Lotus Blossom, Step-by-Step with Masking Technique

The Lotus Blossom stamp set is clearly a winner, judging by the sheer numbers of cards posted on-line in various forums.  I'm so happy that the Stampin' Up! photopolymer sets give an excellent, clean image.  If you have shied away from photopolymer stamps before because of poor image quality, you can safely jump back in with this one.

The three-step blossom and two-step stem give you endless possibilities for designing your bloom just the way you like it.  On this card, I used several masks in order to make a whole bouquet, highlighted against an oval frame.

The Lotus Blossom stamp set is only available as a Sale-a-Bration item, which means that you get it for free when you purchase $50 worth of supplies.  The current Sale-a-Bration catalog is full of really great stuff.  So, if you need any of the supplies to make this card, get 'em now!  It's a great time of year to stock up and get lots of freebies.

Here's what you will need:
Card Stock
Pacific Point 111350  standard card size (5-1/2" x 8-1/2", folded to 5-1/2 x 4-1/4)
Whisper White 100730  3-5/8" x 4-7/8" (cut two)
Very Vanilla  3-3/4" x 5" (cut two)

Ink Pads
Soft Sky 131181
Melon Mambo  126948
Strawberry Slush  131178 (this one is an In Color, so if you don't have it, get it fast!)
Daffodil Delight  126944
Pear Pizzazz  131180
Old Olive 126593
Memento  132708 (Tuxedo Black)

All the Usual:
Stamping Sponge 101610

Snail Tape 104332
acrylic blocks 129851
also, a sheet of printer paper, sticky notes
and don't forget your envelopes


1. Select an oval from your Ovals Collection thinlits.  I actually used the center from my old Bigz Oval Scalloped Frame, or you can use a different shape such as the Deco Labels or Labels Collection thinlits.  Cut the out oval using thin paper, such as printer paper.
    Lay the oval in the center of your Whisper White card, and use the Soft Sky to sponge all the way around it.  I swirled my sponge to get a cloudy sky effect.  Remove the oval mask.

2.  Stamp the largest of the Lotus Blossom images onto the sticky end of a stack of sticky notes.  Peel off the top three together, and cut carefully around the image.  Sticky note masks are ideal for smaller items, because they stay put!

3.  Using the smallest of the Blossom images with the Melon Mambo ink, stamp three images around the white oval in the center of your card.  It is okay to go over into the blue a bit.

4.  Optional--Mask the bottom two flowers with your sticky note masks.  We are making the top flower appear to go behind the other two, in case there is overlap.  Using the medium Blossom image with Strawberry Slush ink, line up the stamp with the image already on the card, and press. You'll notice an arrow pointer at one end of your stamp--this will help you line up your images. Also, use the end points of the images and "V's" between the flower petals to help you.

5.  Remove one of the bottom the sticky note masks, and do the next image.  This flower will be in the middle of the bouquet.  Finally, remove the last mask and do the last blossom.  This is the front blossom.  It is also ok if your flowers do not overlap, or perhaps they are far enough apart that they will not overlap 'til you use the final, largest image.

6.  Replace the two bottom masks, if you like, and repeat steps 4 and 5 with the largest Blossom image and Daffodil Delight ink.  (Oh! THAT's how she got orange tinted flowers with pink ink.) If you want your blooms to remain pink, use Pretty in Pink or Pink Pirouette for your largest image.

7.  Now, replace all three flower masks, and do the stems.  Use Old Olive with the "bumpy" stem first, and then use Pear Pizzazz with the smooth stem.  If you want to extend the length of a stem, just turn it around and butt the flat end against the previous image, and stamp again.  Use a mask at the end of the extension to control the length. 

8.  Finally, and VERY carefully, stamp your sentiment in the corner.  PLEASE do a few practice images, as the polymer stamps are very thin, and it is too easy to get a blob or smear.  Of course, if you do, we simply re-do the sentiment on a label of our favorite shape, and pop it up over the smear.  We can fix anything.

9.  Layer your creation onto the Very Vanilla, and then onto the Pacific Point card base.  I used the Vanilla instead of White, to harmonize the warmer Soft Sky to the cooler Pacific Point.  The White was too harsh as a frame.  However, you may disagree with me.  Line the inside of your card with the White and Vanilla also, or you may choose White over Soft Sky.  Or all three.  Have fun.

Enjoy!