A Fluttering Hello!

Good morning! Hope you had a great holiday weekend. Sharon here with my latest design – a pressed card with my favorite bird.

Prepare Materials

For today’s card I am using Savoy 100% Cotton Cardstock in Natural White and my Better Press System.

This cardstock comes in two weights and the 118# is thick and textured, and presses perfectly. First, line up the stamps as you want them on the press magnetic plate. Remember, the system stamps a reverse of the image!

Stamp Image

Any archival ink will work and I am using Tawny BetterPress ink. Apply the ink to the press plates and lightly adhere a piece of A2 Savoy cardstock to the platen. I use low tack tape in two corners for this. Be careful though, because the cardstock will peel if your tape is too sticky.

Next, run the BetterPress through your machine. This gives a stunning letter pressed effect to your stamped image.

Here is a look close up. The Savoy cardstock is perfectly pressed.

Your image can be left uncolored or you can add color with watercolor, for example. I am watercoloring mine with pencils.

Color Image

I am still on a learning curve with watercolors and find that pencils are easy and forgiving!

Add Sentiment

My card needs a sentiment and this press plate set comes with two so I am using the fluttering hello. Again, remember that the plates stamp in reverse so make sure your sentiment is positioned correctly on the magnetic mat. You don’t want to ruin all your hard work!

Building your card includes a coordinating colored mat with a top folding A2 card base. I am using Lessebo Cardstock in Misty Blue for my mat and Classic Crest Solar White 110lb for my base.

Complete Project

Trim the image to 5.25″ x 4.25″ and center it on the blue mat. This will make the mat visible at the top and bottom, as this will give a gentle interest to the card instead of a harsh framed look.

For further embellishment, add some gems or pearls randomly on the front of your card.

You will have a simple but stunning card that can be used for any occasion.

Thanks for stopping by today, and we’ll see you again soon!