Multiples
of the same
Aunt Annie's Crafts
Tutorial #3
Repeat Cards
What we will be making:
In this tutorial you'll learn how to make cards using small rubberstamps arranged in threes or fours and matted. Once you learn this design concept it can be used for repeats of any small object—paper punches, cutouts from decorative paper, stencils, and more.
This greeting card tutorial builds on the first two tutorials – #1: Four Patch Cards and #2: Matted Clip-art and Photo Cards. It is also a basic introduction to using rubberstamps. (The universe of stamping is HUGE. Whole books are written on rubberstamping, some devoted to nothing but card making. There are thousands upon thousands of rubberstamps available for purchase.) For those with little or no rubberstamp experience, we keep it simple by using one small rubberstamp repeated three or four times.
It's
easy to make cards for
Valentine's Day with repeats of stamped, punched or cutout
hearts. See card ideas in the sidebar and below.
Refer to Tutorial #1: Four Patch Cards for how to make card blanks and envelopes.
Here's what you need:
- White card blank - 4¼″ by 5½″
- Colored paper or cardstock for mats
- Small (1 inch) rubberstamp
- Black stamp pad
- Glue
- Scissors
- Pencil and eraser
- Colored pencils
- Ruler or paper trimmer
- White computer paper for envelopes
- Optional: Markers, paper punches, decorative scissors.
This tutorial is the third of twelve card making tutorials and is rated EASY to do.
Making Repeat Greeting Cards
Read through the tutorial before starting.
- Step 1: Getting started
-
There are three basic ways of arranging the repeats on your greeting card—three images arranged vertically (or horizontally) and matted, four images arranged in a square with a single large mat, or four images in a square with individual mats.
Pick a layout for your card before getting started.
- Step 2: Stamp repeats
-
- In pencil, draw three or four 1¼ inch to 1½ inch squares on a piece of white cardstock.
- Stamp an image in the center of each square.
- Cut-out the squares and erase pencil lines.
- Enhance the stamped image using colored pencils.
- Step 3: Cut mats
-
- Select cardstock for a mat that matches an accent or secondary color of the stamped image.
- Cut one large square mat (3½ to 3¾ inches) or one small mat for each stamped square (1½ to 1¾ inches) or one long mat (2 inches by 5½ inches).
-
Step 4: Glue -
Glue stamped squares to the mat, then glue the mat to the card.
- Step 5: Decorate
-
- Decorate the card with punches or paint dots or outline squares with colored pencil or cut decorative edge on card. Add your own creative touch.
- Add messages
The right edge of this card was cut with decorative scissors. A green strip of paper was glued to the right edge inside the card to accent the scalloped edge. The card blank was made from yellow cardstock and additional stamps were used to finish the card decoration.
Rubberstamping Tips
The biggest problem that people new to rubberstamping experience is not being able to get a clear image. With a little instruction and a few tips most are able to produce good images after just a little practice.
Use a stamp with a firm mount. Wood or acrylic mounted stamps are the easiest to handle and give consistently clear images time after time. Foam mounted stamps are less expensive but images are easily blurred.
The heart stamp used on this card is foam mounted. The corners below the hearts are the result of pressing the corners of this flexible stamp. Many people find these marks to be a charming part of rubberstamping, but others find them objectionable.
Be sure the stamp is fully inked. A stamp can be inked by either pressing it into a stamp pad or by dabbing the stamp pad on a stamp that is face up on the table. Test the stamp a time or two on scrap paper.
Notice that some of the small butterflies on this card are only partial images. Careful inking of the stamp would have prevented this from happening.
Avoid rocking or shifting the stamp. Stamp straight down onto the paper, press firmly and do not rock the stamp, then lift the stamp straight up. On foam stamps press in the center and avoid the corners and edges.
On the heart card above there are black edges next to the puppies. This was caused by rocking the stamp.
- Keep the rubberstamps clean. After each use stamp out the stamp, that is, make repeated stampings on scrap paper until no mark is visible. When you switch stamp pad colors, stamp on a folded damp paper towel to remove the last traces of the previous color and then stamp out the stamp.
If you are frustrated with the quality of your stamped images, keep in mind that most people won’t notice the imperfections unless they are pointed out. The most important thing is that the overall design of the card is pleasing and conveys the message intended.
Back to TopBefore you start a tutorial:
- Make a place to work.
- Read through the tutorial.
- Think about what you plan to make. Imagine how you can add your own creative touch.
- Gather the materials you will need.
Get ready, and get started!!!
Tip: Repeating images can be cut from decorative paper. These yellow flowers come from Aunt Annie's Checked Yellow Flower ePaper.
Tip: Use different color stamp pads for your repeats. In this case three hearts were stamped in red and one in blue. The four heart images are on a single square mat.
Share images of your repeat cards to the Greeting Card Class Flickr group.
Tip: Outline the image squares with colored pencil. This is especially effective on light colored mats. The three birds are arranged horizontally on a single strip mat.
Tip: Decorate the card with tiny dots of paint.