This is an incredibly fun hobby card making technique that not only looks great but is really easy and quick to do. You will only need one clear rubber stamp – a tree. Using your rubber stamping ink pads and a sponge you create a background. With a focal point made, choose your card making template and finish the project. This technique can also be used in your scrapbook art ideas for a unique effect.

• Winter Trees Clear Rubber Stamps

1. Begin by stamping the tree in brown ink from the Winter Trees clear stamp set on your cardstock.
2. Stamp the tree exactly over the brown image with clear embossing ink and emboss with clear embossing powder.
3. Use your sponge (or brayer) and load it with a sky blue. Start at the top of the picture and work your way down. Be sure that the top edge is the darkest. The effect you want is to have the blue color fading into the white of your cardstock as you approach your horizon.
4. Establish the horizon using a dark stamping ink. This card uses a dark green but a dark grey would also work well. To establish your horizon, tear a small piece of paper such as a sticky note and then use the edge to create your first hill.
5. Do step #4 two more times with progressively lighter colors of green.
6. Finish by inking in a yellow or golden path and complete the card by inking a little rust colored ink in the bottom right hand corner.
7. Ink the edges of you card and use a decorative corner rounder if you like to enhance the look. Cut a mat and assemble.
8. To embellish this card ribbons are folded in half and stapled in place. Staples are covered by chipboard pieces that say Live, Laugh, Love. You may also choose to stamp a saying to go on your card.