Our magazine theme this month sparkles with spring flair. What more fitting way to celebrate new life this season than to use spring baby wildlife photos to create unique greeting cards. This photo of a tiny gray squirrel is highlighted by a beautiful hand stamped frame.
We all love to take photographs. After scrapping our favorites we are often left with bundles of unused photos. Why not consider using some of those leftover photos for additions to greeting cards? They can be cropped, punched and made into mosaics or used as pallet for rubber stamping images. In this example, the photo of the baby screech owl was added to the front of a card and then layered with stamped images.
By stamping directly on the photo you can add a message to enhance any card. It’s sure to bring a smile to the recipient. Try assembling photos and word stamps, and then choose the appropriate message. Please keep in mind that the slick surface of the photo needs consideration; use a fast drying ink and allow extra drying time. In this layout, featuring some young screech owls, the message conveys the purpose of the card and illustrates the photo. (The fellow on the right might not give a hoot, but one cannot deny he gives character to the message!)
Bearly Born, describes this photo of two new born baby black bears. By masking around the center image, you can add a background that will augment the focal point and add interest to the overall card.
Some tips and ideas for photographs:
1. Always make a backup copy if the photo is a keepsake.
2. Stamp directly on photos using a good quality dye ink that is fast drying.
3. Always allow for some extra drying time as photo paper varies.
4. Add words to illustrate actions or scenes.
5. Use punches to cut out shapes and faces. Make mosaics or layer these pieces to other photos.
My sincerest thanks to Wildlife Images Rehabilitation & Education Center (a non-profit organization) for allowing me to use the baby wildlife pictures for this article.
Special thanks to David Siddon, Director and BJ Coburn, Volunteer, for the use of two of the photos. For more information on these photos visit Wildlife Images at http://www.wildlifeimages.org.
