Stamp and Stencil Combo Border

Welcome, Homestead Hoppers! To start at the top of the hop, visit our wonderful host, Club Scrap.

I set out to create something with the clever stencil/stamp combo Jacqueline designed for this beautiful kit. Since day one, Jac had a vision for how the smaller label/frame image from the Collection UM could work like a "ribbon slide thingie" on a page.

The blog hop gives me one more chance to make work of ideas like this . . .

1. Use a grid ruler and pencil to mark a guideline about 1.5" from the edge of a 12x12 Ivory Plain. Mark the center and 2" above and below center until reaching the edges of the page. (This measurement is based on the size of the stamp . . . a little less than 2".)

2. Center the stamp onto an acrylic block with an etched grid. Align the vertical and horizontal center of the image onto the horizontal and vertical pencil guidelines to stamp a perfectly spaced border with India Black ink.

3. Use a quality eraser to eliminate the guidelines. (Don't use a nasty eraser that leaves horrid black marks all over the paper.)

4. Use the Homestead Lite Framed Stencil, ink applicator and Ruby ink to add the corresponding frame around each image. Do not fill in the entire area . . . simply ink the edges and lightly toward the center of the frame.

5. Outline the edge of each stenciled frame with a fine-tipped black marker. (You can do this during the stenciling process or realign after creating the inked frames.)

6. Cut slits within the "window" of the stamped image with craft knife and cutting mat. TIP: When working with a craft knife, always rotate the paper to ensure you are cutting in the most comfortable position possible.

7. Slide a 3/4" strip of paper (or ribbon) in and out of each slit.

(The view from the back of the paper.)

8. Use the corner swirl image to add a border to the three unadorned edges of the paper with Earth ink. TIP: Use the full image to create the corners, flipping the stencil as needed. Use only part of the image for the center areas of the border.

9. Add photos, stamped images, and embellishments to finish the page. If desired, trim 1/4" from each outside edge of the 12x12 Ivory Plain and layer onto the 12x12 Green Print. I found photos from the 2014 Retreat's "Lady in Red" night worked beautifully with this collection. Say "hi" to Julie and Brenda, CS staffers extraordinaire!

Special thanks to Kay Williamson for adding the cool overlay to the Retreat guest photos this year. It's so easy to keep track of the year with the "Retreat 2014" label on the lower left corner of the image.

Distress the edges of the Green matte to create that "Homestead" look.

The look is so dimensional with the stamping, stenciling and "paper ribbon."

I hope you give the stencil/stamp combo a try! Next stop on the tour . . . Hetty's Craft Chaos across the pond in the Netherlands!

Fondly,

Tricia