Lots of folks email to ask how I think through stamping a scene – so I thought I might start a little series over time to chat about design a bit. This cute set of gnomes from Sunny Studio were so cute – they took a long time to color which would make a crazy-long video, but they’re perfect for talking about setting up stamps for little vignette scenes!
Video
Watch the video below or click HERE to see it in HD on YouTube.

This little seated gnome has a bird friend who has just alighted on the ground next to him; the bird’s presence only half on the card indicates the scene continues off to the left. The band of color on the right is on the card base, created with a technique from the Colored Pencil Jumpstart Class.
This little nut-bearing gnome walks forward from his pumpkin house and mushroom ‘trees.’

A horizon line can connect disconnected stamps – the only masking here was a post it note covering the base of the mushroom.


And of course the little girl gnome’s scene was entirely transformed in the before and after!
Supplies
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- Sunny Studio Stamps, Home Sweet Gnome
- Jet Black Lawn Fawn Ink Pad
- Neenah Cardstock, Solar White: 25pk – 250pk
- Luminance pencils: BLICK – AMZ
- Luminance Hex Chart
- Quietsharp Pencil Sharpener: BLICK – AMZ
That was a really great video – I love all your lessons on layout and design! Thanks for taking the time to do that.
Interesting to hear you talk through your layout decisions. I often use masking, but I rarely think out the entire process beforehand, which probably gives better results.
Clean and simple card and yet so pretty. Thanks for sharing!!!
Great video. Sometimes things have to be pointed out for us to realize there might be a better way to compose a scene. The tips are great and I’m looking forward to putting them into practice. Liking the new website look. Thanks for all you do.
Wow Sandy, that was a great lesson, I enjoyed it a lot and will use it to improve my layout and colouring. Thank you so much and have a nice weekend.
Sandy, I truly appreciate this lesson on design and composition. Thank you so much for continuously inspiring us with your skills and your heart. Your new website looks just wonderful!
You have most definitely achieved your childhood dream of becoming an art teacher, Sandy! As a retired teacher and lifelong learner, I continually search for the best teachers and mentors. YOU are my very favorite art teacher! So grateful for the opportunity to learn from you, Sandy! ♡
Thank you for sharing your tips on design and use of color. Very helpful as I take a new look at some of my stamp sets. I really enjoy all your tutorials.
Cute – and I love the clean and simple look. As much as I love to watch you coloring an image, I think we can all benefit from an occasional lesson on design and layout of our cards.
I like the design and layout of your “new” website, too!