Sometimes a stamp is just too cute to pass up, and that was definitely the case with the Seen and Herd stamp from Unity Stamp Co. Between that shaggy hair, those big eyes, and the little blue bird perched on its head, this guy has so much personality!
I paired the stamp with the Cowboys paper collection from Echo Park to make a set of motivational and hello cards. These cards are headed to Creative Kindness, a charity that distributes handmade cards to people who could use a little encouragement.
Coloring the Seen and Herd Stamp
I colored the images with my Prismacolor pencils, using odorless mineral spirits and blending stumps to soften the pencil strokes and blend the colors.
For the cow, I used different shades of brown to give its shaggy coat some dimension, keeping the muzzle lighter so that adorable expression would stand out. The little bird got a bright pop of blue, and I added some color to the flowers and grass along the bottom.
There are quite a few little details in this stamp, especially around the hair and flowers, but that’s part of what makes the finished image so cute.
Mixing and Matching the Cowboys Papers
I used several different combinations of patterned paper for these cards, and I love how much the backgrounds change the overall look.
The woodgrain paper gives the first card a rustic feel, especially with the red patterned oval framing the cow. For another card, I went in a completely different direction with a blue sky and cloud background. That one feels a little lighter and more playful.
I also used plaid patterns in several color combinations, including red, yellow, and brown. The plaids add plenty of interest without competing with the stamped image.
I kept the basic layout similar across the cards, using layered oval or arched shapes to frame the cow. It’s a simple design that works well when you’re making several cards with the same stamp.
Adding the Sentiments
The sentiments are another fun part of this set. I used a mix of encouraging messages and funny greetings, depending on the background and the look I wanted for each card.
Some of the cards have short, playful sentiments like “Sup?” and “What’s cookin’ bacon?” Others have more encouraging messages, including “Never give up.”
I like having a variety of sentiments when I’m making cards for Creative Kindness. Some cards can offer a little motivation, while others are simply meant to make someone smile.
And really, how could you look at that cow and not smile?
Supplies used
Paper:
Card Elements:
Inspiring Words Sentiment #1
Greetings Sentiment #2
Fun Sayings Sentiment #3
Prismacolor pencils
Bottle for Mineral Spirits
Blending Stumps
Odorless Mineral Spirits
Hammermill Paper
Bearly Art Glue
Versafine Nocturne Ink Pad
Arch Die
Handmade Cards for Creative Kindness
One of the reasons I enjoy making sets like this is knowing that the cards will eventually find their way to someone who might need a little kindness in their day.
Creative Kindness accepts handmade cards that can be shared with people of different ages and circumstances. I especially enjoy making cheerful cards with encouraging sentiments because they can work for so many occasions.
This Highland cow seemed like a perfect choice. He’s silly enough to make someone laugh, but the cards can still carry a meaningful message.
How-To Video
Enjoy this how-to video showing how I colored and assembled one of these cards.
Final Thoughts
I’m really happy with how this set turned out. The Seen and Herd stamp is full of character, and the Cowboys paper collection gave me plenty of options for creating different looks without changing the main image.
If you enjoy coloring stamped images and mixing patterned papers, this is a fun design to try. You can use the same basic layout with different colors and sentiments to make a whole collection of cards.
Which background is your favorite — the rustic woodgrain, the blue sky, or one of the plaids?
Happy Tinkering,
Susan
