Stamp Layering: 7 Tips For Realism
Welcome to the hop! I’m sharing 7 Stamp Layering Tips that will elevate your card making. These tips will help you achieve more realistic images inspired by real flowers.
If you hopped here from Laurie Willison’s blog, you’re right on track. To start at the beginning of the hop, visit the Altenew Card Blog. Before I introduce the goodies, let me give you a taste of where we’re going today!
Altenew Build-A-Flower: Hellebore
Altenew has outdone themselves once again with this gorgeous Hellebore set. Hellebore is available as a standard Stamp & Die Bundle or Stamp, Die, & Ink Bundle.
YouTube Tutorial
The video below shares 7 stamp layering tips to bring your images to the next level and mimic realistic blooms! Watch it here or on YouTube.
Inspiration Photos
The video tutorial is super detailed, so I won’t be repeating everything in my post. However, I want to share inspiration photos and link to their source pages. I will also recap the specific inks I used below.
Photo by Nicole Phillips
https://www.heraldnet.com/life/chase-the-winter-blues-away-with-winter-blooming-hellebores/
https://www.michiganbulb.com/product/dark-and-handsome-hellebore
Dye & Distress Oxide Ink Combos
Tip 2 from the video is all about studying the colors and textures of your inspiration photo. Most flowers have a multitude of colors in each petal and different textures.
Dark & Handsome Color Combo
This is the photo that kicked off this whole project. I took one look at this unique bloom and though, “Oh yeah, I can layer stamp that!”
First I noted 2 things, the deep dark petals, and their waxy, chalky cast. I immediately thought of Distress Oxides for the chalky finish and their pigment properties convinced me I’d be able to layer stamp with dark inks to pull this off.
Dark & Handsome Hellebore Recipe
- Layer 1 – Altenew Grapevine Crisp Dye Ink
- Layer 1 – Distress Oxide Seedless Preserves
- Layer 2 – Altenew Galactic Stream Crisp Dye Ink
- Layer 2 – Distress Oxide Black Soot
- Layer 1 – Distress Oxide Black Soot
- Layer 3 – Distress Oxide Milled Lavender
- Layer 1 – Distress Oxide Black Soot
- Layer 3 – Altenew Obsidian Pigment Ink
- Layer 1 Center – Altenew Bamboo Crisp Dye Ink
- Layer 2 Center – Distress Oxide Shabby Shutters
- Add white gel pen details to the flower center
Shooting Star Hellebore Color Combo
The Shooting Star Hellebore variety is absolutely stunning. I was amazed at how many different varieties of Hellebore exist! Again, I studied the color variation of the petals and leaves.
https://www.heraldnet.com/life/chase-the-winter-blues-away-with-winter-blooming-hellebores/
Shooting Star Hellebore Recipe
- Layer 1 – Distress Oxide Tattered Rose & Milled Lavender
- Layer 2 – Distress Oxide Shabby Shutters
- Layer 3 – Altenew Olive Crisp Dye Ink
- Layer 3 – Altenew Moss Crisp Dye Ink
- Layer 1 – Distress Oxide Tattered Rose & Milled Lavender
- Layer 1 Center – Altenew Buttercream Crisp Dye Ink
- Layer 2 Center – Distress Oxide Antique Linen
- Layer 1 Leaves – Distress Oxide Shabby Shutters
- Layer 2 Leaves – Altenew Olive Crisp Dye Ink
- Layer 2 Leaves – Distress Oxide Seedless Preserves
- Layer 3 Leaves – Altenew Moss Crisp Dye Ink
- Layer 3 Leaves – Distress Oxide Seedless Preserves
Card Design
I created both cards designs based on their respective inspiration photos. All the details to create the background panels and create color layered long stems are in the video.
The creative bits are wrapped up, but don’t leave yet! Read on for the deets on supplies used, the next stop on the hop, and giveaway info!
