Using color to elicit a mood

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As a card designer, one of the most powerful ways to create mood is with color. With this card, I demonstrate how atmosphere transforms a design by recreating an artist’s work table filled with inspiration, quiet focus, and creative energy. A dramatic overhead light source and minimal surrounding light helped me achieve the emotional tone I wanted. 
Using the Altenew Craft Your Life Kit: Illuminated Scenes, I show how to work with multi-layered stencils and coordinating dies to build a bold composition. Techniques for stencil layering, inking, die cutting, and thoughtful color choices elevate the card's design.

Supplies

If you are like me, you benefit from both a visual demonstration as well as written instructions when attempting a new project. I made a video tutorial for this card on my You Tube channel. You can find that 20 minute instructional here. 
  1. As usual, you will need to trim and fold a white cardstock A2 (4.25"X5.5") card. Also, cut a 4"X5.25" white cardstock piece of paper and another that measures 3.75"X5".
  2. Blend azurite ink around the border of  the 4"X5.25" piece of white card stock. Set aside.
  3. Secure your 3.75"X5" piece of card stock to a surface so that it will not move while stenciling. I use my Stampwheel for this; its clingy, sticky mat holds it in place. If you do not have such a tool, I recommend using washi tape to secure the edges of the cardstock and stencil to a surface while inking. 

  4. Since this kit contains two separate scenes, familiarize yourself with the stencils that pertain to your chosen scene. Also, note the order in which to use the stencils. 
  5. Use your blending brushes to ink the sequential stencils. You will need a new blending brush for each color. Do not reuse the brush right after you wash the old color out. It needs to be a dry brush for blending. So, I know what you are thinking... yes, you will want to have many blending brushes on hand. Those are staple investments, like card stock, inks and glue.
  6. Once you have inked your entire scene, plus your chosen sentiment in permanent black, die cut the sentiment out. 
  7. This may go without saying... after all your inking, make sure your hands and work area are clean, clean, clean. (Is it just me that tends to get ink transfer on my projects?!)
  8. With double sided tape, adhere the piece of card stock bordered with azurite ink to the front-center of your folded card. Then use foam tape to adhere the stamped and inked scene front and center to that, so that the card is left with a white and blue border. 
  9. Use your gold metallic card stock when cutting the frame die that comes with the kit.  I used the smallest rectangle to serve as the base for my sentiment. I also chose one of the thin gold frames to enclose the scene even more.  I then have a total of four framing rectangles around my scene. I like this as it contributes to the feeling of being drawn into an intense focus.  That is how I am when I am creating; I tune out miscellaneous distractions and concentrate. The stark over head light shining down on my work is a metaphor for the inspiration that occurs.
I was tickled by this card as I spend many a late night working at my art table. Actually, it is my favorite time to work. It is calm, quiet and I have no distractions. The rooms in my home are dark, except for my working lights. 



This kit comes with sentiments that reference one creative to another. It also comes with more general uplifting sentiments. And don't forget - there is a whole separate coordinating set for a different scene. That scene also revolves around a strong light source. Here is that scene as I created it.



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