Monochromatic Early Espresso – Sepia Technique

Today I shared a card on my Instagram feed for the Crafty Collaborations Monochromatic Insta Hop. We are featuring one of our long-standing neutral colours – Early Espresso. When I saw this week’s colour I immediately knew I was going to share a card using the Sepia technique.

WHAT IS SEPIA TONE?

Sepia is a term generally used in photography where photos are edited/printed in brown, tan and reddish tones. It’s a black and white photo with some warmth added to it. There is a lot more of a technical aspect with the photography side (I’m not a photographer) but this is the basic colour explanation to an amateur such as myself.

I remember my parents’ wedding photo from 62 years ago had a sepia tone. It was not black and white but brown and white. With my card today, I wanted to create the Sepia look using Early Espresso ink. I’ve used the Magnolia Mood bundle from our Online Exclusives range and right now it’s on sale until 30th June for $85.50 (regular price $96.25).

HOW TO CREATE THE FOCAL IMAGE

  • Spritz a sheet of Fluid 100 Cardstock with water
  • Using a Water Painter, paint Early Espresso over the entire piece using the ink refill and lots of water. You want to create a wash over the Cardstock.
  • Leave to dry or use a Heat Tool to dry it well.
  • Stamp the magnolia image with Jet Black Stazon ink
  • Using Early Espresso ink refill and a Water Painter, watercolour the image with a fairly dry brush. This will give you more control over the application of the colour, allowing you to apply dark and light shading.
  • Add a small amount of Pecan Pie in sections to highlight. I did this where I thought the sunlight would hit the image.
  • Allow image to dry completely
  • Add shading with Early Espresso and Basic Black Watercolor Pencils, creating some shadow on the petals and leaves.
  • Once dry, I added some veins on the leaves with a White gel pen.
  • Die cut some additional leaves from Fluid 100 Cardstock (to add behind the main image)
  • Roughly apply Pecan Pie ink refill with a Water Painter. This will give some white space which adds to the texture.

The Embossing Folder I’ve used on the background is called Birch Wood and will be available in our September – December Mini Catalogue. As a demonstrator, I’ve had the opportunity to purchase this and some other products early as part of an Online Event we have coming up. I just had to use it on this card as it looked so pretty with it.

I hope you give this technique a try. It’s a lot of fun and really gives great results. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me. Want to purchase any of these products? Just click on any of the images below and you will be taken to my Online Store where you can make your purchase or alternately contact me to place your order.

2024 June Stamp & Die Bundle Save Marketing Social Media
2024 June Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine Sale Marketing Social Media

Purchase a Starter Kit for $169 and choose $235 of product shipped free to you.

Join Stampin’ Up! during Sale-A-Bration and you can build your Starter Kit by choosing $235 of product for only $169 (that includes shipping).

PLUS you will get to choose one of the two FREE BONUS OPTIONS below to add to your Starter Kit.

BONUS OPTION 1: Your choice of TWO Marker sets from our Stampin’ Write Marker Assortments (Brights, Neutrals, Regals, Subtles) PLUS a beautiful stamp .Total value $162

BONUS OPTION 2: Your choice of an additional $51 in FREE products

SHOP WITH ME

2025 Sale-A-Bration Header

7TH JANUARY – 28TH FEBRUARY

Earn a FREE Sale-A-Bration product with every $100 you spend in store.

Spend $500 and receive an additional $50 in Stampin’ Rewards.

Plus receive the following as gifts from me.

  • Create with Us Tutorial Bundle valued at $25
  • Cardmaking kit to make 4 cards for my class of the month (January Class – Storybook Moments) valued at $45

Shop in Australia with me Online or by contacting me

Rochelle Ph: 0404 255 001 or email: rochelle@stampingflair.com

CUSTOMER APPRECIATION GIFTS

All orders receive a handmade Thank You card and a gift from me.

Place an order of $100 by 16th February and receive a kit to make 4 cards using the To the Point Label punch from my Card Creations series. Increase your order to $200 and receive the March kit as well, featuring the Mixed Media Florals suite.

Please use Host Code for all orders under $250. If your order is over $250 then don’t use the Host Code as you will get your own Stampin’ Rewards.

HOST CODE: HK2K6XSN

Product List

Sketchtember Challenge – Day 29 Sepia Technique

For my card on Day 29 of my Sketchtember Challenge I’ve used Water Painters for the Sepia Technique which is reminiscent of those old photographs. I really enjoyed doing this style of Watercolouring with natural tones.

I started by stamping the image in Soft Suede on Shimmery White Cardstock. Then I worked in the other colours with my Water Painters, adding Early Espresso towards the centre. When water colouring, ensure you dry between colours so it doesn’t become a muddy mess.

I added a layer of Very Vanilla between the Early Espresso and Crumb Cake card base which made the spots stand out more. The sentiment just fit the calming tones of this card. I fussy cut around it so it didn’t cover too much of that pretty image.

Sketchtember Challenge 2022, Day 29, Card sketch, card layout,Lovely & Lasting Bundle, Sepa Technique, Dots & Spots Dies, Water Painters, Stampin' up!, SU, Thinking of You Card

It’s my last Sketchtember Challenge tomorrow so please make sure you join in and subscribe to my blog for regular inspiration.

WEEKLY DEALS

Product List

HOW TO ORDER

Orders can be placed online or by contacting me on Ph: 0404 255 001 or email: rochelle@stampingflair.com

SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAY GIVEAWAY

Order through me and for every $50 spent or every class ordered you will get your name in the draw to win a $200 hamper from me to celebrate my birthday month. Winner will be drawn 2nd October

Orders of $90 will qualify for my September Tutorial Bundle.

Please use Host Code for all orders under $250. If your order is over $250 then don’t use the Host Code as you will get your own Stampin’ Rewards.

HOST CODE: 6NSQNX66


If your order exceeds $169 then our Starter Kit gives you your choice of $235 worth of products for only $169 with free shipping and an ongoing 20-25% discount. I’d love for you to enjoy all the benefits of being part of my Gifted Stars team.

JOIN OUR CHRISTMAS RETREAT

Click on image for details

Shop with me during September and for every $50 you spend or every class you order, you will get an entry in my Birthday Drawing to win a hamper valued at $200. Orders can be placed online or by contacting me on Ph: 0404 255 001 or email: rochelle@stampingflair.com