Stamping with Hart: Thank You Cards for Him

Thank You Cards for Him (Three Ideas)

Today's tutorial is all about a handmade thank you. This is ideal for men or for the nature lover you need to send a heartfelt thank you to. I will be using the Very Vanilla Note Cards and Envelopes for all of the cards today. These are already pre-cut and scored so I will not be listing measurements on the card sizes. The product list is below if you'd like more information on the cards used today.

I used the Stitched Rectangle Dies to cut out the Fluid 100 Watercolor Paper. I also them for the Neutrals 6 x 6 Designer Series Paper. Rectangle Sizes: 2-1/4 x 3-1/2" - 2-5/8 x 4" - 3 x 4-3/8"

This tutorial features the Wildlife Wonder Stamp Set

There are two simple techniques used on these cards. The first is adding ink to the embossing folder before running the cardstock through. The second technique is to color the animals with water painters and re-inker drops in the desired colors. I used Smoky Slate and Soft Suede. The bear that looks more red-brown is Early Espresso.

I recommend the Fluid 100 Watercolor Paper which is safe when coloring with water. I also recommend the Stayz On ink which is a solvent ink and is safe to use with water coloring images. If you do not have watercolor paper I have been told the Shimmery White Cardstock also does well with watercolor. I have not tried it personally. Do not use Basic White. It will curl and/ or warp when water is applied.

I will be using a simple watercolor technique with Water Painters and our Re-Inkers
I will be using the Stayz On Ink which is compatible with water coloring.

If you do not wish to ink your embossing folder I completely understand. The Bark 3D embossing folder looks beautiful without inking as well. If you do want to try the ink, you can press the pad directly onto the folder or transfer ink with a brayer or brush. I just inked the folder with my ink pad. Run it through your Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine. Use folders 1 and 4 when embossing.

Die cut your watercolor paper and designer series paper pieces as well with the Stitched Rectangle dies.

Stamp your images in Stayz On ink. Use your water painters to color your animals. The more water the softer the look. The less water the more intense the color. An even mix of water and color is pretty much the majority of the color used here and only takes a few minutes. If you want more detail take some of the water from your brush. In some cases, use the full color and don't dilute with water. You can always layer color too so don't be afraid to start lighter and build your color until you are happy.

Assemble your cards. I did use the Foam Adhesive Sheets as essentially one big dimensional on the back of the rectangles with the stamped images.

And you are done! I let the texture of embossing be the star rather than adding additional embellishments. You can go either way and they will look great. This is a clean, simple card look.

I hope you enjoyed today's tutorial! The product list is below if you'd like more information on what was used today.