One of the things I love most about card making is the ability to blend simplicity with a touch of humor. There's something incredibly satisfying about creating a card that’s both minimalistic and snarky, delivering a cheeky message in a clean and polished design. When I got my hands on the Balloon Animals 2 Stamp Set and Balloon Animals 2 Dies from The Rabbit Hole Designs, I knew exactly what I wanted to do—pair these playful characters with a snarky sentiment for a card that would make anyone chuckle.
Why Snarky?:
Humor is such a powerful tool, especially in crafting. I often find that adding a playful twist to a card not only makes the creation process more enjoyable but also brings an extra smile to the recipient's face. The Balloon Animals 2 Stamp Set is perfect for this because it combines the whimsy of balloon animals with a bit of sass, which I find irresistible.
Now, let’s dive into the details of this project and explore how these fun products come together to create a card that’s as snarky as it is clean and simple.
Stamping and Coloring: Making the Most of Your Stamps
The first step in any card-making project is to choose your stamps and ink. For this card, I stamped the adorable Octopus and Crab from the Balloon Animals 2 Stamp Set using Memento Tuxedo Black Ink. This ink is my go-to for projects where I plan to do some coloring because it won’t bleed when I bring out my markers.
Speaking of markers, I used my Ohuhu Brush Markers to bring these critters to life. The smooth blend of these markers really makes the colors pop, and I especially love how they handle subtle shading. If you’re new to using alcohol markers, a little pro tip: work in small sections and use a light hand when blending. This will give you a more seamless transition between colors and prevent over saturation.
After coloring, I used the matching Balloon Animals 2 Dies to cut out each image. These dies are a perfect match for the stamps, making it super easy to get clean, crisp edges around your images without any fuss.
Pro Tip: When die-cutting intricate images like these, run your die through the machine twice to ensure a clean cut. This little extra step saves time and frustration, especially when working with thicker cardstock or watercolor paper.
Creating the Background: Subtle Ink Blending for a Clean Look
For the card background, I wanted something that complemented the vibrant colors of the balloon animals without overpowering them. I started with a piece of Canson XL Watercolor Paper, cut to 4 1/4" x 5 1/2", and die-cut a window opening in the top center. This window creates a focal point for the images, drawing the eye right to those cheeky little critters.
Next, I created an A2 top-folding card base using Neenah Solar White Ultra Thick Cardstock—my absolute favorite for sturdy card bases. Once I had my base ready, I placed the watercolor panel on top to determine where I needed to ink blend.
For this card, I wanted to keep the background soft and subtle, so I blended a bit of Tumbled Glass Distress Ink and Memento Toffee Crunch Ink in the area that would show through the window. The combination of these two colors gives a soft, beachy vibe, perfect for the sea creatures I was working with.
To add some texture, I used The Rabbit Hole Designs’ Making Waves Stencil and my Bitty Bunny Blending Brushes to create a little seaweed detail. I love how stencils can add dimension without adding bulk to a card. By applying Tumbled Glass Distress Ink with a heavier hand, I was able to create a subtle yet effective underwater scene.
Pro Tip: When blending inks, start off the edge of your paper and work your way in. This helps prevent harsh lines and creates a smoother gradient.
Adding the Snark: The Perfect Sentiment
Now, what’s a snarky card without a great sentiment? For this design, the "blow me" sentiment from the Balloon Animals 2 Stamp Set was a perfect fit. I stamped it slightly below the window opening using Versafine Clair Nocturne Ink, which is fantastic for getting crisp, bold impressions.
One thing I’ve learned over the years is the importance of precise placement when stamping sentiments. That’s where my MISTI Stamping Tool comes in handy. It allows me to position my stamps exactly where I want them and ensures I get a perfect impression every time—no more crooked sentiments or smudged ink!
Finishing Touches: Bringing It All Together
Once all the elements were ready, it was time to assemble the card. I attached the watercolor panel flat to the card base using Bearly Arts Liquid Glue. This glue is strong and dries clear, making it ideal for adhering panels and intricate die cuts.
With the background in place, I added the die-cut Octopus and Crab to the card front using a little more Bearly Arts Liquid Glue. To finish off the card, I added some white gel pen highlights to each of the images, which gives them that extra pop and adds a bit of dimension.
Pro Tip: When adding highlights with a white gel pen, think about where the light would naturally hit your images. A few strategically placed highlights can make your images look more three-dimensional.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Fun in Card Making
Creating this snarky clean & simple card was such a joy. It’s a great reminder that card making doesn’t always have to be serious or overly complicated. Sometimes, the best designs come from blending humor with simplicity. The Balloon Animals 2 Stamp Set and Balloon Animals 2 Dies from The Rabbit Hole Designs made it easy to bring this idea to life, and I hope it inspires you to add a little snark to your next project.
If you give this design a try, I’d love to see how it turns out! Feel free to share your creations in the comments below or tag me on social media. And remember, whether you’re a seasoned card maker or just starting out, the most important thing is to have fun with it. After all, that’s what crafting is all about.
Thanks for dropping by today I hope that you found a little spark of creative inspiration with my project today. Wondering what I used in this project? Everything is linked to multiple sources in the thumbnails in the Materials Used section, or in the text below. Compensated affiliate links used when possible.
Materials Used:
Here you will find the list of supplies that I used to create today's card. All supplies are linked to supply sources below. Compensated affiliate links may be used at no cost to you.
Happy Stampin'
Rick Adkins
Affiliate Disclaimer:
Just a friendly reminder, as part of my commitment to transparency, please note that some of the links provided maybe affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support is truly appreciated!
Additionally, I kindly ask that you always accept the tracking cookie for the affiliate websites. Rest assured, this will not in any way expose your computer to viruses or compromise your information. It's simply necessary for the company to attribute the sale to the affiliate, ensuring creators like myself receive their rightful commissions.
Your trust and support enable me to continue sharing creativity through my email lists, blog, and YouTube channel. Thank you for being a valued part of our crafting community!
Comments