Written In Ink

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  • Make a card for that strong, amazing woman in your life

    Make a card for that strong, amazing woman in your life

    Would you like to experiment with a design like this? You’ll find a supply list below, including a link to the stencil I used from A Colorful Life Designs.  Follow the link and use discount code ChrisFan10 to save 10% on your entire order! (Master Creator Bundles are excluded as they already have a 20% discount built in.)

    Let’s get Started:

    Card Base: 5.5 x 8.5, scored and folded at 4.25

    Border Layer: 5.5 x 4.25

    Card Face:  5.5 x 4

    Card Face:

    • I got started by putting the card face onto my Grip Mat and then positioning the stencil on top.
    • Next,  I applied soft pink ink to one edge,  and yellow ink to the other; where they met they turned orange and I went over this junction with both pink and yellow until I had a smooth blend.
      • Although there is a lot to be said for a smooth, homogenous finish I usually allow variations in tone when I blend as I have on this card. I feel that this provides a subtle visual interest and keeps the eye moving on the card face.
    • After setting the stencil aside, I put the card face into my stamp positioner and stamped the fabulous image with Versafine Onyx.

    Other:

    • I created a frame by taping two dies together (taped to ensure even spacing) and then running them through the Big Shot with holographic cardstock.

    Assembly

    • I started putting the card together,  beginning by gluing the black border layer to the card base.
    • Next came the card face:  glued on top of the other two and centered vertically.
    • I found that I needed to experiment a bit before gluing down the frame: did I want it straight? Or angled?  In the end, I put it at an angle which was a fun, unexpected detail.
    • I finished by adding bling in both black and silver, scattered randomly around the card face.

    Final Thoughts:

    I love this stamp,  and it works SO well with the stencil.   

    One of the reasons that I like the angled frame is that it works so well with the lines created by the stencil.

    Supplies: (and links where possible)

       I have listed which products I have used, and where they may be purchased. It’s a huge marketplace and in most instances, there are multiple sources and many alternatives to choose from.

    Stencil: Op Art Bench,  A Colorful Life Designs

    Waffle Flower Grip Mat, 8.5 x 6.5, Scrapbook.com

    Versamark Embossing Ink: Simon Says Stamp

    Stamps: Be A Legend,  Technique Junkies (no longer available)

    Dies: Everlasting Squares,  Spellbinders

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up! 

    Versafine Onyx Ink, Simon Says Stamp

    Holographic Cardstock, Recollections,  Michaels

    Card Bling:  A Colorful Life Designs

    Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels

    Card Base & Card Face: Accent 100 lb., Amazon

    Do you have comments or thoughts to share on this design?  Drop me a line in the Comments Section below –  I’d love to hear from you!

    You can also use the Comments Section  to be added to the list, and notified when I release new work.

  • Celebrate someone special who is a work of art

    Celebrate someone special who is a work of art

    Would you like to experiment with a design like this? You’ll find a supply list below, including a link to the stencil I used from A Colorful Life Designs.  Follow the link and use discount code ChrisFan10 to save 10% on your entire order! (Master Creator Bundles are excluded as they already have a 20% discount built in.)

    Let’s get Started:

    Card Base: 5.5 x 8.5, scored and folded at 4.25

    Border Layer: 5.5 x 4.25

    Card Face: 5.5 x 4.25  (before die cut)

    White Card Stock:  3 x 2

    Black Cardstock:  3.25 x 2.25

    Card Face:

    • I began by laying the card face on my Grip Mat and positioning the stencil.  I added pink and school bus yellow to the exposed areas,  blending wherever the two colours met.
    • Next I added metallic copper spatter towards the bottom left. 
    • After this dried, I finished the card face by putting it into my stamp positioner and adding the sentiment with Versafine Onyx.
    • I used a deckled die to cut this down to the finished size.

    Other:

    • I stamped the image on the small piece of cardstock.  I used Memento ink for this, which allowed me to colour the image with alcohol markers.

