Blog Hop with Unity Stamps by Ann Butler

It was a surprise and a pleasure to be asked to participate in this Blog Hop.  Ann Butler is a very talented designer who works within the creative arts industry.  I met Ann several years ago in Minneapolis, at a conference for creative designers, that we were both attending for the very first time.  We have remained in contact through the years.  The desire to create, that we both share, as helped to keep us in touch.  I have met so many lovely, creative people and it's always a delight to help promote them and their endeavors.

Unity Stamp Company just launched Ann's new stamps on Thursday, May 2nd. For this "hop" Ann sent stamps from her new line called "Faux Quilting".  As you move through this hop from one designer to another, you will see the wonderful ideas each came up with.  These type of hops are always fun to participate in, not only for the chance to use some new items, but to see the clever, beautiful ideas from everyone.

There is an offer from Unity Stamps to save 50% when ordering any stamps from Ann's line, from May 2 through Monday, May 6th, till midnight CST. When ordering, use the coupon code Unity 5.

So now onto my piece using Ann's Faux Quilting stamps!

What to do with these stamps was a difficult choice.  Since I do sew, quilt and do paper crafts, the choice was not easy.  In the end I decided to "quilt" a design from paper to cover a frame.  This same technique could be used to cover almost any object.   Watercolor paper was used for the quilting pieces.
I chose 6 colors from Ranger's Adirondack Acrylic Paint line (these are paints that have a slight metallic look).  Once the paper was dry, each of the six stamp designs were stamped onto the watercolor papers, using Ranger Archival Ink in Sepia.  Each of the stamped sheets were heated slightly with a heat tool to made sure the ink was dry.

The stamped designs were then cut into the 1" squares.  Each of the squares were than cut diagonally to  made two pieces for piecing the quilt patterns.  NOTE: Each of the sets I received did have a diagonal stamp for each design that could have been used.  I chose to just cut my squares.)

***The frame was purchased at a craft store.  Sand the frame.  Wipe away any sanding dust.  A base coat of was given to the entire frame with a creamy white color.  When dry, a coat of Martha Stewart white Pearl Paint was applied.

Once a desired pattern of pieces is achieved, glue the pieces into place on the frame.  Any clear drying clue can be used.  I used Glossy Accents by Ranger to hold the pieces in place.  Finish the frame with tiny white rick-rack and buttons.  Insert photo ... and enjoy!

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