Apple Blossom with Fiskars Cloud Background

I wanted to share how I created  this sky behind around my stamped image using my Fiskars Small Cloud punch. I've always had a hard time coloring the sky after I've colored a cute image so I normally fussy cut them out. However, this adorable new stamp Apple Blossom by Elizabeth Bell for Whimsy stamps had a cute little scene that I didn't want to cut out. So, as I was sitting at my desk I spotted my cloud punch and thought I could using some art masking tape to punch out some clouds and mask them off  to create my sky. Here is how I did it:

Here is the image I wanted to create a sky for. I had already started coloring her but stopped when I tried this technique in case I made a mistake. ;)

I started by stamping and masking the main image first. Since I was going to color the grass, I didn't mask the entire image leaving some of the tape as a skyline.

Next, I punched out my clouds from the art masking tape. I like using this because it is thin and sticks nicely but is easily removed when you are done.

Next, I place the clouds around my image, overlapping the image in some places. You can see above that I didn't mask of the butterfly because I planed to cover that with a cloud mask.

Now I'm using some distress inks to color the sky over the masks. I chose two different shades of blue for some contrast and depth.

I'm finished with the sky and have removed the mask. So cute!! I love how it turned out and I'm ready to finish coloring the image with this beautiful sky behind her!

I hope you enjoyed this technique and will look at your punches in a new way - I'm probably not the first person to have this aha moment with my cloud punch but I wanted to share it with you in case you've had a difficult time coloring in skies like I have!!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Supplies:

• Apple Blossom Stamp by Whimsy
• October Afternoon 5&Dime paper pad
• Fiskars Cloud Punch (small)
• Fiskars Apron Lace Border Punch
• Copics
• Distress Ink Weathered Wood & Broken China
• Maya Road Tiny Tickets
• Freckles & Pigtails Flatback Button
• Washi Tape
• SU! Punch