February 09, 2014

Polka Dots everywhere!



Happy Sunday crafty friends!
I'm playing along with the February Denami Blog Hop so if you came from Donna Bowman's blog you are on the right track. This month we are all about the polka dots!


Who doesn't love polka dots? They can easily be gender neutral, which is why I created a set of 41/4" square cards for several occasions. I used the Mini Polka Dot stamp and the Medium Polka Dots BG stamp for each card, then just changed out the sentiment. 






Here's how I did it...

1. Punch a shape from computer/printer paper, and lightly adhere to your cardstock base. 
2. Use the Mini Polka Dot stamp to add your color in a gradient style spreading out from the edge of the punched shape from darkest to lightest.
3. Peel up the punched shaped.
4. Voila!


Bonus Tip:
When I can't find the perfect matching cardstock for a mat layer, I use the same ink and just swipe it across the edges of a white mat layer, creating a perfect match that looks like cardstock! 


Your next polka dot creation is on the blog of Lyndal. I know without a doubt that she has something fabulous up her creative sleeve for your inspiration! Be sure to leave a comment for a chance to win one of two $20 Gift Certificates to Denami Design before you go:)

Thanks for stopping by today,
XOXO

30 comments:

Unknown said...

ummmm...ya rocked this!!! i adore these!!! fabulous creativity and i love the bokeh effect. awesome!

Brenda in IN said...

What a great idea to create your own circles with dots! Love it. Thanks for the tip about using ink to swipe the color on white. That's a "why didn't I think of that" tip.

Stacy said...

This is awesome! How adorable is that heart? Thank you for the great advice!

Unknown said...

Great Idea! Love your unique use of polka dots.

gwhee60277 said...

Love the masking technique used on the cards. They are unique.

Stacey Schafer said...

love this technique! gorgeous color choices!

Roey said...

how different and original! thanks for the tip....

Debbie Bonczek said...

Holy crud-monkey (my odd expression that just means OMG to the 10th power)! These are just fabulous. The gradient stamping is just perfect. The way you created the perfect borders with your swiping of the stamp pad is just genius. The banner sentiments are awesome. And the touch of black with the white dots makes it all pop. I love these. What a great little set.

Lyndal said...

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your bokeh polka dot cards Dana - just FABULOUS!!!!!

Lisa Elton said...

Oh get just shut up!!! Dana can I come spend a day a crafting day with you LOL! These are brilliant I adore them!!!

deb said...

How clever!

Linda said...

Your set of mini cards is just adorable! Such a neat technique! Colorful and so useful!

Denise Bryant said...

Great set of cards in yummy colors! Love the sentiment banners on each one!

Amy Schumacher said...

I want your creative brain. I just want to borrow it...like a library book. I'll sign it out and return it. Promise! But, I just want to know, for 5 seconds, what it is like to be as genius as you are. Where do these ideas come from?? Everything you touch turns to crafty gold!!! Ugh. Reading your blog is like getting punched in the gut, but in a good way. I always go, "UGGGGGH! It's sooooooooooo good!" You're amazing, my friend.

Emily Keaton said...

Oh, Dana, I just LOVE this beautiful set of cards! What a creative approach to this theme, and I love how they all turned out. Great color choices, too!!

cghundley said...

Wonderful creations
here and thanks for
the tip about using
the matching ink to
make a mat.
Carla from Utah

Sue D said...

What fun and colorful designs!

McStamper said...

Love your unique idea.

KFlaherty said...

This is a wonderful idea and your instructions were very good. Thank you.

Tenia Nelson said...

LURVE!!!!!!

Greta said...

Absolutely brilliant design! I love these cards, Dana--thanks for the inspiration!

Create Beauty with Laurajo said...

Great tips and techniques! Love how you colored the edges of the card stock to match your project and using a mask to stamp out the image. Awesome ideas. Thanks for sharing.

Pat M said...

I liked the various cards and especially the tip about creating background paper from the matching ink.

Tina M said...

Woman, you NEVER fail to amaze me and make me smile!!! These are genius...Ohh My Gosh!!

Larissa Heskett said...

Wow!! LOVING your Cards for today!! Such a FUN look and I LOVE the idea of using the same technique with different shapes!! THANKS so much for sharing and have a Fabulous Week!! :)

designbydonna said...

Love this idea. And great tip to swipe the edges with the same color.

Deb said...

Dana, I love your CAS cards!! And thanks for the tips!

Lisa Petrella said...

AWESOME cards, Dana! So graphic and totally fun!!! And thanks for the photo tutorial and tips!!! Can't wait to try this out!!! You are AMAZING!!

Danielle Klaiss said...

Love Love Love the polka dots designs you have created!!! They are so clever and make me just want to whip out my inks and try making one myself!! <3 the inspiration here! Thank you!!!

Unknown said...

Awesome set of card! Love the different colors and shaped you used to create these beauties! :D