Craft Stamper Magazine: Blog Exclusive: Uniko

Hello!

In the September issue of Craft Stamper, there is a wonderful feature showcasing the talents (and the stamps!) of Uniko Stamp Company!

As a super special exclusive blog feature, we can share EVEN MORE amazing designs today with our readers here on the blog :)

So grab a cuppa, and feast your eyes on some wonderful designs…. (And then pop on over to the Uniko shop so you can buy the stamps and have a go yourself!)

WOW! Project Life Card by Jane Taylor

This Project Life card was created with bright sunny colours with a summer holiday page in mind. It uses a favourite ‘straight from the ink pad’ technique for the background and combines stamping with both hand cut and die cut elements

Stamps I used...

Uniko: Background Builders Round In Circles, Explosion, Explosion Additions

Other materials...

Inks: Ranger distress, black soot; Memento, Ladybug, Dandelion

TCW Stencil, mini tiny circles

Xcut mini dies, arrows

Doodlebug sprinkles, beetle black assortment

Instructions:

The hot and vibrant background colours were achieved by rubbing the card directly with the ink pads. A limited colour palette was used for both the background and stamping with the addition of black. Some of the elements have been placed falling off the edges of the PL card. To define the PL card edges, a blending tool and black distress ink was used. The hand cut WOW and the die cut arrows are raised on pads for dimension. A trio of black enamel dots completes the PL card.

Vellum Wings by Lindsey Bowe

The Make A Wish sentiment from the Cosmos stamp set is one of my favourites - I paired it with a whimsical blue background and a delicate translucent butterfly.

Stamps I used...

Uniko:English Country Garden, Pure Florals, Cosmos, Background Block Halftone

Other materials...

Linen effect cardstock, vellum, Versamark, WOW! Metallic gold sparkle embossing powder, Stampin’ Up! Pool Party and Pacific Point inks, Broken China Distress Ink, Perfect Pearls, Turquoise Brusho, Gansai Tambi Starry colours. Memory Box stitched square layers dies, sequins.

Instructions:

I used linen effect cardstock for texture, and the smooshing technique for my aqua background, throwing plenty of mixed media at it! Water based turquoise and blue inks were randomly added to a large acrylic block and spritzed with a water spray containing white and turquoise perfect Pearls mica powder. I then used the block to ‘stamp’ all over the cardstock until I had a coverage I was happy with. I sprinkled Turquoise Brushos onto the damp cardstock as well. I splattered some silver watercolour paint onto the acrylic block. I inked the background block halftone stamp with a darker blue, then used this ‘kissing technique’ style to stamp onto the silver splattered acrylic block.

The butterfly was stamped and gold embossed onto vellum, then the body glued to the background panel, in order to give the wings a 3D effect.

Spicy Floral Canvas by Sarah Gray

These fabulous floral stamps from Uniko were calling out to be used with spicy, summer colours. The rich yellows and oranges pull the design together and create a warm tone that makes me think of sunsets and long summer evenings.

Stamps I used...
Uniko: Pure Florals: Gerbera, Pure Florals: Lily and Background Builders: Round in Circles

Other materials...

Clarity Stamps (Lattice Stencil), The Crafter’s Workshop (Tiny Circles Stencil), Ranger Archival Watering Can Grey Ink, Dylusion sprays and paints, Derwent Inktense Pencils, Heidi Swapp Shimmer spray

Instructions:

I sponged the Dylusions paints through the lattice stencil, ensuring that I left the edges of the canvas white as I wanted to focus the colour in the centre of the design. I overlayed some of the diamonds with grey paint to give some contrast for the florals, and softened the edges of the canvas with some random stamping and stencilling in grey ink. As the Dylusions paint is quite fluid it is best to use it sparingly to avoid too much bleed through under the stencil (although this can work well for a looser look) The floral images from Uniko are a good size and, grouped together, they provide a striking focal point.

The Beauty of Pop Art by Beverley Brown

This card was inspired by my love of pop Art and butterflies. The Pop Art trend is already making a reappearance within the papercraft industry, especially the halftone pattern. This, along with simple geometrics, tropical colours and pretty butterflies creates a fun design which really ‘pops’ !

Stamps I used:

Uniko: Originally Organics and Background Builders, Round in Circles, English Country Garden butterflies and Background Blocks Halftone.

Other Materials:

Distress Inks: Picked Raspberry, Peacock Feathers.

Altenew ink: Industrial Diamond, Buttercream, Warm Sunshine.

Memento Ink; Tuxedo Black

Gansai Tambi Starry colours

Sizzix circle die

MFT Curved Stitched Border die

Instructions:

Using my Clarity stencil brushes I applied Picked Raspberry and Peacock Feathers Distress Ink to white cardstock. I then stamped the butterfly onto the coloured background and cut out. I flicked white gold paint onto the butterfly and set aside to dry. I cut a circle using a die, and stamped through the hole using the Halftone stamp and yellow ink. I used two colours of yellow, with the darker of the two at the top where the pattern is solid, and the lighter shade to the lower section. This helps add emphasis to the pattern. The linear circle geometric design from Background Builders: Round in Circles was selectively inked and stamped onto the card to frame the sentiment and balance the design. Before adhering the butterfly, I die cut a stitched curve to the upper right corner, and created a curve on the bottom left corner using a corner punch.

Gerbera Heart by Sarah Gray

I wanted to create a simple piece of home décor to complement the framed gerbera (that appeared in the magazine), so that I can enjoy this sunny yellow bloom all year round. The distressed heart adds a shabby chic touch to the project.

Stamps I used...

Uniko: Pure Florals: Gerbera, Originally Organic

Other materials...

Deco Art acrylic paints, Black Versafine ink and clear embossing powder

Instructions:

I distressed the MDF heart by painting it black, adding streaks of candle wax and painting over the top in white. The wax creates a resist and reveals the base coat when sanded back. The gerbera is heat embossed to create a slightly raised edge which makes it easier to paint. I used Deco Arts acrylics which worked well as they are quite thick but plan to experiment with different acrylics and media to see the effects that they create.

Rainbow Heroes by Sarah Platt

When creating my cards, I subconsciously veer towards vibrant colours and in particular rainbows. I’m always inspired by Laura Bassen’s vibrant creations.

Stamps I used…

Uniko: Explosion & Explosion Additions

Other materials... Ranger Distress Inks, Versafine Onyx Black ink, Hero Arts Clear Embossing Powder, Watercolour cardstock

Instructions:

To create this loose watercolour effect, you need to start by adding plenty of water to a piece of watercolour cardstock. Distress inks are a perfect medium for all sorts of techniques including water colouring and with this card I added layers of ink to the water and let the water do most of the blending work, drying, with a heat gun, between each layer. Once the base was completely dry the images, from the Uniko sets, were stamped in Versafine Onyx Black ink then quickly heat embossed while the ink was still wet. To finish a fuzzy cut explosion shape from the set was popped up on 3d foam for interest and dimension.

Wow! Such gorgeous, inspirational projects!

THANK YOU so much Bev and all the team at Uniko for creating some amazing projects for us.

All stamps can be found over at: