Jul 23, 2020

Merimekko Style and Some Tips




Merimekko was huge in the 70s -- fabric, dinnerware, bedding -- I loved the big bold bright patterns. I googled to see if the company is still in business, and yes it certainly is. Now I want to buy something with one of those patterns!

In the meantime, I made this card, hoping to emulate the feel of those designs. I don't have Scandinavian style stamps to get the look I wanted, so I used this beautiful large solid flower from Watercolor Bouquet from The Stamp Market. Added a black dot image from Flora & Fauna. The sentiment is All Lined Up from The Stamp Market.

Inks: Blueprint Sketch and Lemonade Distress Oxide, Versafine Onyx, and Versamark.

If you like this look (it's not for everyone, but I love it), here are a few tips.

1. Merimekko is usually: 1. one big bright color + 2. a smaller bright color + 3. black + 4. white.
2. Think ahead about the sentiment. You don't want to cover up that smaller bright color. 
3. Unless you have a stamp set with the perfect coordinating stamp, finding a way to incorporate black can be tricky. Again, think ahead.
4. Repeatedly stamping a large image requires patience. I wanted a solid image and I knew I could get that with the MISTI, but I was careful to clean and dry the stamp before I moved it. Otherwise, as soon as I put the stamp on the paper I wouldn't be able to move it as the ink would transfer. All that moving and cleaning means your hands will get dirty. Wash them while you are stamping or you'll ruin the panel (expert on this one!!).
5. Enjoy! Using Distress Oxide inks or other pigment type inks is a sure fire way to get a solid image. However, repeatedly stamping with dye inks can work too. I stamped twice each time with the Blueprint Sketch ink and got a great result.
6. If all this rich color isn't your thing, try colors you like. I think this would look great with pale pink instead of bright blue. 

MOOD WHEN DONE: Happy!! And I hope you are too.


5 comments:

Betty said...

wonderful card, Joan - back in the day I would buy a length of Marimekko fabric and staple it onto stretcher bars and hang in my living room - had all white furniture so the colors would really pop out - and didn't let the kids onto the furniture very often either!!

~amy~ said...

I love this and marimekko!

Anonymous said...

Having my first cup of coffee and WOW! I love this card, it's such a happy card. The colors are some of my favorites and you did a great job of spacing the flower. Isn't the Misti great?

Have a good Friday. Stay cool and safe.

JanetB said...

Love this, and ditto Betty and Amy!

Leslie Miller said...

I love the card and I think you're spot on with the Merimekko-esque pattern. The bold blue on white look fantastic!