Written In Ink

Author: Chris

  • Create Beautiful Christmas Cards with Cardinals

    Create Beautiful Christmas Cards with Cardinals

    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: 5.25 x 10.5,  scored and folded at 5.25

    Cream Border Layer: 5. X 5

    Red Border Layer  4 x 4

    Card Face: 3.75 x 3.75

    Scraps of cream and red cardstock for the banner and birds

    Card Face:

    • I laid the card face down onto scrap paper and positioned the stencil.  I applied green embossing paste to all exposed areas.
    • I removed the stencil carefully and put it into water immediately (to prevent the paste from drying on the surface).  
    • I put the card face aside to dry.  Once dry,  I used a corner punch on each corner, which created both the rounded edge and the peek-a-boo slot in the card face.

    Other:

    • I die-cut the banner 2x from cream cardstock and once from red.
    • I glued the two cream banners together, then added the red one behind, offsetting it just slightly.
    • I die-cut the tiny cardinals from the same red cardstock.
    • I put the banner in my stamp positioner and stamped Merry Christmas in red ink.
    • I put the cream border into an embossing folder and ran it through my Big Shot.

    Assembly

    • I glued the embossed, cream border to the card base, centering it on all sides.
    • I glued the card face to the red border layer, again centering it on all sides.
    • I glued these two layers together, again (of course!) centering on all sides.
    • I glued the banner into the center of the wreath.
    • I added the tiny cardinals as shown.

    Final Thoughts:

    I had such a time with that banner!   The first time I tried to glue it down I hadn’t allowed enough time for the ink to dry and smudged the red in the process.  The second attempt, I had glue on my finger, touched the red ink … and of course smudged it again.   At that point I put it aside for a couple of days –  I was tired of looking at it!

    When I returned to it I once again die cut a banner and stamped it, and very carefully glued it on top of what was there …  and I finally managed to get the task done without smudging it!

    Luckily,  I like the result, LOL.  The embossing paste has a lovely gleam and creates a wonderful backdrop for the banner and birds.

    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: Leaf Frame,  A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Embossing Paste:  Later Gator Lunar Paste, Glitter & Ink

    Stamp & Die: Banner Sentiments, Penny Black, Teaspoon of Fun

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels

    Cream Card Base & Card Face: Recollections 110 lb., Michaels

    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.

    Leafy Frame by A Colorful Life Designs

  • How to Use Stencils for Beautiful Holiday Card Designs

    How to Use Stencils for Beautiful Holiday Card Designs

    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 my grip mat and positioned the stencil with the ivy swag where I wanted it.  I used a small blending brush and green ink over this part of the stencil, being careful to avoid ink in other open areas on the stencil.   
    • I moved the stencil and added ivy to other sections of the card face randomly.
    • I wiped the stencil down to remove the green ink.  I added the poinsettias with red ink, switching to the small brush designated for that colour.
    • The stencilling was complete,  but I wanted more detail in the background,  so I added two different backgrounds stamps with light brown ink.

    To use a background stamp:

    It can be difficult to get a good impression with a background stamp – there’s a lot of area to cover. I get good results with this method – I’m quite certain I saw it on Youtube, but cannot remember who to give credit to.

    I lay the stamp on my work surface and ink it up thoroughly, going over it more than once to be certain I’ve got good coverage.

    I lay my card face directly on this, carefully lining up the edges so that it’s straight. I hold it down with one hand to be certain that it doesn’t move.

    I place a piece of copy paper over the card face very carefully, not allowing any movement.

    I run my fingers or palm over the copy paper, switching hands as necessary – one holding everything still and the other transferring ink.

    When I’m satisfied I remove the copy paper and then the card face, careful not to smudge.

    I use the copy paper to keep ink off of my hands – it will inevitably transfer to the card face! (The stamps are larger than the card face, so there is exposed ink.)

    This method allows me to vary pressure or skip over parts of the image if I don’t want solid inking.

    I often use a slightly larger piece of cardstock than I need: if I don’t get it quite straight, I can trim it down and fix that.