Pin It
Add this pic to your Pinterest board to share or save this post for later. For more design inspiration, visit my Pinterest page.
Many Thanks
Another huge thank you to Altenew for inviting me to participate! I had a blast with these stamp layering tips and I hope you did too! Please tag me on Instagram @notableink, so I can see your awesome projects.
Thank you for visiting my blog and leaving love here and on social media! If you like what you see here and want to keep the inspiration coming, the best way to support me is to like, subscribe, and share my YouTube and Instagram channels.
I’m trying to get to 1000 subscribers on YouTube so you’d be the absolute bomb if you share and subscribe! Thank you in advance, crafty peeps!
Altenew Build-A-Flower Monthly Subscription Plan
Due to the excellent price point and splendidly detailed blooms, it’s no surprise that Build-A-Flower sets are among the most popular sets.
Therefore, they sell out quickly. Guarantee your very own set every month by subscribing to the Altenew Build-A-Flower: Monthly Subscription Plan at the discounted price of $29.99!
Gotta Love a Giveaway!
To celebrate this release, Altenew is giving away a $30 gift certificate to 6 lucky winners! Please leave a comment on the Altenew Card Blog and/or Altenew Scrapbook Blog for a chance to win.
In addition, Altenew will draw a winner to receive a $15 gift certificate from the comments left on each designer’s blog on the blog hop list below. All winners will be announced on the Altenew blogs on 9/7/2019.
Supplies
If you fancy supporting my blog and YouTube channel, please use these compensated affiliate links at no cost to you. I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. Thank you for your support which helps me host my blog and bring you new content!
Next Stop
Lastly, the next stop on the hop is the one and only Altenew Scrapbook Blog! If you get lost along the way or want to revisit the awesomeness, the full list is below.
Altenew Card Blog
Therese Calvird
Jen Schow
Laurie Willison
Amber Rain Davis <<< You Are Here
Altenew Scrapbook Blog
Svitlana Shayevich
Kelly Latevola
Reiko Tsuchida
Kelly Griglione
Virginia Lu
Ashlea Cornell
Caly Person
Jaycee Gaspar
Emily Midgett
Maryam Perez
Seeka
Norine Borys
Nathalie DeSousa
Janette Kausen
Loved your 7 Tips Video! So very helpful and so very well done. I appreciate that you shared your process. I found it helpful to see how you worked toward the effect you wanted to achieve and that you provided explanations for why you went back and forth between the different inks. You truly were truly successful. Your cards are beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing.
Maggie, this is such a lovely compliment. Thank you so very much! Stay tuned for another video with this technique coming in early October.
Wow, these are so beautiful, I love the layering technique you have shared with us.
Thanks, Diane! This was one of my favorite projects. Stay turned for more like this in a week or so!
STUNNING stunning stunning! You’re a genius, I love all your hellebore flowers!
You’re so sweet! Thank you, Roni!!
absolutely amazing and such a great idea!
Thanks so much, Tina!
Simply gorgeous!
Thank you, Jean!
OMG these cards are AMAZING!! You are a master of color
OMG! You totally made my day! Thanks so much, Carmen!
Beautiful cards! I love the colors, especially on the dark one.
Thank you, Zlatka! Those are my favorite too!
I like your realistic colors.
Thank you, Sue!
Beautiful cards! Love the fabulous colors you used for your flowers.
Thanks, Kathy!
The flowers are beautiful with those colors! Love your inspiration!
Thanks, Kiraty!
so pretty
Thank you!
dramatic & awesome = oh so realistic!
Thank you, Denise!
what a pretty card! I adore your style and color choices! Thanks for the inspiration and effort! Great stamp and die set!
Thanks so much, Tammy! That’s so nice to hear!
Wow! Your flowers are amazing! Your persistence in trying different colors and layers really gave the Hellebores a realistic look- just gorgeous! Thank you for this video!
Thanks, Lauryne!
Wow, love these gorgeous cards!! Such bold colors and I love how you used real photos. Stunning!!
