Written In Ink

Author: Chris

  • Send a supportive, encouraging card to that special Someone

    Send a supportive, encouraging card to that special Someone

    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: 4.25 x 11, scored and folded at 5.5

    Black Border Layer: 4.25 x 5.5

    Kraft Card Face:  4 x 5.5

    Card Face:

    • I placed the card face into my stamp positioner and used red ink to stamp the image.  I stamped three times  to ensure a clear, fully saturated image.
    • I moved the card face to my grip mat, and positioned the stencil.  I applied brown ink with a soft hand over the exposed areas,  avoiding the image.
    • I went around the borders on the card face with a light hand, brushing on the red ink used for stamping.
    • I put the card face into an embossing folder and ran it through the Big Shot to create texture.

    Other:

    • I placed a scrap of kraft cardstock into my stamp positioner and created the sentiment with Versafine Onyx.
    • I used a stitched die to cut this out,  and then went over the edges of this with red ink, as I had with the card face.

    Assembly

    • I glued the black border layer to the card base,  and then centered the card face on top of these.
    • I put dimensional foam tape on the back of the sentiment and put it in place as shown.

    Final Thoughts:

    I love kraft and red together,  and I also love how much the stencilling and the embossing add to this design (both subtle,  but critical to the end result).

    I am really happy with the simplicity of this card –  I think it makes a statement with minimal fuss.

    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: Broken Lines,  A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Stamps:  Technique Junkies (no longer in business)

    Dies: Stampin’ Up! (retired)

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up! 

    Versafine Onyx, Simon Says Stamp

    Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels

    Card Base: 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 notified when I release new work

  • Make him a fun and fabulous Father’s Day card.

    Make him a fun and fabulous Father’s Day card.

    Let’s get Started:

    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.)

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

    Cranberry Border Layer: 5.5 x 4.25

    Copper Border Layer: 3.25 x 4.25 

               Alternatively, to save material-  just cut two ⅛ x 4.25 strips from the copper cardstock and glue them directly along the top and bottom of the card face.

    Card Face:  3 x 4.25   

    Card Face:

    • I placed the card face on my grip mat and then positioned the first part of the stencil (the handles).
    • Using cranberry ink and a moderate hand, I applied ink across the exposed areas.  I went back with a shading brush (smaller) and applied addition in specific areas to create depth in the handles.
    • I removed the first stencil and brought in the second layer (the “business end” of each tool).
    • I used copper metallic ink across all exposed areas.

       This is a very dense pigment ink,  and I wasn’t able to create further depth with additional layers.

    Other:

    • I stamped the sentiment with Versafine Onyx,  and cut it down to the finished size with a die.
    • I used an embossing folder on the cranberry border layer to create an industrial feel.
    • I used the same copper foil cardstock and dies to cut out the nuts used as an accent.

        If a piece of foiled cardstock was used for the copper border (rather than strips)  these nuts could be cut from the center of that piece – no one would know!   

    Assembly

    • I glued the cranberry border layer to the card base, and added the copper border layer and card face on top centering appropriately.
    • I put dimensional foam on the back of the sentiment and put it in place in the center of the card.
    • I added the small copper nuts as shown.

    Final Thoughts:

    Such a fun card:  I love the colours and textures.  And I love that sentiment, combined with the wee embellishments.

    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: Layered Tools, A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Stamp and Die:  Taylored Expressions (retired)

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Metallic Ink: Copper Pot:  Lisa Horton, Glitter & Ink

    Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up! 

    Shading Brushes: Waffle Flower, Amazon

    Versafine Onyx, Simon Says Stamp

    Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels

    Copper Foil Cardstock:  Reflections,  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 notified when I release new work

    Layered Tools from A Colorful Life Designs

  • The delightful whimsy of dasies, in a thank you card

    The delightful whimsy of dasies, in a thank you 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.)

    Let’s get Started:

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

    Black Border Layer: 5.5 x 4.25

    Card Face:  5.25 x 4

    Card Face:

    • I laid the card face onto the Grip Mat and positioned the stencil.
    • I applied school bus yellow ink across the exposed areas.
    • I repositioned the stencil,  turning it  90 degrees,  and applied peach ink across all exposed areas.
    • I used a punch on the corners to create the pattern shown in the image.

    Other:

    • I looked through my sentiment binder and selected one that worked:  I took into account the mood of the design and the size of the sentiment.

    Assembly

    • I glued the black cardstock to the card base,  and then centered the card face on top. 
    • I put the sentiment in place as shown.
    • I scattered three different colours of card bling across the surface:  black,  black with white polka dots and white with black polka dots.

    Final Thoughts:

    The combination of the two colours created some interesting tone depth, and rotating the stencil created an interesting depth in the pattern.

    I love the polka dot card bling,  and the additional whimsy it brings to this card.

    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: Trim Octagon,  A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up! 

    Stamp: Unity Stamp Company (retired)

    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 notified when I release new work

    Trim Octagon from A Colorful Life Designs

  • Make an Impression with an Exciting Mixed-Media Card

    Make an Impression with an Exciting Mixed-Media 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.)

    Let’s get Started:

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

    Card Face: 5.25 x 4

    Card Face:

    • After laying the black cardstock onto the grip mat,  I positioned the stencil.
    • I used white pigment ink across the exposed surface, repeating a couple of times to build intensity. I had used pigment ink, so  I put this aside for several hours to allow the ink to dry fully.
    • I put the stencil back in place, lining the pattern up carefully; and then added Duo Gel randomly on the inked areas.
    • I placed the stencil water immediately,  and once again put the card face aside to dry.
    • Once the gel had dried (it goes on white,  but is transparent when dry), I added a piece of transfer foil and ran it through my Big Shot.  After pulling the foil away I was left with a wonderfully shiny, random, addition to to the pattern.

    Other:

    • I die cut the Seriously from white card stock twice, and glued them together.
    • I stamped the rest of the sentiment and used my trimmer to cut it down to the final size.

    Assembly

    • I glued the card face to the card base.
    • I glued the large die cut to the card face,  and then positioned the smaller rectangle underneath.

    Final Thoughts:

    I love the look of the stencilled pattern on black cardstock, and also the combination that created the sentiment for the card.

    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: Open Coils,  A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Versamark Embossing Ink: Simon Says Stamp

    Dies:  Seriously,  Picket Fences (retired)

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up! 

    Versafine Onyx, Simon Says Stamp

    Deco Gel:  Therm O Web, Amazon

    Transfer Foil: Deco Foil, Therm O Web, Amazon

    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 notified when I release new work

    Open Coils from A Colorful Life Designs

  • Stencilling + Paper Piecing on a DIY Card? A fast & easy technique.

    Stencilling + Paper Piecing on a DIY Card? A fast & easy technique.

    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

    Black Border Layer:  5.5 x 4.25

    Card Face:  5.5 x 4.25, copy paper

    Patterned Paper

    Card Face:

    I decided to use this stencil with patterned paper instead of ink, creating a very different look.

    • I laid the stencil on the green plaid paper and traced the lines to create the suit jacket, and cut out the pieces
    • I traced the bow tie onto the orange patterned paper and cut out the pieces.

    This stencil is approximately 5.5 x 5.5,   and my card was going to be 5.5 x 4.25 –  I had to make the suit jacket smaller somehow.   Rather than cut the extra width off the sides,  I overlapped the two pieces on the copy paper.  This gave me a smaller V,  which worked well with that width.

    • I glued the two pieces of the suit in place, overlapping as necessary.
    • I glued the bow tie in place, allowing it to extend onto the green plaid.

    Other:

    • I stamped the sentiment with Versafine Onyx and cut it out with a die.

    Assembly

    • I glued the black border layer to the card base,  and then glued the copy paper layer on top of both.
    • I added foam tape to the back of the sentiment and put it in place.
    • I glued a tiny white button to the “shirt”.
    • I traced around the button and the pieces of the bow tie with a black fineliner,  providing more definition.

    Final Thoughts:

    I used papers to create a sort of quirky/geeky feel for this suit –  I love the result. Different papers will produce very different results.

    I don’t often do paper piecing, but it’s so much fun.

    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:  The Tux,  A Colorful Life Designs

    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.

    The Tux by A Colorful Life Designs

  • DIY a Card that Celebrates the Dreamer in your Life.

    DIY a Card that Celebrates the Dreamer 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

    Kraft Card Face:  : 5.5 x 4.25

    Vellum:   2 x 4.5

    Card Face:

    • I laid the card face down onto my grip mat and positioned the stencil.  I used tan coloured ink and a soft hand over the exposed areas to create the pattern.
    • Removing the stencil and setting it aside,  I brushed the same ink around the edges of the card face.
    • I placed the card face in an embossing folder and ran it through my Big Shot.
    • I added several creases to the vellum to create additional texture and visual interest.

    Other:

    • I dusted the vellum liberally with anti-static powder.
    • I used Versamark embossing ink to stamp the image onto the vellum.
    • I sprinkled on copper embossing powder and then set it with my heat gun.

