I saw a technique demonstrated by Shelli Gardner where you spritz a stamped image with water and then allow the ink to spread and travel over the card. It's a fun technique to play with and it softens the look of a stamped image. I used this technique with the poinsettia from the Reason for the Season stamp set on this Christmas card...

Stamps: Reason for the Season (photopolymer: 139730). Ink: Cherry Cobbler (126966), Mossy Meadow (133645), Crushed Curry (131173), Crumb Cake (126975), Jet Black StazOn (101406). Card/Paper: Crumb Cake (121685), Shimmery White (121717), Merry Moments DSP Stack (139595), Gold Foil Sheets (132622). Accessories: Very Vanilla 1-1/4" Subtle Stripes Satin Ribbon (139616), Gold Sequin Trim (132975), Winter Wonderland Designer Washi Tape (139609). Tools: Curvy Corner Trio Punch (139683), 2-1/2" Circle Punch (120906), Stampin' Spritzer (126185), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430).

Reason for the Season photopolymer (139730) - $44.00

Here's a couple of creative tips on how to create this effect...

• Use a card stock that allows ink to spread easily, like the Shimmery White card stock used here.
• Stamp the outline image in a waterproof ink like Jet Black StazOn or Basic Black Archival.
• So that the red and green colours don't bleed together and look "dirty", stamp the Cherry Cobbler first, spritz with water, allow to dry and then stamp the Mossy Meadow leaves.
• The background has a light splattering of Crumb Cake ink. Load a paint brush with ink and then, holding it over your card stock, tap the handle of the paint brush on another paint brush or your finger (like hitting two drum sticks together).
• The lovely, wispy threads behind the "A very merry Christmas to you" are from the Very Vanilla 1-1/4" Subtle Stripes Satin Ribbon. Cut a length, trim off the selvage and then pull as many as you need!

I love the soft look of the bleeding poinsettia and the wispy threads on this card.

• Click HERE to contact me to order products to create your own Christmas cards
  OR
  Order the products online...