    • With the background complete I put the card face into my stamp positioner and added the bakers twine and bow images using Versafine Onyx ink.
    • I used a corner rounder punch on each corner.

    Other:

    • I looked through my sentiment binder and found these wee gift tags which had been created and saved for future use …  it saves so much time to have things like this ready and waiting.

    Assembly

    • I glued the black border layer to the card base, and then centered the card face on top of these.
    • I added the tiny gift tags as shown.

    Final Thoughts:

    I think this card face would have been good with only one background stamp rather than two: if I recreate the design I will try that.

    I was trying for the look of a retro Christmas gift with this card –  not as successfully as hoped,  but it’s a fun card anyway.

    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: Retro Candy Canes,  A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Stamps:

    Rustic Linen,  Altenew

    Woven Stripes,  Altenew

    Handmade Twine Bows, Picket Fence

    Bakers Twine, Picket Fence, Scrapbook.com

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Small Blending Brushes:  Waffle Flower, Scrap n’ Stamp

    Versafine Onyx, Simon Says Stamp

    Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels

    Cream Card Base & Card Face: Recollections 100 lb.,  Michaels

    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.

    Retro Candy Canes by A Colorful Life Designs

  • DIY a Sweet Candy Cane Card for Someone Special

    DIY a Sweet Candy Cane Card for Someone Special

    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

    Red Candy Cane Border:  5.5 x 3 (before die-cutting)

    Card Face:  5.25 x 4

    Card Face:

    • I laid the card face onto my Grip Mat, positioned the stencil, and applied red ink across the exposed areas.
    • I put the card face aside to dry.
    • I put the  stencil back in place I went back to each of the small stars and filled them in with an embossing pen.
    • I sprinkled holographic embossing powder over them and set this with my heat gun.  (not really visible in the picture,  but pretty with card in hand.)

    Other:

    • Before beginning, I had sprayed the piece of red cardstock with gold shimmer spray and put it aside to dry. 
    • I positioned a candy cane border die on this and ran it through my Big Shot.
    • I stamped the sentiment on a scrap of cardstock with Versafine Onyx.  I cut this out with a die to give it a finished look.

    Assembly

    • I positioned the candy cane border layer to the left of the card face so that it extended approximately 1.75” into the design, trimming the excess off flush with the left-hand edge of the card face.  I glued this down.
    • I glued the card face to the card base, centering on all sides.
    • I put dimensional foam on the back of the sentiment and positioned it on the card as shown.

    Final Thoughts:

    Lots of possibility with this stencil!  I decided to put it to use along with my border die, giving me an opportunity to give that fun die some time on my desk.

    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: Starry Heart Candy Canes, 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,  Simon Says Stamp

    Dies:  Stampin’ Up!  (retired)

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up! 

    Versafine Onyx, Simon Says Stamp

    Embossing Pen: Wow, Amazon

    Holographic Embossing Powder: Ranger, 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.

    Starry Heart Candy Canes by A Colorful Life Designs

  • Master Card Design: Using Stencils for Unique Creations

    Master Card Design: Using Stencils for Unique Creations

    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

    Card Face:  5 ⅛ x 3 7/8

    Card Face:

    • I laid the card face onto my grip mat and positioned the postage stamp mask, centering it carefully. I inked around the outside edges with a heavy hand and dark blue ink.
    • I placed the corresponding stencil around the mask, then removed the mask (exposing the center of the cardstock while protecting the sectionalready inked).
    • I put the Angular Trees stencil over the Postage Stamp stencil and added the three trees in shades of green, using a smaller brush and masking as necessary to prevent colours from mixing.
    • After removing the Angular Trees stencil, I placed the Tree Edger #5 mask at the top of the opening and added purple ink with a light hand.  Then I added blue ink, pulling it down from the top and in from the sides.  When I removed the mask, I had created a white mountain range and a night sky.
    • Leaving the Postage Stamp stencil in place, I positioned the Tree Line Edger #3 stencil so the bottom of the trees was slightly below the halfway mark. Masking off the Angular trees as necessary, I added blue ink, making the trees very intense at the top but allowing the colour to fade as it moved down the tree.
    • I used a piece of torn paper and a soft hand with the same blue ink to create the look of snow and shadows on the ground.
    • My final stencil was the Christmas Postmark:  I positioned it at an angle over the scene and added it with dark gray ink.
    • I inked up a tiny bird stamp with red ink and positioned it on the snow.
    • I used a light hand and the residual ink on my light blue brush over the white mountain range at the top of the card face – this softened the area, removing the stark contrast.
    • I used a white gel pen to add snow to the scene.

