Sweet & Simple Spotlight Stamping with the Coffee & Latte Swissies
Posted by DESIGN TEAM
Hello, Crafty Friends! Rick here today on the blog, and I’m excited to share a fun way to get more from your stamps using a soft spotlight stamping technique. I’m working with the adorable Coffee & Latte Swissie Stamp Set from C.C. Designs, and let me tell you—these sweet girls practically design the card for you. They have so much personality, and with just a few extra touches, you can really make them the stars of the show.
Why Spotlight Stamping?
If you’ve ever had a stamped image that felt like it needed a little something extra to stand out—or maybe you just wanted to try something new without going over the top—this technique might be just the thing. Spotlight stamping is all about drawing attention to one part of your design. In this case, I used an oval die-cut window to frame and highlight the focal image, then colored only the area visible through the opening.
What I love about this approach is that it gives your card a polished look, but it’s actually really simple to pull together. Plus, it lets you create two cards from the same layout—perfect when you’re short on time or want to build up your stash.
A Fun Twist on a Classic Layout
The layout I used is one I come back to again and again—it works with almost any image and feels fresh each time with a new technique or color palette. Adding the oval frame gave it just enough dimension and interest to feel new, and paired with soft ink blending and a few finishing touches, it made for two cards I can’t wait to send out.
I used water-based markers to color just the areas seen through the die-cut window, then matched the coloring on the popped-up oval. It’s a great way to save time and supplies while still getting a high-impact result.
Pro Tip for Card Makers
If you’re trying this technique, use a pigment ink like Versafine when stamping your image—it gives you crisp lines that won’t bleed when adding water or water-based markers. And don’t skip the clear embossing powder—it locks in the detail and adds a little shine too.
Final Thoughts
Spotlight stamping is one of those techniques that looks fancy but feels easy, and it pairs beautifully with the charming characters from C.C. Designs. Whether you’re new to card making or looking to stretch your stamps in new ways, I hope today’s cards inspire you to try something a little different the next time you sit down to craft.
Thanks so much for stopping by today—I’ll see you again soon with more cardmaking ideas to share!