The Stamp It! Techniques Week Challenge Winners!

446 entries, including 166 different approaches to stamping with markers, 77 approaches to stamping with shimmer mists, and 203 approaches to paper piecing. It was super tough narrowing it down to just 6 winners, friends, but here you have them, our Stamp It! Techniques Week challenge winners!

The winners of the Stamping with Markers challenge are:

Gorgeous Flower Card by Tiffany H.

Moxie Fab Alert: The coloring in this stunningly beautiful flower is so outstanding that it almost looks real. I love that Tiffany has allowed the flower to shine as the focal point by using simple supporting elements. She's also given her flower realistic dimension by paper piecing the forward petals and popping them out. This card is absolutely dripping with beauty, astounding technique, and is, IMHO, utterly gasp-able.

Congratulations Card by Karen Dunbrook

Moxie Fab Alert: I love the technique that Karen has used with her markers. First she stamped and embossed in white on white. Then she scribbled her markers onto her acrylic block and, using a water pen, colored in the flowers. What a soft and pretty effect! I also love, once again, that Karen has allowed her focal point to shine. All the additional elements serve a supporting role to draw our attention to the main event. Moxie fab!

The winners of the Stamping with Shimmer Spray Challenge are:

Cameo Card by Julia Stainton

Moxie Fab Alert: First, let's talk shimmer spray. Note all the elements that Julia has misted. Second, let's talk bold color combination. I love that Julia has used bright sprays, but has kept them in balance so that they're not overpowering. Third, let's talk trends. The cameo, the pleated circle reminiscent of award badges behind the cameo, the sheet music background, and the stick pins are all about as trendy as trendy gets right now. And last but not least, fantastic design. Again, the cameo focal point is obvious, and all other elements are positioned on the card in such a way that they draw our eye towards that sweet silhouette of a girl.

Thank You Blossoms from Aga

Moxie Fab Alert: In this bright card, Aga first inked the background paper blue. Then, she sprayed it with glimmer mist. Then (and here's the cool part), she stamped it with water to create pattern, texture, and dimension. By repeating the design in the focal point flower, she has tied everything in together. Note also the many ways Aga has incorporated the rule of threes. Three elements are pink. There are three design elements: the white background, the tag, and the focal point. There are only three colors: white, blue, and pink. For whatever reason, our eye likes the rule of threes, and it's definitely something to keep in mind in your own designs.

And last but not least, the winners of the Paper Piecing Challenge are:

Cup of Tea Card by Marisa G.

Moxie Fab Alert: Paper piecing is a great way to add pattern to your stamped designs. It also plays nicely into the mixy-matchy trend we've been watching in the wide world. In this sweet card I love the way Marisa has added pattern to her cutie tea set--especially that spoon! It is expertly executed and adds depth to the card. I also love the way she's made it look like the tea set is on a sweetie table in a homey kitchen. I'd just love to sip a cuppa with Marisa, wouldn't you?

Happy Flowers Card by Lin

Moxie Fab Alert: If ever there were a stamp made for paper piecing, this just may be it. I love how bright and fun Lin's color palette is, I love the fun clouds in the background, and I moxie love the patterns she's chosen for her blooms. I love this card so much, I'd like to jump right inside and live in it for a while.

Congratulations to these winners and thanks to everyone who gave this challenge a try. Many, many of you stepped outside of your comfort zones for these challenges, and I high-five those of you who tried something you may have never attempted before.

Winners, please send me your addresses in an email to cedvalson@papercraftsmag.com with "Stamp It! Techniques Challenge Winner" in the subject line and I'll not only set you up with your "I'm Moxie Fab" challenge winner buttons, but I'll also hook you up with your prizes as well!

Stamp me "inspired,"

~Cath

PS Did you know? Paper Crafts magazine's Stamping Royalty Contest is underway! For a chance to be "crowned," create an original stamped card for the following occasions: Birthday, Christmas/Season's Greetings, Hello/Thinking of You, Love, and Thank You by March 24. Not only will our 15 winners be deemed "royal," but they will also be published in our November/December issue AND win a prize totaling over $450! Sounds like a moxie intriguing to me! Click HERE for the royal deets!