    Assembly

    • I glued the black border layer to the card base.
    • Next,  I experimented with placement for the focal image and its border layer.  In the end I decided to offset them dramatically and glued them in place as shown.

    Final Thoughts:

    This is one of those times when I had created the background and then set it aside:  I just didn’t know what I wanted to do with it.   Then one day I pulled out this stamp set and inspiration struck:  I think that this fun and funky girl is a great match for the stencilled background.

    Supplies: (and links where possible)

       I have listed which products I have used, and where they may be purchased. It’s a huge marketplace and in most instances, there are multiple sources and many alternatives to choose from.

    Stencil: Mid Century Tower:  A Colorful Life Designs

    Waffle Flower Grip Mat, 8.5 x 6.5, Scrapbook.com

    Versamark Embossing Ink: Simon Says Stamp

    Stamps:  Impression Obsession  (no longer in business)

    Dies:  Deckled Rectangles , Stampin’ Up!  (retired)

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up! 

    Versafine Onyx, Simon Says Stamp

    Memento Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Alcohol Markers:

         Stampin’ Blends: Stampin’ Up!

         Copics:  Wallacks

    Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels

    Card Base & Card Face: Accent 100 lb., Amazon

    Do you have comments or thoughts to share on this design?  Drop me a line in the Comments Section below –  I’d love to hear from you!

    You can also use the Comments Section  to be added to the list, and notified when I release new work.

  • A Handmade Card for the Bibliophile in Your Life

    A Handmade Card for the Bibliophile in Your Life

    Let’s get Started:

    Card Base: 5.5 x 8.5, scored and folded at 4.25

    Card Face:  5.25 x 4

    I have to confess that I love books:  I love hard cover, soft cover, e-reader:  I just love reading and stepping into another world.  How about you?

    Card Face:

    • I put the card face into my stamp positioner and stamped the books with black Memento ink.  (This ink is alcohol resistant,  so it is perfect for working with alcohol markers.)
    • Then I removed that stamp and added the stamps for the girl and stamped her, also with Memento.
    • Finally, I coloured both images with alcohol markers, adding a bit of shadow under the girl to ground her in the scene.

    Other:

    • I stamped the sentiment with Versafine Onyx.  
    • After giving it a minute to dry  (pigment inks take longer to dry)  I fussy cut around the sentiment.

    Assembly

    • I glued the card face to the card base.
    • I added the sentiment as shown.
    • Then I decided that the card needed a little more definition:  I grabbed a black marker and used a ruler to create a black border around the card face.  

    There are several advantages to this –

    –  It saves a piece of card stock to be used another day

    –  No need to sacrifice a portion of the card face if you’re happy with the proportions

    –  Or – as in this case –  if you see the need for more definition, but too late in the process to add another layer.

    Final Thoughts:

    The combination of these images makes me think of art you find in a graphic novel.   Such a fun and unexpected result.  ( Did I mention that I love books?)

    Supplies: (and links where possible)

       I have listed which products I have used, and where they may be purchased. It’s a huge marketplace and in most instances, there are multiple sources and many alternatives to choose from.

    Waffle Flower Grip Mat, 8.5 x 6.5, Scrapbook.com

    Versamark Embossing Ink: Simon Says Stamp

    Stamps:

        Stack of Books,  Technique Junkies (no longer available)

        Hand Delivered,  Stampin’ Up! (retired)

    Versafine Onyx, Simon Says Stamp

    Memento Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Alcohol Markers:

         Stampin’ Blends: Stampin’ Up!

         Copics:  Wallacks

    Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels

    Card Base & Card Face: Accent 100 lb., Amazon

    Do you have comments or thoughts to share on this design?  Drop me a line in the Comments Section below –  I’d love to hear from you!

    You can also use the Comments Section  to be added to the list, and notified when I release new work.

  • An easy creative solution to a BIG cardmaking Blunder

    An easy creative solution to a BIG cardmaking Blunder

    What to do when you’ve invested time and materials, but then it all goes sideways? When that happens to me I hate having to scrap the time and materials invested in the piece.

