This is a simple, yet versatile technique. Disc or circle embellishments are decorated with small rubber stamped images and then decorated and attached to greeting card blanks. The disc embellishments can be bought or better still, made using a paper punch. A punch allows you to create discs from a whole variety of paper and cardstock and is a perfect way to use up odds and ends.
The finished effect can be changed by varying the way the discs are decorated. Ideas include pastels for a classic effect, plain colors for a more contemporary feel and bright colors for a funky finish.
The finished effect can be changed by varying the way the discs are decorated. Ideas include pastels for a classic effect, plain colors for a more contemporary feel and bright colors for a funky finish.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: A couple of hours
Here's How:
- Use a 1 inch paper or craft punch to punch out a series of circle shapes from paper or cardstock as required. Punch out a few extra in case of mishaps! The size of the discs can be varied depending on the size of the stamps or the overall effect required.
- Stamp an image onto the center of each circle using a small rubber stamp. Leave to one side for the ink to dry. We've used Hampton Arts Classic Stamps, however any small rubber stamps would work perfectly.
- Color the circles as required. Chalks give a delicate pastel shade, whereas inks or marker pens give a more vibrant hue. The edges of the circles can also be colored to give a co-ordinated effect.
- Attach the circles to a greeting card blank as required. If the circles are to be laid out in a formal pattern, carefully marking the center of the card with pencil and drawing light lines with a ruler will help to ensure the perfect placing of the discs.
- Add a few words to the inside of the card and it's finished! Take a look at the handmade card examples for more inspiration about how to use this technique.
Tips:
- Make a couple of extra stamped shapes that can be used to decorate gift tags, applied to wrapping paper or stuck as a 'seal' on the back of the envelope, for a professional looking finish.
- Use glue dots or double sided foam tape to raise the surface of the circles for a more 3d effect.
- Use scrap paper and card, this is an ideal way to use up odds and ends. As the project entails sticking the discs to a greeting card blank, it is possible to punch the shapes from paper or cardstock from other projects - for instance projects that have gone wrong or paper from the recycling bin.
- Keep the paper or cardstock that the shapes have been punched from. This may well come in handy for other projects. For instance, the paper could be cut to give a number of small circular frames.
- Instead of rubber stamping a single image into the center of the circles, try stamping an all over pattern over some paper or cardstock and punching the embellishments from this.
What You Need:
- Small rubber stamps and dyes as required
- 1 inch paper punch and cardstock or paper OR ready made embellishments
- Greeting card blanks
- Glue
- Chalks, marker pens or other coloring medium if required
