Saturday, 30 January 2010

Kissing with confidence!

There's no need to pucker up girls, this is all about a stamping technique rather than some early hints and tips for Valentines day!

I made this card a few weeks ago using a little bird image (Stamp it - Critters CM002) from Hero Arts ...
This is a retirement card so one little bird on his own was just fine. However, I really wanted to make a card with two little birds facing each other, but just couldn't figure out how to do it!

Then I saw this gorgeous card over at Sally's blog and realised that she had seen this stamp and had a similar idea. In her post Sally mentioned that she had used the 'kissing' technique to stamp a mirror image of the little bird. I wasn't familiar with this technique so emailed Sally for some advice.
And so thanks to Sally here is the result: two little birds taking a stroll to meet and catch up on all the gossip! Perfect for the 'Love and Friendship' theme over at Hero Arts (what a shame I forgot to post it on Flickr and missed the deadline!!!!!)
I also used the kissing technique to make some of the cats for my previous post. A few of you asked for an explanation of the technique so here comes a mini tutorial...

Kiss, kiss, kiss
As I said the 'kissing' technique enables you to produce a mirror image of a stamp. I think it probably works best with smaller stamps, but I haven't tested this theory!
You will need a plain block with plenty of exposed, unpatterned rubber. You will be stamping your original image onto this block. I found that the 'Stamp Stitches' shadow/background block from Hero Arts was ideal. I think that smaller transfer blocks will give the best results. This is because a smaller block will enable you to press down more firmly when re-stamping the image.
Ink up your original stamp with a really juicy ink, so that it doesn't dry too quickly. I used Versacolour as it stays moist for quite a long time.
Then stamp onto your plain block.Quickly stamp that image onto your sheet of paper or card.

As you can see the image will transfer, but will be rather pale. You will need to go over the image with a fine liner. I used a Pental Ultra Fine pen which is just perfect as you can use it with Promarkers once it has dried. Finally, just colour your image as usual!

I found heaps of interesting info about different uses of the 'kissing' technique, so I'm going to be experimenting during the weekend. If you need any further explanation of anything I've covered please email me and I'll try my best to help.

Have a great weekend and happy crafting everyone!

22 comments:

Lin said...

Great little tutorial, Dotty Jo! And your "fixing" of the image is perfect! Takes a very steady hand, especially with this tiny little bird - well done! I have used this technique on the Young Deer and the little squirrel holding the heart; must try it again, as it's a wonderful way to build a little scene.

Clare said...

Wow, what an awesome technique! Thanks for sharing it along with your BEAUTIFUL cards. :)

And I just wanted to say thank you for that lovely comment you left me - I saw real thought in that, and I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate it. :)

CinnamonSally said...

Hi Jo, Love your cards and your explanation of the method with the photographs is fantastic. Far better than mine to you. If anyone asks again I shall direct them straight to this. Well done.
Hugs Sally

Elise said...

OMG! OMG! OMG! That is SOOOOOOOOOOO unbelievably cute, my friend! INSPIRED! Fantastic tutorial - oh, I'm just drinking it in! BRILLIANT! I've tried that kissing technique and been so disappointed... but I never really thought about different ink, smaller image, etc.! YOU HAVE FREED ME, my friend! FANTASTIC work - DROP to my knees and shout GORGEOUS! Wahooooo!

Nikki Schmaltz said...

Love this card Jo! It's so sweet and pretty. Thanks for the tutorial!

Vicky said...

Fab tutorial, I never quite got this technique, but I do now. Tfs. :)xx

Amy said...

Both of these cards are just super cute! Thanks so much for the tutorial on kissing... I can see that coming in real handy! :)

Anonymous said...

Hi Jo, as you can see I didn't last long off the pc...

You clever girl...I just need to find a stamp to do the job now. Your card's are wonderful, you have such a lovely style, so different from the typical fashion out there.... and a breath of fresh air...you know what I mean.
Fantastic tutorial and super card's
x
Vicky

Alice said...

YUM!! too cute! love your cards!! those birds are just the cutest!! thanks for sharing the technique!!

Linda Brun said...

Sweet card and GREAT tutorial , thankyou.
Wishing you a fantastic sunday.
Hugs

Kathy said...

Totally awesome explanation and the card is so wonderful...love the faux stitching too and the colors. Have a great weekend!

Jill said...

I love your card- so sweet! And BIG thanks for the tutorial! I have never seen an explanation of this technique and your tutorial was PERFECT!

Pajalu said...

Jo what a great tutorial :D. I think your explanation is fantastic as are your cards xoxoxoxoxo

donna mikasa said...

Mu-wah! Great photo tutorial, Jo...looking forward to trying this myself!

Vanessa said...

Great cards! And thanks for the tutorial, I always wanted to see how to do this with a stamp!

Hugs,
Vanessa

Tiffany Ervin said...

So very cute, love your technique and the sentiment on the retirement card is truly perfect and heartwarming!

fleur said...

Id never thought of doing anything like that. The bird is cute Im still looking for a stamp like that

Beth aka BR-T said...

You are so awesome to give us a tutorial! I love this technique and your cards are fantastic! I really love the look of colored card stock, the texture and fibers still show through! Beth

Anonymous said...

Hi Jo, just let me know what day...I have no plan's this week so it would be lovely to see you again...I am just in the prosess of moving stuff so if you don't mind the mess I think a visit from you will be great and an chance for me to take a break from all the reorganizing I have started...
x
Vicky

Fuzzy Slippers said...

Thanks so much for the reminder of this technique. I had wanted to try it and forgot. :) You've inspired me! Not to mention that the card you made is so stinkin cute!!!!

Lynne in NI said...

Cool card! And thanks for the tutorial .. I'd always wondered how to do that!
:o)

Suzanne C said...

Great love birds on your card and for sharing all the details. All your bird cards are lovely.