Enhanced with Stamps

It would seem that nature cards can be used for any occasion. With the seasons constantly changing around us, our paper crafts and creations often reflect what we see. Today, we will learn how to create this card making craft with nature rubber stamps, ink, paper and a sponge – and of course the clear stamps that make it all come together - ‘Winter Trees’

To make this beautiful nature card begin by cutting your scrap paper to the same size as you want your nature scene to be.  Next tear off the bottom left hand corner to create the hill that the deer will stand on as illustrated in the next photo.

With the torn scrap paper held in place over your scene sponge your ink along the torn edge to create the hill in your landscape.

Next, using the straight edge of your scrap paper, create the lake edge with the sponging technique. As you sponge draw the ink upwards a little so that it fades out as you move upwards.

Once your horizon is created it is time to work on the sky. I chose to add a distant mountain. To do this tear your scrap paper again to create the jagged peakes of a mountain. Very lightly spong along the edges of your mountain as shown below.

Next add a little ink in the sky above the mountain to balance the color in your picture.

Now you are ready to add the trees that are visible across the lake. To do this ink only the top portion of the tree rubber stamp found in the Winter Trees set of clear hobby rubber stamps. Before stamping it into your nature scene dab the ink on the lower part of the trees with your sponge. This will blend the color from thick to thin giving the effect of the bottom portion of the trees disappearing into the mist over the lake. Stamp the image so the tops of your trees are visible above the mist as illustrated in the next photo.

Stamp the image a second time before reinking to create more distant trees in the background.

Choose an accent tree to stand alone on the hill over the lake. There are several featured in the Winter Trees set of clear stamps. Stamp your tree in place as desired.

Stamp the deer on a separate piece of paper (the same color as you used for your nature scene) and cut them out closely. Adhere to the hill so they stand and look over the lake as illustrated below.

With the nature scene complete choose a card making template that will work with it and design your own stunning hand made greeting card. You may wish to embellish with ribbon, brads, wire or glitter for the finished look you desire.

Happy Stamping!