MMM Monochrome Magic with Mansi

Hi everyone,

Mansi, again, on the blog today.

When I saw this amazing “Blooming Mandalas” stamp from Altenew, my first thought, like many crafters, was to either color it or heat emboss it on a rainbow background. But then I thought I'd challenge myself and try making a monochromatic card.

I used Pinkfresh Studio's Detail Black Hybrid Ink to stamp the image on to a 4.25x5.5 A4 cardstock. This is a single layer card, so I colored it with Faber Castell Polychromos Color Pencils.

After stamping, I started adding shadows with my lightest gray pencil, slowly working my way through the intricate lines. I then used my silver color pencil to go over the shading so there would be a subtle sheen when the card hits the light just right.

My last bit of shading involved using a black color pencil to fill in any nooks and crannies. It's important when doing this kind of detailed shading to have really well-sharpened color pencils. If you're doing with this Copics or Karin Markers, it would be a lot easier, I reckon.

After finishing all the detailed shading, I used the same color pencils to create a weathered-wood-textured background. It was just a matter of adding some lines and circles and filling in the paper with some grey.

Lastly, I die cut a "hello" sentiment in silver glitter paper as well as black cardstock and stuck all three layers together to create some dimension. I adhered that centered on the card and then stamped two additional sentiments, included in the "Blooming Mandalas" stamp set, stuck some sequins and the card came together.

It's a simple card but one with a lot of attention to details. I wanted to give this stamp the feel of an intricate lacy flower placed on a gritty surface -- something about having a very delicate image juxtaposed against something that has been ravaged by time. I like the feminine overtones against the masculine background. What do you think of it? Let me know in the comments.

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial and I'll see you next time.

Mansi.