Inky Stampers Meeting

 Our team is amazing!  The inky stampers are a collection of wonderfully kind and enthusiastic stampers that have Tracy Bish to thank for coming together.  When I decided that I needed to get back to doing something for myself (which Stampin Up was an easy choice to turn to), I reached out to Tracy who I had seen on Youtube and Facebook.  I'm lucky to have found a great group of supportive friends.  Although we can't meet up face to face - although it WILL happen one day - we ZOOM each month to catch up.  Each time we complete a challenge during our time chatting. 

This months challenge was 'animals'.  I created this quick card, using retired stamps.  Such a lovely quote and a very 'neutral' card.  I think I need to recreate this again.  

If you are keen to join a group of wonderful ladies, please let me know.  There is a great 'sign up' deal for Stampin Up with loads of freebies.  You don't have to sell or even purchase great amounts.  Its really just a fantastic way to get into a hobby that is very rewarding and to have a fabulous support network.  

Happy inky fingers to all,

Rachael xxx

Why I love VERSAMARK ink so much...

 Most cards I make use Versa Mark Ink.  I love the sticky ink for embossing, yes, but most of all, I use it lots on coloured card stock to create watermark backgrounds.  It creates interest and depth to what would ordinarily be a flat colour.  

Here are some examples:

I used the holly leaves from A MERRY HELLO stamp set for this on both the red and green card.

The blue embossed band had versa mark inked gently over the raised impressions to add extra depth to the embossing.  It was also used to create the confetti background on the orange card base using a stamp from So Sentimental stamp set. 

Again, the raised embossed texture has been inked to stand out more.  I also added swipes of ink to the edges of the label to make it appear to lift more from the background papers.  

This workshop card was an introduction to the joys of versa mark but using the dotted background stamp on the lower third of the card as an anchor point for the rest of the elements.  The ladies loved the effect as much as me!

And finally, I used Mint Macaron cardstock as anchoring blocks for the framed sentiment on this card.  I stamped leaves from the Beautiful Friendship stamp set around the edges so the blocks had a subtle interest to them.  It really made a difference to the card. 

HINT: Versamark works on all card stock  with colour, however the darker cards watermark darker so make sure you trial your image on some scrap card before inking up your actual card.

Happy Stamping, Rachael xx