    Errors are opportunities for creativity! Read on to learn more ….

    Let’s get Started:

    Card Base: 5.5 x 8.5, scored and folded at 4.25

    Border Layer: 5.5 x 4.25

    Card Face:  5.5 x 4

    Card Face:

    I stamped the images in black Memento ink and colored them with alcohol markers. I was happy with the result, as coloring isn’t my strong suit.

      Then I put this aside for a period of time,  trying to decide how to finish the piece. When I picked it back up again I was dismayed to see that it had been sitting too close to something messy –  there was a fine blue spatter in the upper right.  (Probably from cleaning a stencil, and simple carelessness with my work!). How to salvage the time and materials…. ???

    I added both large and small drops of paint above the brush.  I used a fine liner to outline the drops and a blue alcohol marker to fill them in.  I also added small dots of blue marker here and there to bridge between the fine spatter and the larger drops.   It worked –  I was delighted with the result, I had successfully camouflaged my error!

    I carried this one step further by creating puddles of paint under the brush. (There were puddles around the paint pot,  but not under this paintbrush).

    I used a white gel pen to add accents here and there in the scene.

    I put the card face into my stamp positioner and added the sentiment.

    I cut the card face into three panels,  1 ⅓” each.

    Assembly

    I glued the border layer to the card base.

    I glued the three pieces of the card face onto this, spacing evenly.

    Final Thoughts:

    I love Anita Jeram’s work,  and was so happy with the images as placed and coloured. (I don’t pretend to be an expert with any form of colouring, so when I get something that I’m satisfied with, I’m happy!).   

    Then I was dismayed to notice the spatter,  and finally, happy again when the problem was resolved.

    Happy – dismayed – happy.  Sounds like a movie theme!   😆

    Of course if you want to avoid the need for a rescue operation, putting the card in a safe spot is definitely the way to go.

    Supplies: (and links where possible)

       I have listed which products I have used, and where they may be purchased. It’s a huge marketplace; in most instances, there are multiple sources and many alternatives.

    Stamps: Paint the Town, Colorado Craft Co., 

    Versafine Onyx, Simon Says Stamp

    Memento Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Alcohol Markers:

         Stampin’ Blends: Stampin’ Up!

         Copics:  Wallacks

    Fineliners: Amazon

    White Gel Pen: Arteza,  Amazon

    Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels

    Card Base & Card Face: Accent 100 lb., Amazon

  • Say Happy Easter with a Fabulous, Sparkly Bunny Card

    Would you like to experiment with a design like this? You’ll find a supply list below, including a link to the stencil I used from A Colorful Life Designs.  Follow the link and use discount code ChrisFan10 to save 10% on your entire order! (Master Creator Bundles are excluded as they already have a 20% discount built in.)

    Easter is typically visualized in happy springtime pastels. But sometimes a sparkly Easter bunny fits the bill!

    Let’s get Started:

    Card Base: 5.5 x 8.5, scored and folded at 4.25

    Green Border Layer: 4.25 x 4.25

    Card Face:  4 x 4

    Card Face:

    • I positioned the stencil on the card face, securing it with Mint Tape.
    • Next, using a palette knife,  I added sparkly white embossing paste over all exposed areas.   I  removed the stencil, being careful not to smudge the design.  
    • Afterwards, I placed the stencil in water and put the card face aside to dry.

    Other:

    • I stamped the sentiment and used a tiny die to cut it out.
    • I also stamped the tiny heart with green ink,  added embossing ink with a pen, sprinkled it with holographic powder and set it with a heat gun.   I used a punch to cut it out.
    • Once the card face was dry I used a pokey tool to create holes on either side of the bunny’s neck.  I threaded fine iridescent white yarn through the holes and secured this on the back with tape.

