The toughest part of creating a hand stamped card is deciding on the layout – at least that’s what you tell me! The second most challenging part is deciding on what colors to use. Sometimes the stamp set deems the use of certain colors. Florals, for example, will typically include a green for the leaves and a bright color for the flowers. But what happens when you’re using a stamp set that doesn’t deem a certain color palette? How about using a color challenge? Color challenges are a way for you to create a card using pre-determined colors.

The Hedgehugs stamp set (Occasions Catalog) deems shades of brown but the challenge was how to add additional color without taking away from this adorable hedgehog. Pairing a neutral color like brown with a bright color (like Real Red) will always pack a punch!  The images in this set are simple and require little to no coloring. Yeah for easy! The images are perfect for miss you cards, children’s birthday cards and even baby cards.

I used the Simple Stripes embossing folder on the Real Red cardstock base for added texture. The cloud background is from the Myths & Magic Speciality Designer Paper package.

The greeting and tag use a heart image from the Heart Happiness stamp set. I used three punches, in graduating sizes, to create the focal point for the small greeting.  And to play up the metaphor I stamped the word “hedgehugs” a second time in Real Red ink, cut it out with my scissors and adhered it over the original stamped words using Mini Dimensionals.

I chose to make a tag using the Scalloped Tag Topper Punch to house the hedgehog and greeting. The trio of ribbons and twine create an interesting cluster and works well with the spiky hair on this little hedgehog.

Give this color combination a try. Challenge yourself to use a stamp set that doesn’t speak a certain color palette and watch the inspiration unfold. I’d love to see your creations. Feel free to email them to me by clicking on the “contact me” tab.

Hedgehugs Clear-Mount Stamp Set – 145879

Heart Happiness Photopolymer Stamp Set – 145769

Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad – 132708

Real Red Classic Stampin’ Pad – 126949

Real Red 8-1/2″ X 11″ Cardstock – 102482

Whisper White 8-1/2″ X 11″ Cardstock – 100730

Whisper White 8-1/2″ X 11″ Thick Cardstock – 140272

Myths & Magic Specialty Designer Series Paper – 145600

Crumb Cake Stampin’ Blends Markers Combo Pack – 144601

Pink Pirouette Light Stampin’ Blends Marker – 144593

Big Shot – 143263

Simple Stripes Textured Impressions Embossing Folder – 145648

Scalloped Tag Topper Punch – 133324

Real Red 1/8″ (3.2 Mm) Solid Ribbon – 144631

Whisper White Solid Baker’s Twine – 124262

Pool Party 3/8″ Shimmer Ribbon – 144152

1-1/4″ (3.2 Cm) Circle Punch – 119861

1-3/8″ (3.5 Cm) Circle Punch – 119860

1-1/2″ (3.8 Cm) Circle Punch – 138299

Mini Stampin’ Dimensionals – 144108

Stampin’ Dimensionals – 104430

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