       **  when heat embossing vellum make sure that you have your heat gun really hot before starting and move the gun continually to avoid scorching the vellum.

    • I stamped the sentiment on a piece of Kraft cardstock using Versafine Onyx.  I sprinkled clear embossing powder over this and set it with my heat gun.
    • I used a stitched rectangle die to cut this to the finished size.

    Assembly

    • I wrapped the vellum around the card face towards the right as shown,  securing the ends with scotch tape.
    • I glued the card face to the card base.
    • I put foam tape on the back of the sentiment and placed it towards the bottom left of the card face.

    Final Thoughts:

    I quite like this combination of products –  they play together very nicely.

    After this picture was taken I added a “Happy Graduation”  sentiment above the one shown in the picture.  It makes a very nice masculine graduation card.

    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: Trim Octagon, A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Versamark Embossing Ink: Simon Says Stamp

    Clear Embossing Powder: Wow,  R&R Scrapbooking

    Copper Embossing Powder: Wow , Glitter & Ink

    Stamps:  Observations, Tim Holtz, Stampers Anonymous

    Dies:  Stitched Rectangle, Stampin’ Up!  (retired)

    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.

    Trim Octagon by A Colorful Life Designs

  • The card no one wants to make

    The card no one wants to make

    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-cutting)

    Card Face:

    • I laid the card face down onto my grip mat,  and then positioned the stencil I applied teal ink across the exposed area.
    • I moved the stencil down and repeated the process several times.  When I was approximately 60% of the way down the card face, i switched to green ink.

      This stencil actually has four sides with different representations of flames.  I chose one side, and stuck with it for this design.

    • After removing the stencil and setting it aside,  I put the card face into my stamp positioner. I stamped the floral image a couple of times with Versafine Onyx.
    • I used a deckled edge die to cut the card face down to it’s final size  (approximately 4 x 5.25)

    Other:

    • I wrapped silver metallic thread several times around the right hand side of the card face, securing the ends with scotch tape.
    • I used a small piece of the same thread to tie a knot around the threads,  pulling them together towards the top of the card face.  I put a tiny dot of glue on the knot,  and allowed this to dry before moving on.
    • This card could work for several different occasions:  I looked through my sentiment binder and selected the one shown in the image.

    Assembly

    • I glued the black border layer to the card base,  and then centered the card face on top of these.
    • I added a black irridescent gem over the knot in the metallic thread, using liquid glue to make sure it stayed put.
    • I added foam tape to the back of the sentiment and positioned it as shown in the picture.

    Final Thoughts:

    Sympathy cards are the ones that no one wants to have to make or send –  I’ve developed a habit of always having two or three on hand so I don’t have to make one when we receive some sade news.

    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:  Fire Edger,  A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Versamark Embossing Ink: Simon Says Stamp

    Clear Embossing Powder: Wow,  R&R Scrapbooking

    Stamps: Bold Botanicals,  Tim Holtz, Amazon

    Dies:  Decked Edge,  Stampin’ Up!  (retired)

    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.

    The Fire Edger stencil from A Colorful Life Designs

  • Unlock Your Creativity with simple DIY Grunge Card Techniques

    Unlock Your Creativity with simple DIY Grunge Card Techniques

    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.)

    I do love a bit of grunge from time to time!

    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:  5.25 x 4

    Card Face:

    • I laid the card face on my Grip Mat and then positioned the stencil, going over it with a brayer to ensure good contact with the mat.
    • Next I applied a mixture of light teal and purple inks over the exposed areas.
    • I was really happy with the result,  and then(because I was in an experimental mood) I cut the card face in half, and glued them to a piece of copy paper, reversing the order.
    • I put this reconfigured card face into my stamp positioner and added the focal image in the center, using Versafine Onyx.
    • The focal image is from a grunge set,  and to further develop that theme, I stamped a few different sentiments onto the background, using grey ink and second-generation stamping.
    • I ran each edge of the card face over the teal ink pad used on the stencil, tilting the paper slightly to allow the colour to bleed in just a bit.

    Other:

    • I grabbed my sentiment binder and pulled out three that worked with the mood of this piece. This binder contains sentiments that have been created in advance and saved for future need. It’s a great time saver!
    • I put dimensional foam on the back of each strip.

    Assembly

    • I glued the black border layer onto the card base,  and then centered the card face on top of these.
    • I removed the backing from each of the three sentiments, and laid them lightly on the card face where I wanted them.
    • I took a length of purple metallic thread, wrapped it loosely around my fingers and then secured it under each sentiment strip, lifting each slightly to slide the thread underneath and then pushing it down to hold the thread and secure it to the card face.
    • I used an assortment of card bling to finish the card, gluing it randomly across the finished card face.

