Step it up!

Okay, lets step it up a little! No we are not exercising; still card making.
Marelle from thINK spot has a monthly challenge for June - to make a card then make another one and 'step it up'. Seeing as I had just made up a few cards for a recent workshop, I thought I'd share them here and show you one simple card and then follow with another card which has been 'jazzed' up a little.

So here is the first card using the Always stamp set. I've used the 'thumping' technique on the bird. This is where you first ink up your image, then with the Stampin'Up markers, you thump some colour onto the image. So I've used Pink Pirouette and then used the Regal Rose marker pen.

My second card uses the same technique, but I've added in the Sage Shadow marker pen for some more colour. I've also added a half pearl and some of the Pink Pirouette ribbon. By just adding a few more embellishments, you can change the look of the card and make it just that bit more special.

Here's a close up of the bird image. I find this bird image is perfect for the thumping technique and it's a great way to show another use for the marker pens.