words that matter | FOCUS + Retro People ATCs with Monika Skinner

Sometimes the simplest designs make the strongest statement.

Today, STAMPgirl Monika is back with three striking black-and-white cards featuring the Simple Expressions: FOCUS stamps paired with Retro People ATCs. 

With a limited color palette, minimal supplies, and a few clever techniques, she created three stylish cards that put the word itself right where it belongs -- in focus.

Putting FOCUS in Focus

For her first card, Monika turned the meaning of the word into part of the design. She stamped FOCUS repeatedly down the card, using softer gray impressions for most of the words and one strong black impression to immediately draw the eye. To create the faded effect, she used an older Versafine Onyx Black ink pad -- but you can easily recreate the look by stamping off onto scrap paper before making the second impression on your card. The black-and-white Retro People ATC fits beautifully into the graphic design, while another crisp black FOCUS impression overlaps the ATC. And there's a clever technique behind that seamless stamping.

Creative Tip

When you want a stamped image to cross over multiple layers without an obvious break, use a stamp-positioning tool. Monika first stamped FOCUS onto her card base and kept the stamp in position. After adding the ATC, she stamped again in exactly the same place. This allows FOCUS to visually continue across the different layers and creates a much more seamless result. I especially love how the technique reinforces the message of this card. Among all those softer, slightly "out-of-focus" words, your eye immediately lands on the one crisp black FOCUS.

Simple Lines, Big Impact

For her next two cards, Monika took an even more minimal approach. The first uses just three main elements: a Retro People ATC, the FOCUS on the good sentiment, and three embossed lines. She created the lines with a scoring board and scoring tool, adding subtle texture and structure without competing with the focal image. The lines also help visually anchor the ATC and sentiment. No scoring board? Monika suggests using a ruler and bone folder on the inside of the card front to create a similar effect.

Her final card uses the same basic design idea, but this time the lines are inked. Monika inked the edge of a ruler and used a second ruler as a guide to keep everything straight. Those three simple lines add just enough visual interest to connect the focal image and sentiment while preserving all that wonderful white space. Sometimes the simplest things really do make a difference.

Creative Takeaway

These three cards are a great reminder that simple doesn't have to mean plain. Monika used very few supplies, but small design choices -- changing the intensity of an ink impression, adding embossed lines, or introducing three thin inked lines -- give each card its own character.

They're also a wonderful example of letting a word inspire the actual design. On that first card especially, FOCUS isn't merely something you read. The contrast between the faded and crisp impressions makes you experience the idea visually. And paired with the timeless black-and-white Retro People ATCs, the result is graphic, stylish, and wonderfully cohesive.

Words That Matter

FOCUS on the good.

That's the message behind this Simple Expressions set, and it's one that can work especially well for encouragement, support, or those little handmade pep talks we sometimes want to send someone.

Simple Expressions stamps are also designed to pair easily with the paper goods you already love. Try FOCUS with ATCs as Monika has done here, or combine it with Card Fronts, Collage Sheets, Pocket Backdrops, or Ephemera Cut-Out Sheets to create your own coordinating cardmaking combinations.

And remember: when you purchase a Simple Expressions stamp, you can pair it with a qualifying Paper Goods Pack and the paper goods are automatically 40% off.

Until next time, keep creating with words that matter.