Coffee Valentine

I didn't realize how much I was influenced subconsciously by guest designer Tenia's coffee card until I went to post my entry over at STAMPlorations.  The post was from January 2, and as you can see my post is on January 28.  That's a lot of time in-between to remember the idea.  (She used rings for her background--hers were white on dark brown and very much more orderly--I went with a random design.)

First I tried coffee splatters by actually tossing some coffee from my cup onto this card.  I also dipped a cup into the coffee and tried to stamp coffee cup rings.  None of this worked.  The card absorbed the liquid and left no stains--perhaps because, to begin with, the card was a toothy dark kraft stock.

So I resorted to stamping with Archival "coffee" ink (perfect color choice, of course!).  I used a glue jar for the rings and then a Crafty Individuals ink splats stamp, literally to make splatters.  I used the "roll" technique, rather than putting the stamp on a block which gives an uneven effect to the stamped image--perfect for a "blotch".  I also used the "kiss" technique, meaning I stamped twice without re-inking, which creates two different intensities of color.  Finally, you'll also notice a few finger smudges in a lighter color, as if I tried to "mop up" the spill. That would be the sum of my inking technique for an inky background.

Other Materials:
STAMPlorations Eat Drink Be Merry stamp set:  sentiment and coffee cup
Stampin' Up early expresso ink for the stamps
Stampin' Up very vanilla and early expresso card stock (what can I say, I'm on a roll with the theme)
1-3/8" circle punch
1-3/4" scallop punch
Wilton red doily for a pop of color (I love red with kraft)--I kept with the "circle" theme but added a punched heart that was a reject from another project--it was the perfect little touch of  "Valentine".


Challenges I'm Entering:

STAMPlorations January Ink and Stamp challenge
By completing this challenge, I'm in the running for the frequent player prize, as I now have entered all three challenges offered in January.  Plus I was able to put a couple entries in the never ending Anything Goes challenge.

Hiding in My Craft Room:  Challenge #184 Any Holiday x

The Crafter's Cafe Challenge Blog #101 Create Your Own Background x

Time Out Challenges #23  Valentine's Day with optional twist of hearts x

Entering these two challenges because I'm working on my coffee splatter technique AND with my new STAMPlorations Eat Drink Be Merry stamp set.

Simon Says Stamp Work It Wednesday:  New product/technique

Crafty Gals Corner:  Challenge #4 Try Something New until Feb 3 x