A Quick Hello in Black and White

A Quick Hello in Black and White

Because I like to do more complicated cards, especially kinetic cards, people seem to think that is ALL that I like to do, but in reality, quick and easy cards are something I love, too. I really love a card that is clean and simple, perhaps even bordering on elegant. And I especially love a card I can put together in just a few minutes that still looks like I fussed over it.

I also seriously love the beauty of black and white cards. There is something about the stark contrast that appeals to me. I have rarely seen a black and white card that didn't appeal to me.

Here is a quick card (seriously, under 10 minutes) made with one stamp set, black ink, and a piece of ribbon. This basic card idea can be used for nearly any occasion; just change up the stamps and sentiment... it is one of my "go to" cards, for those occasions that sneak up on me that demand a great card when I don't have a lot of time.

Materials

• Paper and Cardstock
• white cardstock (5 1/2" x 8 1/2", folded to make a standard card, and 5 1/4" x 4")
• Post-it™ Notes, for masking
• Stamps
• Stampendous Clear Stamps, Dotty Daisy
• Inks and Embossing Powders
• Versafine Ink Pad, Onyx Black
• Embellishments
• Gross-grain Ribbon, 1/2" width, Black, about 15 inches
• Small Rhinestones, Clear, such as those available in Kaiser's Rhinestone strips
• Tools
• black marker (I like Sharpie Markers because they don't bleed through)
• Adhesive of choice

Instructions

• Mask off about 1 1/2" on one side of the 4" x 5 1/4" panel using Post-it™ notes.
• Stamp the large flower stamp somewhat randomly on the uncovered portion of the panel, making sure to stamp off the edges and onto the mask.
• Stamp the dotted swirl between the stamped flowers, also being sure to go off the edges.
• Use the black marker to fill in with more dots right up to the flowers.
  Cover the area as desired.
  
  Please note: the picture below shows the stamped area on the right; I stamp the panel UPSIDE-DOWN because I find it easier to have the area I am stamping on my right than on my left. The area being stamped will be on the LEFT side of the card!
  
  
  
• Remove the mask.
• Tie the black ribbon around the panel, aligning it at the edge of the stamping.
  Apply a little adhesive if needed to hold in place.
• Stamp the sentiment at an angle at the lower right corner of the panel.
• On the inside of the main card, at the bottom of the right side, stamp two of the smaller flowers and some swirls.
  Fill in dots as needed to fill in the card.
  
  
  
• Affix the card panel centered on the front of the card.
  
  
  
• Add a tiny rhinestone to the center of each of the large flowers.