by Iris Rodriguez

This month we have the pleasure of working with Joy Clair stamps. Today, I am using the Love Tree stamp set which made me think of the strong bond that exists amongst family. I created a wall hanging as an ode to family and the love that binds us and keeps us together. For this project, I stamped the sentiment “Love Blossoms Here” onto watercolor paper, personalized it with alphabet stamps, added wire hanging and added a book paper backing to represent the family stories that get created along the way and then passed on. Keep reading to see how I created this lovely home decor piece.

Skill: Intermediate
Time: 1.5 hours

Directions

Step 1

Spray the watercolor paper with water. Then brush on the Tropical Lagoon All-Purpose ink. Dry the paper. This will become the background.

Step 2

Stamp the tree and sentiment with Acorn Versafine Clair ink. Add Imagine’s Embossing Powder in Clear and heat set. Then continue to stamp the rest of elements.

Step 3

Color in the tree with the Chocolate All-Purpose ink and water. Dry the paper.

Step 4

Measure a piece of discarded cardboard to fit behind your main tree image.

Step 5

Adhere the book paper onto the cardboard with Matte Medium. Add the Matte Medium on the cardboard, on the book paper. Burnish with your fingers or brayer to ensure bubbles do not develop under the book paper. Brush on Matte Medium over the paper. Then adhere to the back of the wall hanging. This also helps give weight to the watercolor paper, which keeps the paper straight.

Step 6

Paint the dowels with Terra Cotta Walnut ink with a brush and water. Dry the dowels with the heating tool.

Step 7

Punch holes on the top and the bottom of wall hanging using the hole punch.

Step 8

Add the eyelets with the eyelet setter. Wrap wire in the hole and around the dowel several times. Ensure to leave a loop in the center to hang on the wall.

And, this is it! A new art piece for your home or a great gift for a family member or friend. I hope you give it a try.

Supplies

Imagine

• Craft Mat
• All-Purpose Ink – Tropical Lagoon, Chocolate
• VersaFine Clair – Nocturne, Tulip Red, Acorn, Shady Lane
• VersaFine – Vintage Sepia
• Embossing Powder – Clear
• Walnut Ink – Terra Cotta

Other

• Joy Clair Stamps – The Love Tree set
• Eyelets
• Eyelet Setter
• 20 gauge Steel Wire
• Wooden Dowel
• Watercolor paper
• Cardboard
• Book Paper
• Matte Medium or Mod Podge
• 1/16 hole punch