A few months ago I decided to treat myself to the Studio Calico monthly stamp subscription, and I can’t tell you how much I’ve enjoyed receiving that sheet of acrylic stamps each month. Because they’re topmost on my desk, usually, they’re much more likely to be grabbed when I need a starting point for my next project.
Case in point: Build a Bouquet (January 2017)Â meets Imagine embossing. Jewelry ensues. Check out the play-by-play on the Imagine blog.
Now, this is not my first time making paper jewelry. Back when I was with the Gauche team I made paper brooches as well as a slew of paper beads that I turned into a Day of the Dead rosary.Paper and stamping is just such an unexpected material for jewelry that it never fails to impress, so I dipped back into the well this month for a project that incorporated the color challenge (Rose) as well as the theme (Heart of Gold).
Paper jewelry tends to be very delicate, it’s a given, but for this project I wanted to protect the stamped blossoms and give them the high shine of resin (but without the mixing and waiting that resin crafts require). Multiple layers of clear embossing powder provided the desired effect and the gold that gets swiped just on the edges melded into the clear rather than creating a hard line–something you only see when you look closely, but that’s okay, too.
I decided to make earrings at the same time, since the Studio Calico stamp set had both a large layered blossom and a small one. For the earrings, since they’re likely to get a bit more hard use with hair and phones and scarves nearby, I doubled the images so the bail is sandwiched between them and both sides are glossy.
Of course, my m.o. is always to make multiples of something when I’ve got all the stuff out, so I have enough stamped and embossed images to make 3 more necklaces and a couple pairs of earrings, I just have to put them together.
Back to the Studio Calico subscription–I really can’t say enough good things about it. It’s a simple program (in a good way): the stamps are sturdy and a full sheet’s worth; there’s minimal packaging; and they come with a little booklet that serves the backing board in the package and includes examples of how their designers have used the stamps. There’s also a url for an online classroom where more projects are featured. While I’ve only been getting the stamps for a few months, the designs are very versatile and they tend to include a range of bog and small pieces within each.
Overall, I’ve been very pleased with them and if you’ve been on the fence about the Studio Calico stamp subscription, I’d say give it a try. Tools are always a good investment, and stamps are awesome tools.
The Stamp Subscription from Studio Calico is $19.99 a month. This post was not sponsored by Studio Calico, I’m just a happy customer.
It’s not an exact match for the Gingerbread Dollhouse, but it’s pretty darn close!
