Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Shape Changing Chicks: Tutorial

Hello, My Friends!

I have a FABULOUS tutorial to share with you today!  Design Team Member, Anna Wight is so sweet to share it with us.

When I first saw this card, I think I let out a little scream!  It's adorable and I'm thrilled that Anna is letting me share it with you all!


Here, in Anna's words is the tutorial.....

AnnaWight6643

Earlier this week I posted this "four cute chicks" card and wrote about how I was able to create the various body shapes for the chicks. Since then, I've had several questions and requests for more details on how I was able to create the various body shapes using the same stamp, so I thought I'd put together a quick "how to" in photos. Hope this is helpful!

AnnaWight6647

For my supplies, I'm using the Eggs4Easter set by The Stamps of Life, a clear block, an image mask (made from a sticky note), and ink for stamping.

AnnaWight6648

What makes this shape changing technique possible is the unique way the chick stamp was made. The center of the stamp is not filled with polymer, which allows it to be shaped differently than it's original shape. If the stamp's center was filled with polymer (like most clear stamps are), it would not be possible to change the chick's shape.
Let me show you how!

AnnaWight6649

Place the chick stamp on a clear block, ink the image, and stamp the chick in it's original shape. Also stamp the chick on a sticky note and cut it out to create the image mask needed for the next steps.

AnnaWight6653

Adjust the shape of the chick on the clear block and ink it for stamping. See how the open area in the center of the chick's body allows the reshaping? If this area was filled in with polymer, the body shape would not be able to be changed.

AnnaWight6651

With the sticky note mask placed over the first stamped image (mine is white with a red and yellow dot), stamp the second (taller) chick in place. By covering up the first stamped image with the image mask, you are preventing the ink of the second image from overlapping the first image.

AnnaWight6655

Once again reshape the stamp on the block. This time make him shorter and, well, plumper! Again, it's that open center of the image that's allowing it to be reshaped.

AnnaWight6656

With the mask still in place over the first stamped image, stamp the third chick in place.

AnnaWight6658

Remove the mask to reveal your grouping.

AnnaWight6660

Finish building your chicks with other stamp images provided in the set, masking as needed. I masked their bodies while stamping the legs, so I could adjust the length of the legs and not risk getting ink in their bodies.

AnnaWight6605

On my original card I used this technique to stamp an original shaped chick, two tall chicks, and added a fourth plump chick that was stamped on a separate sheet of paper, cut out, and adhered to my card using foam adhesive for a bit of dimension.
While it's not always possible to reshape stamps like this since most of the time the centers are filled edge to edge with polymer, keep your eye out for possibilities of when you can! Sentiments are easily changed from straight lines to curves, so keep that in mind, too!


Supplies:
eggs4Easter

eggs4Easter by The Stamps of Life

Ink: Black Memento, Antique Linen Distress Ink by Ranger, Dusty Durango by Stampin' Up!
ShinHan Touch Twin markers: Y36, YR31, YR32, R3, R2, GY175, 0, CG.5
Paper: Neenah, Bo Bunny
Other: Prismacolor Pencil (Kelp Green), button, baker's twine, tracing wheel

Anna, thanks so much for sharing this amazing tutorial with us!  I can't wait to see what you come up with next!  :)  (and welcome to our Design Team!)

Happy Stamping!