Weeks of Wonder: Shadows in the Summertime

Summer is finally in full swing in my neck of the woods. The days are longer, the weather is warm, the sun is shining and enjoying the outdoors is a way of life. In Utah the evenings cool down and it’s fun to just sit outside and watch the sun go down. The shadows grow longer until they disappear. Summer is the inspiration for the technique we will explore today: shadow stamping. Shadow stamping is the technique of creating a shadow behind the main stamp image. This can add a feeling of dimension and/or movement to stamped images.

To create a shadow use paper piecing, foam tape and a light shade of ink. In this “Land of the Free” card, the birdhouse was stamped directly on the card base using Bamboo ink. Then, the birdhouse was paper pieced using a variety of inks and papers. The paper pieced image was then adhered with foam tape over the stamped “shadow.” The foam tape helps add to the illusion of the shadow.

On the USA card, two different ink colors worked their magic to create a shadow (one slightly darker than the other). Notice the fireworks: each image was first stamped in Desert Sand, then the image was shifted slightly and stamped again in Bamboo ink. The same technique was used for the postage stamp lines only with greater contrast using Chocolate and Bamboo inks.

On the “You’re a star” box, a combination of selective inking together with first and second generation inking were used to make the sentiment stand out. To get this look, start by stamping the sentiment in first generation ink. Selectively ink only the portions of the stamp that will be stamped in each color. “you’re a” was stamped in Desert Sand, “star” in Barn Red.

Shift the image slightly and immediately stamp it again without reinking in second generation to create a shadow.

This technique was used for the firework as well. The first image was stamped in Desert Sand.

The image was then rotated lightly and immediately stamped again.

I know you are going to ask, so here are the instructions to make the cute candy box. Remember to use a bone folder when doing your folds (it helps minimize fiber breakage in your cardstock so the paper stays looking great). It’s a treat no matter what you put inside!

Box Base

Cardstock
4 ½” x 6 ½” score 1” on all sides

Liner

B&T Paper
Slightly smaller than 2 ½” x 4 ½” (bottom)
1” x 7” scored at 2 ½” (2) (sides)

On the horizontal sides, cut in 1” to make four vertical slits extending from the top and bottom. Cut these flaps diagonally (across the outside corner). This will create four triangular flaps for the sides of the box. Fold flaps and adhere. Adhere liner pieces to the bottom and sides of box.

Box Lid

Cardstock
4 5/8” x 8” (score at 1 ½”, 2 5/8”, 5 ¼”, 6 3/8”)
3 ¾” x 5 1/8” scallop
3 1/8” x 5 1/8” skinny mat

B&T paper
2 7/8” x 5 1/8”

Adhere all pieces together, fold lid around box base overlapping edges on bottom and adhere overlapped pieces together.

Candy Wrappers

B&T Paper
2 ½” x 4” (x4) (fits snack size Snickers candy bar)