    Assembly

    • I glued the card face to the green border layer, centering on all sides.
    • Following that, I added this to the card base, aligning to the left-hand edge, and leaving a white border on the right.
    • I used metallic thread to attach the heart tag to the bunny’s collar.
    • I added the sentiment to the upper left of the card.
    • The finishing touch was the addition of three small green gems down the right-hand border.

    Final Thoughts:

    The sparkly Easter Bunny is really pretty:  I didn’t want to add anything to compete with that,  so I chose very soft green accents.   I’m really happy with the end result.

    Supplies: (and links where possible)

       I have listed which products I have used, and where they may be purchased. It’s a huge marketplace and in most instances, there are multiple sources and many alternatives to choose from.

    Stencil:  Heart Bunny,  A Colorful Life Designs

    Embossing Pen:  Ranger,  Amazon

    Holographic Embossing Powder: Ranger,  Amazon

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Embossing Paste: Stampin’ Up!

    Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels

    Card Base & Card Face: Accent 100 lb., Amazon

    Do you have comments or thoughts to share on this design?  Drop me a line in the Comments Section below –  I’d love to hear from you!

    You can also use the Comments Section  to be added to the list, and notified when I release new work.

  • Create a card that Celebrates Singing After the Storm

    Create a card that Celebrates Singing After the Storm

    Would you like to experiment with a design like this? You’ll find a supply list below, including a link to the stencils I used from A Colorful Life Designs.  Follow the link and use discount code ChrisFan10 to save 10% on your entire order! (Master Creator Bundles are excluded as they already have a 20% discount built in.)

    Let’s get Started:

    Card Base: 5.5 x 8.5, scored and folded at 4.25

    Border Layer: 5 x 3.75

    Card Face:  5 x 3.75

    White Cardstock to create window panels and window frame.

    Acetate:  5 x 3.75

    Card Face:

    • I laid the card face onto the Grip Mat and positioned the  MultiShadow stencil.  I applied teal ink with a light hand.
    • After removing this stencil,  I positioned the Message Bird stencil, using a dark blue ink for the bird.   I repositioned the stencil and added the branch with brown ink.
    • Setting both stencils aside,  I lightly spritzed water onto the card face to soften the lines and add depth.

    Other:

    • I used a “plaid” die to create the window panes.
    • I didn’t have a rectangular die in the correct size to create the window frame:  to get around this I cut 4 pieces of card stock,  each ¼” wide and 5” long.
    • I used a couple of dies to cut the foliage for the window and then brushed on a couple of different green inks.
    • I brushed teal ink around all borders of the card base, allowing it to fade as it moved away from the edges.
    • I found a great sentiment in my binder, ready and just waiting to be put to use.

    Assembly

    • I glued the card face to the card base, centering on all sides.
    • I secured the acetate to the back of the window pane die cut and then secured this to the card face.
    • I added the strips of cardstock to the outer edges of this, trimming to the correct size.
    • I glued the foliage to the window as shown.
    • I added the sentiment.

    Final Thoughts:

    I wanted to include acetate behind the window for the realistic shine it would provide:  securing this to the card face and then the window proved very difficult and I would not include it another time.

    I wanted the scene to have the look of being viewed through a window during a rainstorm,  and I think I succeeded!

    Supplies: (and links where possible)

       I have listed which products I have used, and where they may be purchased. It’s a huge marketplace and in most instances, there are multiple sources and many alternatives to choose from.

    Stencils:

        MultiShadow , a Colorful Life Designs

        Message Bird,  A Colorful Life Designs

    Waffle Flower Grip Mat, 8.5 x 6.5, Scrapbook.com

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up! 

    Versafine Onyx, Simon Says Stamp

    Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels

    Card Base & Card Face: Accent 100 lb., Amazon

    Do you have comments or thoughts to share on this design?  Drop me a line in the Comments Section below –  I’d love to hear from you!

    You can also use the Comments Section  to be added to the list, and notified when I release new work.

  • A handmade card: a great way say I’m Here for You

    A handmade card: a great way say I’m Here for You

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    Would you like to experiment with a design like this? Below, you’ll find a supply list, including a link to the stencil I used from A Colorful Life Designs. Follow the link and use discount code ChrisFan10 to save 10% on your entire order! (Master Creator Bundles are excluded as they already have a 20% discount built in.)

    A handmade card, sent with love is a great way to say Here For You.

    Let’s Get Started:

    Card Base: 5.5 x 8.5, scored and folded at 4.25

    Card Face:  5.25 x 4  (before tearing)

    Several pieces of scrap white cardstock for flowers & leaves

    Vellum:  2.5” circle & 6.25 x 1.5” strip

     Card Face

    • I had a gel print that I wanted to use:  I cut this to size and laid it on a piece of scrap paper.
    • I put the stencil in place, securing it with Mint Tape
    • I spread DIY* mint-coloured embossing paste** across the first layer of the stencil.  I removed the stencil carefully to avoid smudging the design,  and put it into water immediately.
    • After the first layer had dried I put the second layer of the stencil in place and spread white embossing paste across the surface.  Again,  I removed the stencil carefully and put it immediately into water.

    *See Homemade Embossing Paste under Stretch Your Pennies in the header

    ** See Multi-Media Products and Stencils under Techniques in the header

    Other:

    • I put the extra pieces of cardstock into my stamp positioner one at a time and stamped the first layer of the flower, creating the outer rim of the petals as well as the center of the blossom with dark teal ink.   
    • I repeated the process with medium teal ink for the inside of the petals.
    • I pressed the dark teal ink pad directly to a piece of white cardstock and then die-cut four leaves from this piece.
    • I used an embossing buddy liberally on the strip of vellum, and then put it into my stamp positioner. I added the sentiment with Versamark embossing ink and sprinkled on some silver embossing powder which I set with my heat gun.

    Assembly

    I wrapped the strip of vellum around the card face towards the top as shown in the image,  securing the ends on the back with scotch tape.

    I tore a narrow strip off of the bottom of the card face to create an uneven edge,  and then glued it to the card base.

    I experimented with the placement of the flowers and leaves on the vellum circle: once I was satisfied with the design I used liquid glue to secure these.  I used dimensionals behind the flowers  in a couple of spots to separate the layers and create dimension.

    I put glue on the back of the vellum circle (behind the blossoms, so it wouldn’t be seen through the vellum)  and glued it in place as shown.

         when using liquid glue on vellum, I apply it very sparingly,  and then blot before it is affixed.     Vellum warps very easily when it comes in contact with moisture,  but will tolerate  a small amount.

    Final Thoughts:

    I’m really liking the combination of rustic feeling card face with the more finished feel of the vellum and blossoms.  It creates subtle tension and interest.

    Supplies: (and links where possible)

       I have listed which products I have used, and where they may be purchased. It’s a huge marketplace; in most instances, there are multiple sources and many alternatives.

    Stencil: Layered Fall Foliage, A Colorful Life Designs

    Versamark Embossing Ink: Simon Says Stamp

    Silver Embossing Powder:  Wow,  Simon Says Stamp

    Vellum:  Stampin’ Up! (retired)

    Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels

    Card Base & Card Face: Accent 100 lb., Amazon

  • Create a handmade card that celebrates the Simple Moments

    Create a handmade card that celebrates the Simple Moments

    Sometimes the simple pleasures really are the best; it could be a smile from a loved one, sunshine on a spring day, or flowers in a vase.

    Would you like to experiment with a design like this? You’ll find a supply list below, including a link to the stencil I used from A Colorful Life Designs.  Follow the link and use discount code ChrisFan10 to save 10% on your entire order! (Master Creator Bundles are excluded as they already have a 20% discount built in.)

