Hello, crafty friends!
Today I’m sharing four cards I created with the beautiful Storybook Illustrations Collection by Josh Griffiths Studio for Spellbinders.
I was immediately drawn to this collection because it gives you so much freedom to create your own little illustrated stories. Instead of being limited to one finished character, the people stamps contain different elements that can be mixed and matched, making it possible to create characters that feel completely unique. The collection also includes animals, outdoor elements and coordinating sentiments.
For my cards, I kept the coloring fairly simple and let those wonderful hand-drawn images be the stars of the show. I also played with texture, neutral cardstock, embossing, twine and small embellishments to give each card its own look.
Card 1 Hope Your Day Is Amazing
For my first card, I used the adorable bear from the Wild Friends Clear Stamp Set. The outdoor elements, including the tree, come from the Into the Wild Clear Stamp Set. Both sets are part of the Storybook Illustrations collection.
I colored the bear in warm shades of brown and added soft green beneath him to suggest grass. I love the tiny butterfly resting on his nose, it gives the entire scene such a sweet storybook feeling.
Instead of filling the background with lots of detail, I added just a little soft color and texture around the bear and tree. A few pearl embellishments finish the design without taking attention away from the illustration.
For the sentiment, I used “hope your day is amazing.” I stamped it onto a small neutral stitched panel and popped it up near the top of the card. I love how the simple sentiment panel balances such a large focal image.
Card 2 I’m Glad We Are Friends
This card uses the Illustrated Lady Clear Stamp Set. The set is designed with modular elements that allow you to create and customize illustrated female characters.
I created two friends and gave each one a completely different look. One has warm auburn hair with a peach top and wide-legged white trousers, while the other has a dark bob, turquoise top and dark trousers.
The bright orange embossed panel adds a fun contemporary element behind the characters. I especially like the contrast between the geometric texture and the loose, hand-drawn style of the ladies.
A little natural twine wrapped around the panel adds another layer of texture.
For the sentiment, I broke “I’M GLAD WE ARE FRIENDS” into three separate strips and staggered them down the orange panel. It’s such a simple detail, but it gives the card a playful feel that suits the two friends perfectly.
Card 3 Illustrated Man
For this clean and simple masculine card, I used the Illustrated Man Clear Stamp Set. Like the Illustrated Lady set, it contains interchangeable elements for building your own character.
I kept his outfit casual with a white top, light blue jeans and black boots. Because the character is tall and narrow, I decided to emphasize that shape with a tall white focal panel.
Behind it, I added a kraft cardstock layer with a subtle linear pattern. Natural jute twine runs vertically down the left side and brings just enough rustic texture to the design.
Three tiny black embellishments in the upper corner echo the black shoes and stamped outlines.
I intentionally left this one without a sentiment for now. That makes it a very useful card to have on hand—I can later turn it into a birthday, congratulations, thank-you, encouragement or just-because card simply by adding the appropriate sentiment.
Card 4 You Make a House My Home
For my final card, I combined characters from the Illustrated Lady Clear Stamp Set and Illustrated Man Clear Stamp Set to create an older couple.
This may be my favorite thing about the collection: you can use the modular elements to create people of different ages and styles rather than having every character look exactly the same.
I kept the palette very soft and earthy. Her cream top and flowing white skirt work beautifully with his deep green sweater and warm brown trousers.
For the background, I wanted texture without adding another strong color. I used a tone-on-tone leafy design on the cream cardstock, which gives the card dimension while allowing the couple to remain the focal point.
The sentiment “YOU MAKE A HOUSE / MY HOME” was divided into two narrow strips and positioned beside the couple. I love the quiet simplicity of this card, and I think it would work beautifully for an anniversary, spouse, wedding or simply an everyday “I love you” card.
What makes these stamps particularly fun is that you’re not simply stamping a finished image, you get to become the illustrator. Change the hair, clothing, faces and colors, put characters together, or combine them with animals and scenery to tell an entirely different story.
I really enjoyed creating these four cards and experimenting with completely different backgrounds while keeping the illustrations as the common thread throughout the set.
Thanks so much for stopping by today. I hope these cards give you a few ideas for creating your own little stories with the Spellbinders Storybook Illustrations Collection by Josh Griffiths Studio!
Happy crafting!!!
Hugs,
Jyoti
Storybook Illustrations I Want It All! Bundle Shop at: SB |
Wild Friends Clear Stamp Shop at: SB |
Into the Wild Clear Stamp Set Shop at: SB |
Words for the Wild Clear Stamp Set Shop at: SB |
Illustrated Boys & Girls Clear Stamp Set Shop at: SB |
Illustrated Man Clear Stamp Set Shop at: SB |
Illustrated Lady Clear Stamp Set Shop at: SB |