Thank you, Lisa!
Thanks for the great tutorial. Your card are gorgeous. Loved the colour combos. Especially the Shooting Star.
Thanks so much, Nandini!
Hi Amber 🙂 It was sooooooo great of you to go straight to the original 🙂 Nature is such a wonderful source of inspiration! Your cards are amazingly realistic and drop dead gorgeous!!! Thanks for inspiring me 🙂
Aw, thank you, Connie! I really appreciate that! The real flowers we’re such a great inspiration!
Your cards are absolutely GORGEOUS! The video wss so informative and easy to follow!
Thanks, Rosemary! I’m so glad the video was helpful!!
WOWser’s that dark colored flower card is simply amazing. Thank you so much for the instructions. Your the bomb. Hugs, Nellie
Lol! Thanks, Nellie!!!
Great video tutorial. Beautiful results. Don’t know that I have the patience to accomplish the results you achieved.
Thank you! Yes you have to really want that realistic color 😂
Amazing cards and technique. I especially like the darker hellebores. Thank you.
Thanks, Jade. The dark ones are my fave!
Your coloring is amazing. So inspiring.
Thank you, Rachelle!
I love the unique colors you used! so pretty!
Thanks, Debbie!
Amber you are the first participant that has coloured these flowers as they actually are, not that it matters that others didn’t. I have the Shooting Star Hellebore, also known as the Christmas Rose in my garden & I love the delicate colours of the flowers against the dark leaves. Thanks for the great video. Your cards are gorgeous!
Thank you, Teri!! How lovely to have Shooting Star in your garden! I kill all the things. Maybe that’s why I love flora stamps so much 😂😜
Wow! Very detailed use of inspiration photo. Great demonstration of your process.
Thanks, Laura!
I love those dark flowers-so unique! Enjoyed all the tips and techniques in the video-I love learning the design process. Gorgeous cards,
Thanks, Lizzie! I’m so happy you liked the video!
Love the dark flowers they are amzing!
Thanks, Ingela!
Flowers are always so elegant.
Thank you, Julia!
I really loved both of the color combinations! But which one is your favorite? Thank you for sharing your techniques and tips with us!
Thank you, Nanette! My favorite are the dark one’s for sure.
Well, I am going to treasure this post for sure! So many amazing tips on ways to make flowers look real. I totally love your color schemes for this awesome new flower, Amber….bold and unique, as always. Thanks for your ever-inspiring work shared with us.
You are so so sweet Kathy! Thank you!!
Beautiful cards. Thanks for sharing the
informative video
Thanks, Susan!
Wow. Thanks for taking the time to share the inspiration from photos of the flowers. Beautiful cards.
Thanks, Monica! I so happy you like them!
Ah,Amber, a girl after my own heart…go to the source. You did a magnificent job of capturing the true beauty of these delightful flowers. Thank you for sharing hour process.
Thanks ever so much, Mary!!!
Beautiful cards. Your rich colors are gorgeous. Love them!
Thanks, Jeannie!
Such beautiful cards, the colors are awesome.
Thanks, Joan!
At first i wasn’t sure I liked this BaF; it did not say Hellabore to me — until I saw your cards. You capture the essence of that flower and what I love about it. GORGEOUS cards. Thank you for sharing.
Oh, I’m so glad Caroline!! Thanks so much!
I have always found it difficult to color dark flowers. I really appreciate your video that shows that while some analysis might be necessary if it is not going in the right direction………it can be done.
Thanks, Debbie!! Have fine teyjngnir out!!
They are both stunning, but that darker bouquet is amazing! I’m always smitten with everything you do!
Jen, that’s so sweet! The k you! The darknones are my fave!
I really love the dark colored flowers!
Thank you, Kelsey! Me too!
Your cards are absolutely stunning. Thank you for sharing the video with
your stamping techniques.
Thanks, Carol! You’re so welcome!
