Stamp the Image and Sentiment
Position Princess Attitude and sentiment stamps on a stamping platform with Ready to Stamp White Card in place. Ink the image and sentiments with Versafine Clair Nocturne applying plenty of ink to the main image. Go light over the sentiment as the lettering is very fine. Close the lid of the stamping platform and press firmly. Check the impression, especially around the face and hair. If any areas are missing detail, re-stamp using the platform to keep everything in place. A crisp, detailed impression is important – these stamps are packed with fine line work that will show through the translucent inks. Allow to dry.
Watercolour style with Water-based Inks
Decant small amounts of each Cosmic Shimmer Watercolour Ink onto a palette and dilute with water as needed, testing mixes on scrap card first. For the wings, Plum is thinned right down to a soft pastel violet, with a slightly stronger Plum mix dropped into the base of each wing for gentle shading.
The clothing is kept light and pastel. Buff mixed with a tiny touch of Raspberry Ripple and water creates a baby pink for the “Princess” T-shirt and hair bow. Some of this mix is darkened with extra Raspberry Ripple, then toned down with Mushroom for the hoodie tied around her waist; thin bleach can be used sparingly to lift highlights on the folds. The shorts are painted with a pale denim blend of Cobalt Blue Hue and Cold Steel, with an extra-diluted version for the turn-ups.
For the hair, Dark Walnut is used, slightly darker on the shadow side. London Brick and Firecracker Red mixed with a hint of Dark Walnut give an oxblood shade for the Doc Marten-style boots, with a very diluted version washed over the toe highlights. Marigold is then applied with a fine brush for the classic yellow stitching. Finally, Buff is used for all skin areas, and a very pale wash of Cold Steel is brushed beneath the boots for a soft shadow.
Finishing Touches & Mounting
Trim the panel, ensuring the sentiment “Happy birthday! Now get over yourself and let’s eat cake” is nicely centred beneath the image. Optionally mount onto Cosmic Shimmer Black Card for a crisp border and adhere to a coordinating card blank.
The finished card has all the attitude of a modern fairy: butterfly wings, oxblood boots, soft pastel colours and a wonderfully cheeky sentiment. Thanks to the transparent inks and detailed stamp design, the project looks hand-painted and illustrative, yet the colouring process remains straightforward and forgiving – ideal for bold birthday cards for teens, tweens and fun-loving adults alike.
Cosmic Shimmer