    Assembly

    I glued the card face in the center of the card base.

    Final Thoughts:

    I am so happy with this card:  each step was an experiment and could have gone wrong,  but in this instance everything worked together to create the result I was hoping for.

    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:

    Angular Trees,  A Colorful Life Designs

             Tree Line Edger #5, A Colorful Life Designs

    Tree Line Edger #3, A Colorful Life Designs

    Marvellous Masks Postage Stamps: A Colorful Life Designs

    Christmas Postmark: A Colorful Life Designs

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

    White Gel Pen: Arteza, Amazon

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up! 

    Blending Brushes:  Waffle Flower Sampler Pack, Scrap & 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 notified when I release new work.

    Angular Trees by A Colorful Life Designs

    Tree Line Edger #5 by A Colorful Life Designs

    Tree Line Edger #3 by A Colorful Life Designs

    Marvellous Masks Postage Stamp by A Colorful Life Designs

    Christmas Postmark by A Colorful Life Designs

  • Create Stunning Snowflake Cards with This Simple Design

    Create Stunning Snowflake Cards with This Simple Design

    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

    Green Border Layer: 5.5 x 4

    Card Face:  5.5 x 5.25 (before tearing)

    Scraps of holographic cardstock

    Card Face:

    • I laid the card face on my Grip Mat and positioned the stencil.  I added green ink around the snowflakes as well as the edges –  leaving the center white.
    • I tore the un-inked edge of the cardstock at approximately 3”  and used my scissors to roughen the edges.

    Other:

    • I die cut a snowflake from the holographic cardstock, as well as a 5.5 x .25” strip.
    • I stamped the sentiment on a scrap of cardstock and fussy cut around it.

    Assembly

    • I glued the green border layer to the card base, centering vertically.
    • I added the card face on top of this, lining it up with the green layer on the left-hand side (this did not allow any of the green to show,  but since I had added green ink to the edges of the card face, that wasn’t necessary.
    • I slipped the narrow holographic strip under the right-hand edge of the card face.
    • I added the sentiment as shown.
    • I added three small green gems to the white border on the right,  and a larger green gem to the center of the snowflake.

    Final Thoughts:

    I really like the combination of this lovely stencil with the soft green –  the result of this mixture is a very pretty 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: Split Snowflake, 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

    Holographic Cardstock:Recollections, 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.

    Split Snowflake by A Colorful Life Designs

  • Step-by-Step Guide to Create a Beautiful Winter Card

    Step-by-Step Guide to Create a Beautiful Winter Card

    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

    Red Border Layer: 5.25 x 4

    White border Layer:  3 ⅝ x 2 3/8

    Card Face:  3.5 x 2.25

    Card Face:

    • Using black Memento ink, I stamped the card face with the image of the woman and then coloured her with alcohol markers.
    • I placed the card face on my Grip Mat and then positioned the Dot Mat stencil.  I added red ink across the open areas, allowing it to fade as it approached the image.

    Other:

    • I removed the card face from the Grip Mat, and replaced it with the red border layer.  I positioned the Eddies stencil and applied red ink with a heavy hand.
    • After removing the stencil, I placed this piece in an embossing folder and ran it through my Big Shot.
    • I looked through my sentiments binder and selected one that worked perfectly with the image.

    Assembly

    • I glued the red border layer to the card base, centering on all sides.
    • I glued the card face to the white border layer, centering on all sides.
    • I glued these two pieces together.
    • I added the sentiment as shown.

