Monday

Inspire Me Monday - Book Mark Cards


Hello Friends, How are you today? It's Kathy from The Daily Marker and I am always super excited to be a guest for Inspire Me Monday. With that said I always worry and hope that I have a nugget ... something to inspire you with. 


Today I have two folding book mark cards for my mom & bonus mom. I know how moms always hang on to every word one writes in a card so I thought why not a book mark card. 


To create my bookmarks I was going for a more linear look. Using white embossing powder and a wash of watercolor I was finally able to achieve a more pastel look. (believe me this was a challenge) 



It's fun to use some of the small stamps in a stamp set that often get over looked. Stamping them on horizontally gives it a more graphic look. 



The stamp set I am using today is called, "Countryside Bouquet" In the stamp set are some tiny sentiments that fit perfectly with the smaller images. Yay!
I trimmed my watercolor paper to 2"x7" and started stamping with some embossing ink & embossing powder. 


Once you have your arrangement on the misti or on your stamping block you can mark off with a pencil where to move you paper around so you don't have to keep moving the stamps (if you are using the misti). 


I know it's a little hard to see here but, you might notice that once I stamped my grouping...I flipped my paper and stamped it again. (so it's upside down) This way you can read the bookmark from any angle plus I find it more interesting to stamp  this way sometimes. 


Today I am using my Windsor Newton watercolors but, anything will work to get a pretty pastel wash. Fill a palette, some small cups or bowls with some clean water. 


Dip your brush into the color one time loading  your brush ... then dip that color into the clean water. wipe clean and repeat. (I did this with each color so each color is very diluted.) This way the only way I was able to achieve soft pastel colors. 


As most of you probably know that the embossing on the paper acts as a barrier holding the water in. 
It's always best to start at the top and work your way down. 


Ah... don't you find watercoloring ... or coloring so relaxing! :)


Once you are finished ... go do something else so the paper can dry. 


When you come back dip your brush back into the diluted color of your choice and sprinkle the paper with your wet brush. Set aside to dry then add your layer or layers of cardstock. 
Add some sequins with some matt medium, punch a hole in the top and add a variety of ribbon. 

Have a great day and thank you for your visit. Hugs, Kathy


35 comments:

CherylQuilts said...

Oh, Kathy, I LOVE these bookmarks and love how you watercolored them! That's one of the nice things about having clear stamps. I know your mums must absolutely love your gifts like these, and I'll definitely have to remember to try some for gifts soon! Thank you for sharing this delightful Inspire Me Monday step-out tutorial! Big hugs!

Berina RGA said...

These bookmarks are gorgeous, Kathy!! Love the watercoloring!!

Lisa Lara said...

Such beautiful bookmarks Kathy.

Susie said...

Kathy, I'm so glad to see you use older stamp sets (and parts thereof). With different and new techniques applied old is new again! And your idea for creating a watercolor wash was terrific! I've also wondered about using Ranger distress reinkers. Wonderful card project 👏🏻💕😊

Agata said...

This is absolutely gorgeous and fabulous!

byAnnette said...

Love your detailed instructions!
May have to try as my mom cannot have enough bookmarks!

Deni(se) said...

Beautiful and a great way to use pieces of stamps and smaller stamps as Kathy points out, AND practice those watercolor backgrounds! All FUN.

Deni(se) said...

Great idea on the re-inkers! I think I have seen Shari Carroll demonstrate that technique.

Maye M.L said...

Lovely idea, Kathy. Thanks for showing how versatile solid stamps can be as well. They are a bit intimidating for me. Cheers!

jordanbev5@yahoo.com said...

Terrific watercoloring!

Roxy said...

Such a great idea! Love bookmarks going to have to give it a go... Great pastel watercoloring!!!!! Hugs

Kathy said...

Awww thanks so much Cheryl that's great to hear. Also a big thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. Hugs, Kathy

Kathy said...

Thanks so much Berina :) So happy you like them.

Kathy said...

Aww Agata you are a sweetheart! Thank YOU :)

Kathy said...

Thanks Lisa so happy you like them :)

Kathy said...

Hi Susie, Thanks for your lovely comments and feedback. I love your idea of trying distress reinkers. :)

Kathy said...

Yay Annette thats music to my ears. Thank you :)

Kathy said...

Thanks sooo much Deni(se) You are a sweetheart :)

Kathy said...

Hi Maye I am with you about solid stamps. So happy you liked my idea :)

Kathy said...

Aww thanks soo much :)

Kathy said...

Thanks Roxy that makes me so happy. Please tag me on Instagram so I don't miss it. Hugs

Candy said...

Thank you Kathy! Maybe I'm stupid, but I never thought of making bookmarks like this.
I love them! You did a great job :o)

Heidi Lyons said...

So pretty!

Marcella Hawley said...

Kathy, I am mesmerized. These bookmarks are precious works of art — each little detail you’ve thought of makes them all the more special! I do love the rainbow effect of the watercolor palette you've used — how fun to just go for the gusto and use the full spectrum! Paired with white ink, and with the borders created by the stems (YOUR MIND IS AMAZING, how did you come up with that??) each area has something special to fix one's eye upon. I think I have my project for the next time I'm hanging out on the craft table. Watercolors are my favorite! Thank you for sharing so many tips, and such a beautiful project. xoxo

Patt H. said...

really beautiful, Kathy!! I love them!

MA said...

Stunning. I'd love to try that idea for a card. The colors and images are perfect. thanks so much for sharing your talent.

Linda said...

Wonderful bookmarks and thank you for your clear explanation of your process. Look out my journaling and book worm friends. Yor Mums will love these.

Kathy said...

Thanks so much Candy ... and for the record you aren't stupid... that's what bloggin if for sprouting new ideas and so happy you like mine :)

Kathy said...

Thank You Heidi :)

Kathy said...

Awww Marcy you have a way of making me float to the roof tops. Thanks for that. Hugs, Kathy

Kathy said...

Thanks so much Patt that makes me so very happy :)

Kathy said...

Thank so much and I hope you do give it a try. You are a sweetheart :)

Kathy said...

Thanks for saying that I give a good explanation Linda... I have to edit..edit myself. Thanks again :)

Maureen Chandler said...

I love making bookmarks and these are really special. Love that they are folded and read in both directions - how clever!! Thanks so much for sharing your work!

Nancy Lynn said...

Kathy, my grandson who is 10 years old absolutely loves to read. His collection of books is so amazing and his reading skills are way ahead of others in his class. I am Canadian and my grandson is Irish so I like to send him mail and I always have for all my grandkids. I'm telling you, kids just love it when they receive mail that is directly posted to them! Anyway, I'm going to make some of these bookmarks and laminate them so that I can send some to him. Thanks so much for the inspiration Kathy! God bless you dear!