Contributing Writer- Kelly Griglione from Notable Nest
Some stamps are classics that you can use over and over again. For example, florals, background patterns, shapes, these are all elements that naturally work for a wide variety of projects. Some stamps are so specific, however, that I tend to use only once and then I’m done. Giving someone more than one card with a giraffe on roller skates might be like buying them the same Christmas present two years in a row. Unless you can change it up a bit, and give it a fresh, new feel, the recipient might not feel like you made a card especially for them, and are just using up some of your old cards.
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This article will show examples of how to change things up using a sock monkey stamp. The main technique I’ve used to change the look of the monkey for this series of cards is called “paper-piecing.” If you haven’t tried this before I’ve put together a small tutorial on this technique below:
Stamp your image and cut it out following the stamped lines. If you end up with edges showing from not cutting close enough to the lines, here’s a tip: go over the edge with a marker in the same color as your ink. In this case, I use a black marker. See how the edges to the left are clean, and the edges to the right look like I didn’t cut close enough to the line? The black marker will fix all that.
Stamp you image a second time on patterned paper. Cut out all the pieces you want to be that color.
Then just layer the pieces over the first image and adhere. Repeat for any additional colors or patterns you want to add, like the red mouth.
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With your traditionally colored image, you can let it take center stage like on this card. The background is done with a color spray and template, but you can also use patterned paper. Add a word bubble and sentiment and you’re done.
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For the next card you make with this stamp, you can change it up. Change the image, change the background or change both.
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After googling “sock monkey” I saw a lot of cute, different variations of the traditional brown and white monkey. One of them had colorful stripes on its paws and tail. So that’s what I did here with some markers.
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For the background I added a number to customize a birthday message. The monkey’s hand props up the number.
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This time the monkey’s body is switched from a brown/grey to a red polka-dot.
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The background is again birthday-related, but the monkey is holding the string of two balloons. He could hold a number of other things too, like a pennant, a cupcake, a pet bird, a flower, or something specific for the recipient (like a football for a sports fan). The monkey could also wear something different, like a party hat, a tutu, a T-shirt, or a pretty necklace. So many possibilities!
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This floral monkey is just plain fun and oh so charming. You could use any pattern/color combination in place of the floral print. Sheet music for a musician, a map for a travel buff, or team-specific prints for a sports fan. You’d most likely want to pick something with a small-scale pattern.
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To change up another background, stamp a few images and only color in one of them. If you have a smaller image you can stamp a pattern for a background, and then highlight one or two in the foreground.
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So you see, there are several ways to use the same stamp on multiple cards. Vary the image itself or the background. I hope you have as much fun as I did finding new ways to use the stamps you already have.
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Thanks for looking!
I love making cards but haven’t done so in a long time. I really like your ideas on how to change it up and make them more unique! I pinned this article so I will remember it for future use. Thanks!
Hi Tonya,
I’m so exited you may be making cards again, that totally makes my day! I’d love to see what you end up creating. Thanks so much for sharing your comments!
Kelly – this is a great article and I enjoyed reading it and seeing your thoughts behind each of your cards. What a great website!
Thanks so much, Jill! Really glad you stopped by!