    Final Thoughts:

    This image from Unity is awesome,  and that sentiment from Spellbindersk created the perfect collaboration.

    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:

    Dot Mat: A Colorful Life Designs

    Eddies, 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,  Simon Says Stamp

    Stamp/Die:  Christmas Glimmer Sentiments,  Spellbinders, Amazon

    Stamp: Freaking Cold, Unity Stamps

    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 notified when I release new work.

    Dot Mat by A Colorful Life Designs

  • Make a Retro Christmas Card with Vintage Design

    Make a Retro Christmas Card with Vintage Design

    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

    Red Border Layer: 5.5 x 4.25

    Kraft Card Face:  5.5 x 4.25 (before die cutting)

    Card Face:

    • I laid the card face onto my grip mat and positioned the postage stamp stencil. Using a soft hand, I added brown ink just inside the border areas.
    • Leaving this stencil in place, I added the Vintage Santa stencil to the mix, positioning the section with Santa in the bottom-left corner and allowing the image to extend slightly beyond the paper.  I  applied cranberry red ink after masking off all adjacent open areas.
    • I used the same cranberry ink and one of the presents to create a row of gifts up the right-hand side of the card, repositioning each time.  The gift overlapped the right-hand edge of the first stencil, allowing a partial image.
    • I used a rectangular deckled-edge die to cut the card face down to the finished size.  I applied metallic gold paint to the edges of this.
    • I inserted the card face into an embossing folder and ran it through the Big Shot.
    • I touched the raised surfaces of the paper with a brown ink pad, using a very soft hand.

    Other:

    • I looked through my sentiment binder and selected three small die-cut images, previously created on the same Kraft cardstock and embossed in gold.

    Assembly

    • I glued the border layer to the card base, and then centered the card face on top.
    • I added the three small die cuts as shown.

    Final Thoughts:

    My goal here was to create the feeling of an heirloom Christmas card, treasured for years.  The vintage images were paired with the other ways I’ve marked the paper – 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:

    Retro Santa, A Colorful Life Designs

    Marvellous Masks Postage Stamp: A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Blending Brushes: 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 notified when I release new work.

    Retro Santa by A Colorful Life Designs

  • Crafting a Unique Christmas Card with Non-Traditional Colors

    Crafting a Unique Christmas Card with Non-Traditional Colors

    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

    Pink Border Layer: 5 ⅜ x 4 1/8

    Card Face:  5.25 x 4

    As this is a 6 x 9 stencil,  it was too big to use on my Grip Mat.

    Card Face:

    I laid the card face on my work surface, positioned the stencil and applied pink ink across all exposed areas.  

    Grabbing a smaller brush and a darker pink,  I added deeper colour to the center of the roses and randomly to the swirls.

    Using a shading brush, I added purple ink to the dots in the pattern.

    I cut the paper in half, creating two card fronts,  and selected one for this card.

    I added Fairy Wings Nuvo drops to the purple dots,  and set the card face aside to dry.

    Other:

    I looked through my sentiment binder and found this large Merry Christmas, perfect for this design.

    I cut a small strip of pink card stock (the same colour as that used for the border layer)  4 x .5

    Assembly

    I glued the pink border layer to the card base,  and the (now dry) card face on top of this, centering it on all sides.

    I glued the sentiment strip to the pink cardstock strip, then glued these to the card face approximately ⅔ of the way down.

    I added three small, translucent white gems to the sentiment strip, as shown.

    Final Thoughts:

    The shading and Nuvo drops add so much to this card design: the additional depth and visual interest make a huge difference.

    I enjoy using non-traditional colours in Christmas card design,  and I’m happy with this one!

    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: Rose Swirl, 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,  Simon Says Stamp

    Nuvo Drops: Fairy Wings, Embellish Away

    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 notified when I release new work.

    Rose Swirl by A Colorful Life Designs

  • Crafting Beautiful Cards: Foiling with Stencils

    Crafting Beautiful Cards: Foiling with Stencils

    make a card that makes them say “WOW!”