Wow. These are amazing! Thanks for the great video!
Thanks, Carol! And you’re most welcome!
Beautiful cards! Lovely color choices!
Thanks, Kim!
Fabulous colour combinations. Thank you
Thanks, Anna!
GASP!GASP! GASP! I never would have thought of using these colors, but they are STUNNING! Thanks you for all the tips.
Thanks, Sandy! I’m thrilled you like them!
OMG! I LOVE the DEEP blue one! These are gorgeous! Thanks for the pics to go along with them!!!
😊 Thanks so much, Meghan!!
Your flowers are incredible!! Thank you for sharing these great tips.
Thanks, Cheryl!
Thanks for all the wonderful tips. I was not familiar with the Hellebore and I’m so glad you googled it — such a gorgeous flower with so many color possibilities. Your cards are beautiful.
Thanks, Cyndi! Yes, I was blown away by all the beautiful varieties!
WOW! You convinced me that I need this set because of your stunning cards. Thank you for sharing your talent!!!
Aw, thanks, Vicki!! You’ll love the set!
Hi Vicki! Thanks so much! You’re going to love this set. I’d love to see what you create. Please tag me @notableink on Instagram.
I never would have thought to color flowers such a dark color. But it works amazingly well. You really captured the colors of the real flowers in the second card.
Thanks so much, Sandy! The photos were so beautiful and inspiring!
Dark flowers so different. And unique
Thanks, Gail! I think so too!
These are breath-taking!! I love your choises of colors for these beautiful blooms!!
The ka so much, Cindy!
Wow, those dark flowers are really different! Both cards are stunners.
Thanks, Becca! I love the dark flowers too!
Very striking, thank you for sharing!
Thank you!
Beautiful cards-the darker flowers are truly stunning.
Thank you, Bea!
great tips, especially the oxide combos! thanks!!!
Thanks, Lynnea!
Super beautiful cards!! The flowers look so real! 🙂
Thanks, Karthikha!
Truly beautiful cards, Amber! I love those flowers & not being much of a gardner, didnt know what they are called. Thanks for all the info on layering! I always learn a lot from your awesome posts.
Aw, thanks so much Patt! I had to look up the pronunciation, so I’m with you there!
Wow, these are just gorgeous!
Thanks, Kathy!
Great idea and beautiful cards!
Thanks, Sue!
Gorgeous cards, I love your beautiful hellebore flowers, so realistic! Thanks for the awesome video and sharing your tips for realistic flowers.
Thanks, Melissa! I’m thrilled you like them!
I love the Hellebores in my yard because they are among the first to appear in early, early spring and are so beautiful! I have purple and also white with a wine colored veining and yourbeautiful cards remind me of them. I think I’m going to have to have this set. I like that it has the layers numbered so there is no confusion!
Oh, how lovely to have those in your garden! Snap a pic and try to color match the varieties you have. I’d love to see them if you post them! Thanks so much, Barbara!
Awesome stampset! Awesome creations! I especially love the deeeep purple card!
Thank you, Lagene!
Beautiful cards. I love Hellebores although I haven’t been too successful with them. I love that you looked to the natural colors for hellebores to gain inspriation.
Thanks, Sandy! They’re such a beautiful flower!
I love how you used picture of real hellebores to inspire and guide your color layering for your cards, absolutely stunning.
Thanks so much, Lynne! I do t always do that, but I probably do it more often now!
What unique cards. Amazing colors!
Thank you, Isabel!
You captured the colors from the pictures perfectly.
Thanks, Michelle!
Incredible – I have seen the darker hellebores and I absolutely and stunned by your take on them – gorgeous!
Thanks, Bonnie! I was enamored by those dark blooms!!
Wow – your cards are amazing. I love how you used real flowers as inspiration. They look so real!
Thanks a bunch, Wanda!
Your cards are stunning and I enjoyed your inspiration comparison.
Thank you, Tanya! I’m so glad you enjoyed them!