same stamps, three different projects

There are so many times that I am getting a new stamp set and it's really because I have a specific project in mind for an image in the set. It can be hard to break out of the box and think of other ways to use that image in a project. I took two images from the Splat set from Papertrey Ink and used them three different ways on three different projects.

I decided that I wanted to do some birthday cards and so I pulled the "good times" and "wish big" splat circle images from the set to create with. The first thing I decided to do was use some die cuts with the images. Here, I used a balloon die from the Birthday Style die collection. 

There are so many coordinating dies to match up with so many images in the Papertrey Ink collection, but try to think outside of the box too. What dies or punches do you have that would make the image in the set completely new? I love how the balloon die cuts worked so well with the Splat images!

Next, I decided to try a technique with the Splat images. I stamped a background and then embossed the Splat images in clear right over the top of the stamped background pattern. Next, I took and did the smooshing technique that is so popular right now and did it right over the top of the embossed images. How cool did that turn out??? If the ink doesn't fill your image all the way, use an ink blending tool or sponge to fill in where you need it a bit more. I love the stamped pattern showing through the embossed images and the cool watercolor effect from the smooshing technique.

Don't be afraid to try a new technique like this - or maybe even one you love to do - with the images in your set! Think about embossing, watercoloring, stamping with paint, masking, etc. You might surprise yourself with the results.

Finally, I used the Splat images to stamp a background for my card. Instead of having the images be the focal point of the card, they created a great base for this birthday card. I stamped the images in lighter colors and that enabled me to stamp a sentiment over the top and have that stand out over the background.

Even some of the most detailed images (and even sentiments!) in your collection that would work great as a cool background on your project. You could keep the colors light, like I did here, or stamp them boldly and add a sentiment on a die cut to your card front. There are so many possibilities!

Having an approach like this to stamping with your sets not only expands the creative options, but gives you so much more for your money too! One more thing... did you notice that I kept the general layout of each of the cards that I shared today the same? And yet each card looks completely different because of the different ideas and techniques that I used on each one.

It's time to tackle your own stamp sets and challenge yourself to use the same image(s) 3 (or more!) different ways. Copy the ideas that I shared here today and I know that you will be inspired to come up with more ideas on your own too!

Thank you so much for stopping by today - happy stamping!

Supplies:

all supplies from Papertrey Ink unless noted

Good Times Balloons Card

size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"

stamps: Splat, Wonderful Words: Birthday

ink: True Black, Berry Sorbet, Tropical Teal

cardstock: white, kraft, Berry Sorbet, Tropical Teal patterned paper

other: Birthday Style die, Wonderful Words: Birthday die, star sequins, Rustic Jute button twine

Yay! Birthday Card

size: 5 1/2" x 4 1/4"

stamps: Splat, Stylish Sentiments: Birthday, Background Basics: Medallions

ink: True Black, Aqua Mist, Limeade Ice

cardstock: white, kraft, Aqua Mist patterned paper

other: clear embossing powder, sequins

Birthday Thoughts Card

size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"

stamps: Splat, Stylish Sentiments: Birthday

ink: True Black, Aqua Mist, Spring Moss

cardstock: white, kraft, Sheer Basics vellum, Luxe Silver adhesive sheet

other: Small Sketched Stars dies