Hello, crafty friends! Today, I'm thrilled to share a clean and simple card design that’s sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face. If you’re like me and love creating cards that are both fun and easy to put together, then this one’s for you! We’ll be featuring the absolutely adorable Stay Curious Mini Stamp Set from Colorado Craft Company. This little stamp set packs a punch with its sweet illustration of a curious dog sticking his head into a flowerpot—perfect for those who enjoy adding a touch of whimsy to their projects.
Stay Curious! CAS Card:
Finding Inspiration in Everyday Moments
I’ve always believed that the best card designs often come from the simplest ideas. I first fell in love with this stamp set because it reminded me of my own pup, who’s constantly sticking his nose into everything he finds interesting. That curiosity and playfulness is what inspired me to create a card that captures the joy of discovery. Plus, who can resist a cute dog, right?
Why Clean & Simple?
Clean and simple cards are my go-to when I want to let a stamped image shine. There’s something incredibly satisfying about focusing on the basics—just ink, paper, and a few finishing touches. For this project, I wanted the little dog to be the star of the show, so I kept the design minimal, using only a few tools and supplies to bring it all together. It’s a great way to create something impactful without spending hours on layers and embellishments.
Let’s Talk Supplies
One of the things I love about this card is how few supplies you need to create it. Here’s what I used:
Stay Curious Mini Stamp Set from Colorado Craft Company (isn't it just the cutest?)
Versafine Clair Nocturne Ink—my go-to for crisp, bold lines that hold up well to coloring
Bristol Smooth Cardstock—perfect for blending and coloring with water-based markers
Tombow Dual Brush Pens—ideal for adding vibrant color and soft blending
Background Basics Stencils (from my stash)—to add subtle interest without overpowering the focal image
Speckled Egg Distress Ink and Memento Toffee Crunch Ink—for ink blending through the stencil
Uni-Ball Signo White Gel Pen—for those final, eye-catching highlights
Top-folding A2 Card Base—simple and classic, providing a clean canvas for the design
Crafting the Perfect Scene
When it comes to stamping and coloring, patience is key—especially when working with detailed images. I stamped the dog image with Versafine Clair Nocturne Ink onto Bristol Smooth Cardstock, which I’ve found to be an excellent choice for blending with water-based markers like Tombow Dual Brush Pens. I let the ink dry completely before coloring, ensuring crisp lines that won’t smudge during the next step.
Pro Tip: If you're in a hurry (and let’s be honest, who isn’t sometimes?), use a heat tool to speed up the drying process. Just make sure to keep it moving so you don’t warp the paper.
Adding Depth with Ink Blending
To add a bit of interest to the background, I turned to one of my trusty stencils the Background Basics Stencils (from Penny Black). I love how ink blending can bring a design to life without overwhelming it. I used Speckled Egg Distress Ink around the top and sides of the stencil, then softened the bottom with Memento Toffee Crunch Ink. The result is a subtle frame that draws the eye toward the focal point—the curious little dog.
Keeping It Simple with Finishing Touches
When it comes to finishing a card like this, less is more. I stamped the sentiment on the left side of the image, balancing the design while keeping the overall look clean. A few white gel pen highlights were all I needed to add a little extra pop. Sometimes, it’s those small details that make the biggest difference.
Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to experiment with your gel pen highlights! They can add dimension and light to your images, making them appear more three-dimensional.
A Quick Assembly and We’re Done!
Once everything was stamped, colored, and blended, I mounted the card front onto a top-folding A2 card base. I love how a simple white card base can make the colors and design elements really stand out.
I hope you enjoyed this little journey into creating a clean and simple card with the Stay Curious Mini Stamp Set. There’s something so satisfying about watching a project come together, especially when it captures the playful spirit of our furry friends. I encourage you to give this design a try, or even better, use it as a starting point to create your own unique version. Remember, the beauty of card making is that there’s no right or wrong—just endless possibilities!
Thank you for stopping by, and as always, I’d love to hear your thoughts or see your creations. Happy crafting!
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
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