Changing ink colors for digi stamps



There are a variety of ways to work with digi stamps.  Once you

become familiar with the tools in your Word program, the more you will be able to do with your images.  In this tutorial I am using MS Word 2010. 

Since I like to cut out most of my images, it makes sense for me to fill a page prior to printing.  You can take best advantage of your paper real estate by flipping, turning, and resizing your images.  Fill up a 8.5" x 11" sheet --if you are not using all the images right away you have them on hand for quick last minute cards.

Images import in black and print in black, unless you tell your image to print otherwise.  There are thousands of ink colors at your fingertips in your Word program.  Match your favorite chalks, inks, Copics, Prisma, or Bic colors. 

Once you have created your layout click on the image you want in a color.   An icon marked "color" will be a visible tool in the top tool bar.  Click on it and a pull out menu with lots of options will appear. 
In this screen shot I have already selected and colored several images.  Arranging images close is possible with png files.  If you are using jpeg images you will have that white box fixed around the image and waste paper.  Make sure your digi stamps are high resolution and a .png file.


The screen shot on the left shows you the many color options in the pull-out menu.  You will have a choice of tone, saturation, and color fill (which is kind of cool because the outline remains black and the image is a solid fill).
What if you want to customize your colors and go beyond the options in view?
At the bottom of the menu you will discover there are additional tools to select color variations or customize your own colors.

 I like to print on a nice white cardstock that takes media well.  My preference is Strathmore 88 lb. cover Bristol in Ultimate White.  It's an elegant paper and makes lovely note cards as well.

Before you print check your print settings.  To get a deep crisp outline be sure to select best quality  (or photo quality) as many printers have ink saving features and will default to draft print.


Any questions?  Please contact me at:  janet@veralanestudio.com

                                                                                                   

 

June Birthdays

There sure seem to be a lot of them.  I'm one, so is my husband, and many of our friends have June birthdays.  Since the celebrations are beginning soon I put off a couple of items on my agenda to create some small birthday cards. 

The Stampotique Birthday Cake Cube with Candle was a good option to begin my June birthday card set.  I had a stack of 2 x 2" Twinchie cards cut for my children's studio, colored cardstock and my pile of PITT pens (that I can't live without).  To complete this simple collection I used Copics, BIC markers, a corner cropper, and Jim Holtz Distress Inks. You'll also need scissors, adhesive, and foam or adhesive dots.

The completed cards measure 3.5" x 4". 

Cut assorted card stock 3.5" x 8", score in the center and fold.  Stamp a variety of cakes in a variety of colored inks on white card stock.  Color cakes to your desired palette.  Add some bling, glitter, or what ever you desire.  Trim cakes, accent with Pitt pens for some contrast.
Now design a border on your 2 x 2" white card (Twinchie) with the PITT pens.  I like the small tip. 
Pull some colors from the cake and decorated your border design. Attach the 2x2" decorated Twinchie in the top center of the card.  Clip 2" wide scraps to add to the bottom. 
Now embellish the edge of the card with the PITT pen and color with markers.  Add the cake in the center of the Twinchie with double sided sticky foam to make it dimensional. 
Trim corners with a corner cutter and distress the edges with monochromatic Distress Inks. 

It's good therapy to work on variations of a theme, and not a bad idea to make up a batch of birthday cards in advance!


 

Is that a calendar in your pocket?

When I saw the Stampotique challenge for a 2012 pocket calendar I immediately tought of an ATC format, inserting montlhy cards into a small portfolio. I like the idea of small – I can manage small projects lately.

The image on the portfolio cover is cropped from my row houses for Stampotique.  I love this stamp – the imperfect houses are reminiscent of the houses my Kinder and First grade artists draw. I get a lot of inspiration from the children!

I used Copics and Prismacolors to color the image.  Copics, scraps, and masked stamped text from the colorful border.

The months are a set by Amy Wilson Wellenstein for Stampotique.  They fit perfectly – I was so glad they did as that was my agenda!  I created the miniture calendar in Publisher, leaving off the months so they could be hand-stamped.  The number row on the inside of the portfolio, also by Amy.

The 2 1/2" x 3 1/2" portpolio ties with a beaded cord and is secure with a brad.  I think an old button would have been a better choice, but the brad was an easier solution!