Fan in Room Seems to Cut Infants’ Risk of Crib Death New York Times - 5 hours ago By TARA PARKER-POPE Sleeping in a room with a fan lowers a baby’s risk of sudden infant death syndrome by 72 percent, a new study has found. Study Suggests Fan Use Cuts SIDS Risk in Babies Wall Street Journal Study: Using fan on sleeping baby reduces risk of SIDS San Jose Mercury News U.S. News & World Report - WebMD - USA Today - Medgadget.com all 424 news articles Publ.Date : Tue, 07 Oct 2008 03:22:40 GMT Turkey hits PKK targets in n. Iraq on Tuesday - International Herald Tribune Voice of America Turkey hits PKK targets in n. Iraq on Tuesday International Herald Tribune - 1 hour ago ANKARA: Turkish warplanes pounded suspected Kurdish rebel targets in northern Iraq for a second straight day on Tuesday, stepping up a bombing campaign after the death of 17 Turkish soldiers in a cross-border ambush. Turkish warplanes bomb 21 PKK targets in N Iraq People's Daily Online Turkish airstrikes target Kurdish rebels CNN United Press International - Aljazeera.net - AFP - The Associated Press all 1,633 news articles Publ.Date : Tue, 07 Oct 2008 07:30:40 GMT Man with financial woes kills family, self - San Francisco Chronicle Sydney Morning Herald Man with financial woes kills family, self San Francisco Chronicle - 1 hour ago An unemployed financial adviser apparently despondent over his troubles shot and killed his wife, his mother-in-law and three children before taking his own life in a gated community, Los Angeles police said Monday. Video: 6 Die in Family Murder-suicide in Upscale Home AssociatedPress California: Six Bodies Found in Los Angeles Home New York Times CNN - Reuters - Los Angeles Daily News - FOXNews all 557 news articles Publ.Date : Tue, 07 Oct 2008 07:38:59 GMT Turn Affiliate Datafeed into RSS Amazon Tool

PARLOT::Ebooks, Scripts, Websites, and more...

Adsense websites

Kids Crafts: Balloons, Bubbles & Balls #1

Craft: Colored Bubbles Activities: Flyswatter Bubbles, Cotton Ball Pickup,... Read More

Do You Really Know What You?re Buying?

Recently, I had the opportunity to attend a popular gift... Read More

The Surprising Popularity of Cigar Smoking

The practice of cigar smoking has been on the rise... Read More

Tech-Savvy Crafters Can Go Global

The image of a crafter or artisan is often serene,... Read More

The Power Of Scrapbook Journaling

By journaling your pages you will transform an ordinary collection... Read More

Sharing Journals

Creating a journal or diary that combines scrapbooking and journaling,... Read More

Embroidery Digitizing Software

Embroidery Magic 2 software is very easy to use to... Read More

Preserving Thanksgiving Memories for Scrapbooking

Last year our family tried out a new way to... Read More

Butterfly Candle Holders

Butterfly candle holders are easy to make and a great... Read More

Simple, and Stylish Wedding Reception Centerpiece: Craft Project

This simple, yet elegant table centerpiece is a great way... Read More

An Introduction to Lanyards

Lanyards are pieces of rope, wire, or cloth specifically designed... Read More

Baby Boomers Need Creative Practical Hobbies

"Well how are you really enjoying your retirement?" I asked... Read More

How To Make Your Own Gift Baskets

Haven't you always wanted to give someone a beautiful gift... Read More

Craft Crocheting from Your Home

Crocheting is not only a craft but an... Read More

A Brief History of Candles

For centuries man's progress has been lighted by candles. However,... Read More

Introduction to Hobby Metal Casting for the Practical Home Mechanic - Engineer

Your enjoyment will start right from the moment you start... Read More

Collectible Action Figures - Is About Fun Memories And More Money

Superhero action figures first stormed the doors of department stores... Read More

Woodworking Tools: Right Selection And Care Will Save You Money, Part 4

Woodworking: Tools Of The Trade, Part 4 - Tools For... Read More

Comic Book Collecting, Oh What An Enjoyable Past Time It Is!

Have you ever read a comic book before? I imagine... Read More

Printing on Canvas

Given the progress in inkjet and media technology, demand for... Read More

Soap Making For Beginners ? Melt And Pour Process

As you will learn, soap making can be simple or... Read More

What Is An Un-circulated Coin?

You may have heard the terms proof coin and un-circulated... Read More

Picture Frame Crafts For Your Kids Party

One of the most popular party favors is a framed... Read More

Scrapbooking Ideas for Kids

Many times at auctions, or estate sales, a box of... Read More

Scrapbooking on a Budget

Memories are priceless, but the cost of preserving them can... Read More