Tutorial from Riikka Kovasin

Hi there!
I was trying out a technique and used pieces of card stock as my training ground. I had thought that if they turn out ok, I can use them as cards afterwards. So when the pieces did turn out fine, I used them as the background for the cards and embellished them with 7 Dots Studio goodies. I shot step photos along the way so if you like, you can duplicate them!
All the cards are build up similarly – there’s the mixed media style background, then a cluster of embellishments and a little diecut with the greeting. They all have a similar color scheme which affect their mood. You can try similar technique with different choice of colors and the outcome is hugely different! So here we go:
1) Cut 10×15 cm pieces out of cardstock. Coat them with a layer of modeling paste, like you would be buttering a bread. Then spray some water to a background stamp and stamp into the modeling paste. Lift the stamp carefully and let the paste dry. Clean the stamp immediately so that the paste won’t ruin it.

2) Color your card bases with mists. Use more than one color to get a lively surface. I used four colors and mimicked the color scheme of the “Cold Country” papers. Add also some splashes with the mists.

3) Let’s add another layer! Stamp with a stamp or two to get some more texture and interest to the background. I used a 7 Dots Studio script stamp and black Archival Ink. Just a touch here and there.

4) Make some clusters for the decoration part of the cards. Use diecuts and stickers and attach the layers with a carefully placed staple underneath the greeting part. Also add some thread to the pieces to bring some softness to the clusters.

5) To make the clusters merge better to the backgrounds and suit the style, ink the edges of the clusters and also the card bases. Use similar color scheme as the background.

6) Decide the place for your cluster and add a few strips of washitape accordingly. Use long enough strips that they show behind the cluster. Glue your cluster in place to the background.

7) Cut a slightly bigger piece of patterned paper and mount your card on it. I used a piece that measures 12×17 cm. Use your adhesive of choice – I used double sided tape.

8) Finish the cards with a few hand drawn lines around the edges and a few half pearls. Use different size of pearls to give the project more interest. You’re done!