Earlier this week
I posted this
"four cute chicks" card and wrote about how I was able to create the
various body shapes for the chicks. Since then, I've had several
questions and requests for more details on how I was able to create the
various body shapes using the same stamp, so I thought I'd put together a
quick "how to" in photos. Hope this is helpful!
For my supplies, I'm using the
Eggs4Easter set by The Stamps of Life, a clear block, an image mask (made from a sticky note), and ink for stamping.
What
makes this shape changing technique possible is the unique way the
chick stamp was made. The center of the stamp is not filled with
polymer, which allows it to be shaped differently than it's original
shape. If the stamp's center was filled with polymer (like most clear
stamps are), it would not be possible to change the chick's shape.
Let me show you how!
Place
the chick stamp on a clear block, ink the image, and stamp the chick in
it's original shape. Also stamp the chick on a sticky note and cut it
out to create the image mask needed for the next steps.
Adjust
the shape of the chick on the clear block and ink it for stamping. See
how the open area in the center of the chick's body allows the
reshaping? If this area was filled in with polymer, the body shape would
not be able to be changed.
With
the sticky note mask placed over the first stamped image (mine is white
with a red and yellow dot), stamp the second (taller) chick in place.
By covering up the first stamped image with the image mask, you are
preventing the ink of the second image from overlapping the first image.
Once
again reshape the stamp on the block. This time make him shorter and,
well, plumper! Again, it's that open center of the image that's allowing
it to be reshaped.
With the mask still in place over the first stamped image, stamp the third chick in place.
Remove the mask to reveal your grouping.
Finish
building your chicks with other stamp images provided in the set,
masking as needed. I masked their bodies while stamping the legs, so I
could adjust the length of the legs and not risk getting ink in their
bodies.
On
my original card I used this technique to stamp an original shaped
chick, two tall chicks, and added a fourth plump chick that was stamped
on a separate sheet of paper, cut out, and adhered to my card using foam
adhesive for a bit of dimension.
While it's not always possible to reshape stamps like this since most
of the time the centers are filled edge to edge with polymer, keep your
eye out for possibilities of when you can! Sentiments are easily
changed from straight lines to curves, so keep that in mind, too!
Supplies:
Ink: Black Memento, Antique Linen Distress Ink by Ranger, Dusty Durango by Stampin' Up!
ShinHan Touch Twin markers: Y36, YR31, YR32, R3, R2, GY175, 0, CG.5
Paper: Neenah, Bo Bunny
Other: Prismacolor Pencil (Kelp Green), button, baker's twine, tracing wheel
Anna, thanks so much for sharing this amazing tutorial with us! I can't wait to see what you come up with next! :) (and welcome to our Design Team!)
Happy Stamping!