    Let’s get Started:

    Card Base: 5.5 x 8.5, scored and folded at 4.25

    Card Face:  5.5 x 4.25

    Card Face:

    • I inked up the background stamp with orange ink, and laid it face up on my desk: then I placed the card face on top, doing my best to keep it straight.
    • I laid a piece of scrap copy paper over this and ran my fingers over the entire surface to ensure ink transfer.   (This is my preferred method when using a background stamp.
    • I put the card face on my Grip Mat and used a black fineliner to trace the pattern onto the card face.
    • I coloured the images with alcohol markers, adding white highlights with gel pen.
    • I used a blue gel pen to add the dotted circle around the center of each blossom  ( it doesn’t look blue in the image, but it is).
    • I used a clear metallic pen to add sparkle to the center of each blossom:  the centers had been coloured green with alcohol marker and the addition of the metallic ink activated that, creating a pretty greenish gold.

    Other:

    • I looked through my sentiment binder and selected one that was a good size for this bold image, and I felt this sentiment worked well too.
    • The sentiment had been created on very light cardstock:  I added a piece of heavier cardstock to the back to create stability.

    Assembly

    • I glued the card face directly to the card base.
    • I added the sentiment as shown.

    Final Thoughts:

    I love this stamp and stencil combination:  they work so very well together.

    I was initially concerned about the orange ink showing through the colouring but then decided that it would just add depth and  visual interest.  I don’t mind the result, what do you think?

    Supplies: (and links where possible)

       I have listed which products I have used, and where they may be purchased. It’s a huge marketplace and in most instances, there are multiple sources and many alternatives to choose from.

    Stencil: Bottled Posies,  A Colorful Life Designs

    Waffle Flower Grip Mat, 8.5 x 6.5, Scrapbook.com

    Versamark Embossing Ink: Simon Says Stamp

    Stamps:  Weave,  Technique Junkies  (no longer available)

    Fineliner:  Amazon

    Metallic Gel  Pen: Sakura Gelly Roll, Amazon

    White Gel Pen: Arteza,  Amazon

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up! 

    Memento Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Alcohol Markers:

         Stampin’ Blends: Stampin’ Up!

         Copics:  Wallacks

    Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels

    Card Base & Card Face: Accent 100 lb., Amazon

    Do you have comments or thoughts to share on this design?  Drop me a line in the Comments Section below –  I’d love to hear from you!

    You can also use the Comments Section  to be added to the list, and notified when I release new work.

  • Creative & Cozy Card Making: Share a Smile Today!

    Creative & Cozy Card Making: Share a Smile Today!

    Would you like to experiment with a design like this? Below, you’ll find a supply list, including a link to the stencils I used from A Colorful Life Designs. Follow the link and use discount code ChrisFan10 to save 10% on your entire order! (Master Creator Bundles are excluded as they already have a 20% discount built in.)

    Let’s get Started:

    Card Base:  5.5 x 8.5, scored and folded at 4.25

    Border Layer: 5.25 x 4

    Card Face:  5 ⅛ x 3 7/8

    Baby it’s cold outside! Stay cozy.

    Card Face:

    • I stamped the fireplace, chair, and bear + penguin onto masking paper and cut them out.
    • Next,  the fireplace and bear + penguin were stamped onto the card face, using Memento Ink.
    • I put the mask in place over the bear/penguin image and then stamped the chair.

          This created the effect of the bear sitting in the chair without any portions of the two images interfering with each other.

    • I coloured each of the images with alcohol markers.  I used a gold gel pen to colour the andirons in the fireplace; I also used a black fine liner to colour around the flames so they would have more presence.
    • I put the masks in place on all three images before putting the stencil in place to create the area rug on the floor.  I added black ink to the exposed areas to create the checkered pattern.
    • I used the Sparkles stencil to create the wallpaper, using a soft hand and orange ink.
    • I added a shadow under the chair and penguin, as well as towards the junction of the floor and wall.
    • I decided on a couple of final touches – I used white gel pen here and there on the scarf as well as on the flames in the fireplace.
    • I put the card face into my stamp positioner and stamped the sentiment with Versamark embossing ink before adding gold embossing powder and setting it with my heat gun.

