Do you know the clear block stamping technique?

I love teaching you fun stamping techniques and today's card features the clear block stamping technique. Have you tried this technique before? If you have, add a comment under the card to tell me: Yes! And if you love this technique too, add a second YES! to your comment. 

This technique is an oldie but a goodie as it adds a subtle and interesting background feature on a card. The key is to use a light ink color - like the subtles collection or lighter tones in the neutrals collection. 

Another thing you need to be aware of, is that you shouldn't worry about precise inking and stamping - this technique is supposed to look imprecise so roll with the look!

The card below uses the Country Home stamp set: a set inspired by a beautiful fall in the countryside. Dried flowers, rustic jugs—just the setting to sit still for a moment and be grateful. I love the phrases and images in this set; there are so many possible uses which makes it a great value for your dollar. 

Notice the simplicity of this card - only one section colored, coordinating designer paper, the subtle Crumb Cake layer, and the perfect embellishment as a final touch - one that adds sophistication without drawing your eyes away from the main image. 

Don't miss a full set of instructions and supplies list under the card. Instruction #4 will show you how to do the clear block stamping technique. My advice is to try this a few times on scrap paper until you are happy with how it looks.

Leave a comment under this post to tell me if you are going to give this card a try. If you don't have the supplies to make it and want to add them to your collection, click here to link over to my online store!

Country Home thank you card

 

Supplies: 

• Stamp Sets – Country Home (147678)
• Card Stock – Crushed Curry (131199); Crumb Cake (120953); Whisper White (100730)
• Stamp Pads – Tuxedo Black Memento (132708); Crumb Cake (147116)
• Misc. – Country Lane Designer Paper (147804); Clear Block D (118485); Basic Black Stampin’ Write Marker (100082); 3/16” Braided Linen Thread (147808); Galvanized Buttons (147891); Dark Daffodil Delight Stampin’ Blends (144585); Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430); Glue Dots (103683)

 

Measurements:  

• Crushed Curry (base): 5 ½” x 8 ½”, scored at 4 ¼”
• Crumb Cake: 4” x 5 ¼”
• Whisper White: 3 7/8” x 5 1/8”
• Whisper White: 4” x 4”
• Designer Paper: 2” x 3 7/8”
• Braided Linen Thread: 4 ½” and 7” 

 

Instructions:

1. Ink the word “thankful” as part of the greeting stamp using the Basic Black marker. Stamp the word in the lower right corner of the designer paper. 
2. Adhere the designer paper to the lower portion of the Whisper White 3 7/8” x 5 1/8” cardstock. Adhere this layer to the Crumb Cake layer.
3. Place a Glue Dot on each end of the 4 ½” piece of Braided Linen Thread. Adhere the thread along the top edge of the designer paper, securing the raw ends to the backside.
4. Ink the Clear Block D using the Crumb Cake ink. Stamp off one layer of ink on scratch paper to reduce the shade. Stamp the block on the 4” x 4” piece of Whisper White cardstock. 
5. Stamp the cattail image using Memento ink in the center of the Crumb Cake block. Trim around the stamped image using your scissors. 
6. Color in the two cattails using the Stampin’ Blends. 
7. Adhere the stamped image to the upper portion of the Whisper White layer using Dimensionals. 
8. Adhere the Galvanized Button using Glue Dots to the right side of the horizontal Braided Linen Trim. Create a single loop bow using the 7” piece of Braided Linen Trim. Adhere it over the button holes using a Glue Dot.