    Final Thoughts:

    • I like the reversed stencil image:  if I had been planning on this when I started,  it would have been easy to get this look by stencilling just half of the image on each outside edge.  Cutting the card face down the middle left a visible line,  which will be avoided if I redo this design.
    • The metallic thread isn’t very visible in the image,  but it adds a subtle bit of loveliness in real life.
    • I do love a grungy card!  My biggest issue with this style is that I don’t know when to stop, and the card gets muddy –  how did I do this time?

    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: Swirl Band, A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Stamps:

        Studio Light Inspire and Create Grunge Collection (retired)

        Polka Dot Blossoms Sayings,  Tim Holtz, Amazon

    Card Bling:  A Colorful Life Designs

    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.

    Swirl Band by A Colorful Life Designs – remember, use the code to save!

  • Show your love, create an elegant sympathy card

    Show your love, create an elegant sympathy 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.)

    Let’s get Started:

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

    Card Face:  5 x 3.75

    Three small scraps of white cardstock

    Silver Cardstock:   ⅛ x 5

    Card Face:

    • I began by spraying the back of this delicate stencil with Pixie Spray and waiting for (about) 30 seconds before using it.
    • Then I   laid the card face on my Grip Mat and positioned the stencil on the bottom of the card face –  approximately ⅔ of the stencil was on the paper.
    • I applied Versafine Onyx over the exposed areas, using firm pressure and building up ink until I had a bold, dramatic graphic.

    Other:

    • I put the first scrap of cardstock into my stamp positioner and stamped the flowers several times to get an intense black image.  I used the matching die to cut this out.
    • Using the second piece of scrap and the stamp positioner once again I stamped the sentiment a couple of times.  I fussy cut this, using my snips.
    • I die cut the white bow,  and coloured it with an embossing pen.  I sprinkled on silver embossing powder and set it with my heat gun.

    Assembly

    • I glued the card face to the card base.
    • I glued the die-cut bouquet in place and then added the silver bow as shown.
    • I added the sentiment to the card face.
    • I glued the narrow silver strip along the top of the card face.

    Final Thoughts:

    This was an interesting design to create –  the asymmetry in the design makes it interesting, as well as the still minimalistic feel.  I think it works well as a sympathy card.

    Initially the bow was going to remain white –  I changed my mind partway through the design (as I often do).

    I like to keep two or three sympathy cards on hand – experience has taught me that creating them upon need is very difficult.

    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: Swirl Band , A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Versamark Embossing Pen:

    Silver Embossing Powder: Wow, 

    Stamp/Die: Floral Impressions, Hero Arts

    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.

    Swirl Band by A Colorful Life Designs

  • A (quick & easy) gorgeous, inspirational handmade card.

    A (quick & easy) gorgeous, inspirational handmade 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.)

    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   (subtle patterned paper)

    Card Face:

    • This stencil is delicate,  with long “strands” – so before I started, I sprayed the back with Pixie Spray.
    • Next I laid the card face on my Grip Mat, and then positioned the stencil. (I always allow approximately 30 seconds to allow the Pixie Spray to start working.)
    • I applied yellow ink across all exposed areas,  building up intensity in the top left and bottom right corners.
    • After removing the stencil I put the card face into my stamp positioner and added the dancer with dark yellow ink,  stamping a couple of times to create enough contrast with the background.
    • I removed that stamp and added the sentiment,  I stamped this three times with Versafine Onyx to achieve a crisp, intense result.

    When I want to add a sentiment directly to the card face, and need to be certain that it’s straight : I add a layer of acetate on top of the card face and stamp on that.   I make minor adjustments as necessary ,  cleaning the acetate and restamping until I’m satisfied.  Then I remove the acetate and stamp directly onto the card face.  This has saved a lot of work from hitting the trash!

    • I added spatter to the card face, using the reinker for the darker yellow.

    Assembly

    • I glued the black border layer to the card base, and then centered the card face on top of these.

    Final Thoughts:

    I love this elegant ballerina image,  and also the combination of the two stamps with this stencil. They all play together so very well!

    Although I used a subtle patterned paper for this,  the design would also work on regular cardstock.

    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: Glittering Hearts,  A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Versamark Embossing Ink: Simon Says Stamp

    Clear Embossing Powder: Wow,  R&R Scrapbooking

    Stamps:  Dancer and Sentiment –  Technique Junkies (no longer in business)

    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.

    Glittering Hearts by A Colorful Life Designs