This post was sponsored by Simon Says Stamp. Thanks, Simon!
Hi friends! I’ve been busy in my office making holiday cards to send to friends, and I have been working with some of the stamp sets that I designed for Simon Says Stamp using some unusual papers to create some really unique looks! My card today features OLO markers on Neenah Desert Storm cardstock, which is an alcohol marker-friendly cardstock that looks fabulous with brightly colored images. I paired it with my Joyful Anemones, doing some partial coloring and fussy cutting to cut down on the length of time I spent coloring. Let’s get started with the details!

I began by stamping my Joyful Anemones illustration on a panel of Neenah Desert Storm cardstock using Contour Ink to do some no-line coloring. I used OLO markers to add some vibrant, cool maroon and deep pinks to a section of the anemone illustration, one of the clusters that was complete and could be cleanly cut out. (I saw Kristina Werner do this at a retreat I was at a few months ago, and I absolutely loved the idea!) I colored the image and then used my sharp scissors to fussy cut it out. The warmth of the Desert Storm works beautifully to add a unique depth to the colored image. After fussy cutting, I used a white gel pen to add some simple accents to the stamens on the large flower and the berries.

I wanted to add some subtle texture and interest to the background to allow the colorful floral image to pop, so I pulled out the Pine Bouquet embossing folder. To enhance the pattern, I lightly brushed my white pigment ink pad over the raised areas. I also splattered the embossed panel with some glittering watercolors for a touch of color and sparkle.

I used foam adhesive to pop up the colored floral spray on the embossed panel. For the greeting, I die cut the Fancy Tidings of Cheer from some shimmering Luxe Glitter Cardstock in a similar shade to the Desert Storm cardstock. I adhered the greeting with some liquid and foam adhesive, then added some shining gems for extra sparkle!
Well, that’s all for my project today! If you haven’t used your sharp scissors to cut out only a portion of your background stamps, you’re missing out. It adds another way to use your stamps to your arsenal of crafty tricks! Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a marvelous day!
