Embellishing Stamped Images

Much of the time, a simple stamped image is the perfect accent on a layout, card or other project. But sometimes, it is just more fun to embellish the image. Besides being just plain fun, enhancing your image by adding color or some mixed media serves to further emphasize your project theme or mood and make a project unique.

Colorizing the Image – One of the simplest forms of embellishing an image is to add some color through a variety of tools. Use chalks, markers, Pearl Ex, EZ Tintz, watercolor crayons, inks, Twinkling H2Os, and paint. Color in the image completely, or just use color to accent key areas or backgrounds. You may also use color to create highlights and shadows.

Before you color your image, allow it to dry completely. Depending on the image and what you plan to use for coloring, you may want to heat emboss the image. For example, it may be easier to stay between the lines with watercolor paint if the lines are embossed and resistant to paint.

In sample 1, I used a water brush mixed with orange Twinkling H2Os to color the flourish lines of the image (Stampendous) to create more of a border and match the ribbon. Clear Stickles added on the dots gave the image more interest.

Adding Dimension – Use foam tape or pop dots to add dimension to all or some of your image. For example, if your image is a vase of flowers, cut some of the flowers and pop them off the rest of the image with some foam tape underneath. Add another popped flower to the bottom of the vase, and on the title of your layout or card greeting.

In sample 2, I applied color with chalks, and then cut the flower from the top of the vase (Stampendous). The flower was placed on foam tape for dimension. A second flower was stamped and added to the bottom of the vase.

Enhancing with Other Products – There are so many neat products to use to add interest to your stamped images. Try one or more of the following items to accent your image, or to replace parts of your image.

• Silk, paper or plastic flowers
• gemstones
• brads
• buttons
• <ribbon or thread
• glitter or Stickles
• wire
• charms
• chipboard shapes
• beads
• sequins
• rub-ons or stickers
• <eyelets
• punched or die-cut shapes
• trim
• clear mediums (Glossy Accents, Diamond Glaze, etc.)
• additional stamped images

In sample 3, rub-on snowflakes (Me and My Big Ideas and Autumn Leaves) were added to a stamped image from Inkadinkado. In sample 4, a threaded button and some hand stitches were added to an image from Paperbag Studios, next to a transparency from Making Memories.

However you decide to embellish your stamped images, be creative and play with your stash of supplies. The possibilities are endless.