    Assembly

    • I glued the black border layer to the card base and then added the card face on top of these, centering both carefully.

    Final Thoughts:

    I was really happy with this whimsical scene when it was completed.   Looking at it now I would make the shadows around the fireplace and where the floor meets the wall a bit darker and more apparent, but overall I’m satisfied.

    Supplies: (and links where possible)

       I have listed which products I have used, and where they may be purchased. It’s a huge marketplace; in most instances, there are multiple sources and many alternatives.

    Stencils: Floor Perspective,  A Colorful Life Designs

                       Sparkles: A Colorful Life Designs

    Waffle Flower Grip Mat, 8.5 x 6.5, Scrapbook.com

    Versamark Embossing Ink: Simon Says Stamp

    Gold Embossing Powder:  Wow,  Simon Says Stamp

    Stamps: Knitting Bear,  Colorado Craft Company

                     Cozy Greetings,  Unity Stamps

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up! 

    White Gel Pens: Arteza,  Amazon

    Fine Liners: Amazon 

    Memento Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Alcohol Markers:

         Stampin’ Blends: Stampin’ Up!

         Copics:  Wallacks

    Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels

    Card Base & Card Face: Accent 100 lb., Amazon

  • How to Make a Stunning Debossed Card

    How to Make a Stunning Debossed Card

    Let’s get Started:

    Card Base: 5.5  x 8.5, scored and folded at 425

    Border Layer: 5.5 x 4

    Card Face:  5.5 x 4 (before tearing)

    I had a card face which had been started but put aside:  I had originally swiped black ink onto the surface and then I had put it into a striped embossing folder and run it through the Big Shot… and then put it aside.  I picked this up one day, and thought “what would happen if I used the back of this as a base for an image?  The stripes are debossed that way …  it might be interesting.”   And so it began.

    Card Face:

    • I stamped the flower onto the card face,  followed by the long sentiment using black Memento ink for both.  I overlapped the two deliberately.
    • I coloured the flower using alcohol markers.  While colouring the blossom, I accidentally filled in one of the debossed channels:  there was nothing to do but continue doing that as I continued colouring the image.
    • I wanted more colour,  so I added the Simplify in red ink, to match the flower.
    • I tore both sides off close to the image, distressing the edges quite a bit.

    Other:

    • I used a wide flat brush with gold watercolour paint and created a gold strip down both sides of the border piece:  I deliberately created a jagged, irregular line as I went.  Once this was dry, I placed it in an embossing folder and ran it through the Big Shot.   
    • I added spatter to the card face using both silver and gold watercolour paint.
    • I stamped the “happy life”  sentiment onto a narrow strip of scrap paper and then used my snips to create the flag on the right.

    Assembly

    • I glued the border layer to the card base, centering vertically.
    • I put dimensional foam on the back of the card face and added this to the border layer, again centering vertically.
    • I glued the sentiment onto the card face as shown.
    • I added bling randomly to the card face.

    Final Thoughts:

    I’m really happy with this card:  I like the look of the image stamped onto the debossed card face,  and the tiny sentiment on the stem.

    If I were to do this again,  I would lightly touch a few of the torn edges of the card face with the same gold ink used elsewhere. This would have tied that element in quite nicely.

    Supplies: (and links where possible)

       I have listed which products I have used, and where they may be purchased. It’s a huge marketplace; in most instances, there are multiple sources and many alternatives.

    Stamps: Bloom and Simplify, Unity Stamps (retired)

    Metallic Watercolour Paint:  Amazon

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up! 

    Versafine Onyx, Simon Says Stamp

    Memento Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Alcohol Markers:

         Stampin’ Blends: Stampin’ Up!

         Copics:  Wallacks

    Bling: A Colorful Life Designs

    Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels

    Card Base & Card Face: Accent 100 lb., Amazon

    Do you have comments or thoughts to share on this design?  Drop me a line –  I’d love to hear from you!