    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

    When I work with Duo Gel or embossing pastes I don’t use my Grip Mat –  purely a personal preference in the interest of protecting the surface of the mat.

    Card Face:

    • I put my card face on a sheet of scrap paper, positioned the stencil and fastened it in place with Mint Tape.  
    • I spread Duo Gel over the entire surface and then carefully removed the stencil.  The stencil is immediately immersed in water to prevent the gel from drying on the surface.
    • I put the card face aside to dry.  Duo Gel is dry when it is completely clear –  I usually leave it for two or three hours before coming back to it.
    • I don’t have running water near my craft room, so when working with this gel or pastes I have a container of water on the floor beside me so I can immerse the stencils immediately.  I usually do several of these at a time when I settle down to work with either gel or paste.
    • Once the card face had dried I laid a piece of transfer foil on top and ran it through the Big Shot.
    • The pressure from the machine caused the pretty part of the foil to stick to the Duo Gel,  so when I removed the sheet,  the silver stayed behind on the stencilled pattern.

    Other:

    • I used a scrap of heavy white cardstock to cut out the snowflake.
    • I looked through my sentiment binder and selected one that would work for this card.

    Assembly

    • I put dimensional foam on the back of my card face,  and then centered it on the card base.
    • I glued the snowflake to the card face as shown. (I allowed a little extra time for the liquid glue to grab on the foiled surface.)
    • I glued the sentiment across the center of the snowflake.
    • I added rhinestones to the top and bottom of the snowflake.

    Final Thoughts:

    If you’ve never tried foiling with stencils and duo gel,  I recommend it!  It’s a lot of fun  with gorgeous results –  just be certain to buy transfer foil for this purpose and you’re good to go.

    This was a really fast card to make,  but it was time consuming to figure out how to use the panel.  The foiling is gorgeous, and really packs a punch.  I tried several ideas, put it aside for a while, tried a few more …. And finally decided on the design that you see in the photo.

    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: Snowflake Net, 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,  Simon Says Stamp

    Duo Gel: Deco Foil,  R& R Scrapbooking

    Transfer Foil: Shattered Glass, Deco Foil, R&R Scrapbooking

    Die: Recollections, Michaels  (retired)

    Ink: 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 notified when I release new work.

    Snowflake Net by A Colorful Life Designs

  • An easy, fast, ELEGANT card

    An easy, fast, ELEGANT 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

    Gold Border Layer: 5.25 x 4

    Card Face:  5 ⅛ x 3 7/8

    Card Face:

    • I laid the burgundy card face down onto my grip mat and positioned the stencil.  I applied Duo Gel through the stencil, then carefully removed it to avoid smudging the paste.
    • I put the stencil into water immediately,  and set the card face aside to dry.
    • Once the gel was dry, I set a piece of gold transfer foil on top of the (now very sticky) pattern, and ran this through my Big Shot.
    • After removing the transfer foil, I had a beautiful gold foiled starburst, created by the stencil + the paste and foil.

    Duo Gel  is a white paste when applied,  when dry it is clear and super sticky –  which is how it pulls the foil off of the backing sheet.

    Other:

    • I looked through my Ready To Go binder,  and found this gorgeous die-cut star, previously created and just waiting to be used.
    • I also found the perfect sentiment in my Sentiment Binder and pulled that out for use.

    Assembly

    I glued the gold foil cardstock to the card base, and then added the card face on top of this.

    I glued the die-cut star on top of the stencilled star burst.

    I added foam tape to the back of the sentiment and put it in place.

    And finally,  I put a pearl in the middle of the star.

    Final Thoughts:

    This card has such an elegant, luxe feel: there is just enough glimmer from the two different kinds of foil to give it an eye catching glimmer.

    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:  Star Halo,  A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Duo Gel: Deco Foil,  R&R Scrapbooking

    Gold Transfer Foil: Deco Foil, R&R Scrapbooking

    Dies: Star of Wonder,  Stampin’ Up! (retired)

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Blending Brushes: 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 notified when I release new work.

    Star Halo by A Colorful Life Designs