Written In Ink

Category: Birthday

  • Create Stunning Daisy Cards with Simple Stenciling Techniques

    Create Stunning Daisy Cards with Simple Stenciling Techniques

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    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: 5.25 x 4

    Card Face:  5.25  x 2.25

    Hollographic card stock:  5.25 x ⅛” (2)

    This stencil includes 3 separate daisies,  in 3 sizes.

    Card Face:

    • I laid the card face on my grip mat and positioned the largest daisy in the center of the strip:  I  applied light pink ink with a soft hand.
    • I repositioned the stencil and repeated the steps first on the left-hand side, then on the right.  I stencilled just over half of the flower on each side.
    • I positioned the middle-sized flower over the center daisy and applied the same ink,  with a heavier hand this time.  
    • I repeated this step on both of the other daisies.
    • I positioned the smallest flower over the middle daisy and applied ink, but this time I switched to a more vibrant pink.
    • I repeated this step with each of the other flowers.

    Other:

    • I placed the border layer cardstock in an embossing folder and ran it through my Big Shot.
    • I used two green ink pads to apply colour to the raised leafy pattern, lightly running them over the embossed sections.
    • I stamped the sentiment onto a piece of scrap cardstock with Versafine Onyx and trimmed it into a narrow strip.
    • I trimmed a scrap of holographic cardstock to be the same length as the sentiment,  but ⅓” wider (to allow a narrow border).

    Assembly

    • I put dimensional foam tape on the back of the border layer and adhered it to the card base.
    • I glued the card face in place on top of this, centering vertically.
    • I glued the narrow holographic strips in place on either side of the card face.
    • I glued the sentiment to it’s holographic border,  and glued these in place over the center of the middle daisy.
    • I put a large gem in the center of both the left and right flowers.

    Final Thoughts:

    This stencil was on my wish list for a long time:  I’m so glad I finally got it and got this design out of my head!     I really like the layered ink in the daisies, and the two-toned leaves are really effective (even though they aren’t showing in the photo, LOL).

    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: Daisy Trio,  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

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up! 

    Versafine Onyx, Simon Says Stamp

    Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels

    Holographic Cardstock:  Michaels

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

    Do you have any comments or thoughts 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.

    Daisy Trio

  • DIY Card Tutorial with Versamark and Die-Cuts

    DIY Card Tutorial with Versamark and Die-Cuts

    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 the 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

    Cardstock for die-cut:  5.25 x 4 before cutting

    Scraps of cardstock for the sentiment pieces.

    I used a gel print to get started on this card face: the texture in the pieces was a fun addition.

    Card Face:

    • I laid the card face on a piece of scrap paper and positioned the stencil.
    • I pressed Versamark embossing ink firmly through the stencil, repeating in areas until I was satisfied with the coverage.
    • After removing the stencil, I sprinkled embossing powder over the ink and set it with my heat gun.

    Other:

    • I secured the coverplate die to the large piece of cardstock and ran it through the Big Shot.
    • I die-cut “celebrate” from white cardstock three times and glued them together.
    • I stamped “let’s”  and “you”  with Versafine Onyx on small scraps,  and cut them down to their finished sizes.

    Assembly

    • I glued the large die-cut to the card face, then glued the new layer to the card base, centering it on all sides.
    • I glued “celebrate” in the center of the card face, on an angle.
    • I added  “let’s”  and “you”  as shown.

    Final Thoughts:

    I like the bold colours in this card (thanks to the gel print),  as well as all the various layers and geometric shapes.

    Supplies: (and links where possible)

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

    Stencil: Diamond Fade,  A Colorful Life Designs

    Versamark Embossing Ink: Simon Says Stamp

    Vintage Peacock Embossing Powder,  Wow,  Amazon

    Dies:

    Circles and Crosses Coverplate, the Frantic Stamper,  Ecstasy Crafts

    Sentiment Stamps/Die,  Stampin’ Up!  (retired)

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Versafine Onyx, Simon Says Stamp

    Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels

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

    Do you have any comments or thoughts 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.

    Diamond Fade by A Colorful Life Designs

  • Unique Card Making:Try Using Spackle for Embossing

    Unique Card Making:Try Using Spackle for Embossing

    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

    I love experimenting with new (to me)  techniques and products:  this card was created using spackle as an embossing paste.  I remembered something from Youtube that I saw a few years ago,  demonstrating that “something from a hardware store”  made great embossing paste.  The demonstrator was perfectly clear in what that product was – but I cannot remember!  This was my attempt to substitute, and it was really successful!

    Card Face:

    • I put my card face onto a piece of scrap paper, positioned the stencil and secured both with Mint Tape. 
    • I spread spackle across all exposed areas, removed the stencil and put the card face aside to dry.
    • I put the stencil into water immediately, to prevent the spackle from drying on the stencil.

    When I work with embossing paste  (or spackle, LOL)  I prefer not to use my Grip Mat:  I’m forever going beyond the paper with the paste, and I don’t want to get it on the Mat.

    Other:

    I had previously di- cut the gift from patterned paper: it wasn’t used at that time so I saved it in my Ready to Go Binder until it was needed.

    • I pressed the die cut into my Versamark embossing ink pad, sprinkled it with gold powder and set it with my heat gun.  
    • There were a couple of spots that weren’t completely covered,  so I repeated the process, and the second time around I had great coverage.
    • Once the spackle had dried,  I sprayed the card face with Lindy’s Magicals sprays (gold and blue).  I was pretty enthusiastic with the spraying,  so I left this to dry overnight.

    Assembly

    • I glued the card face to the card base.
    • I glued the die-cut gift in the center of the card face.
    • I glued a small gold embellishment in the center of the bow.

    Final Thoughts:

    I am  impressed with how well the spackle worked.   It is heavier bodied than embossing paste,  so it takes a little extra work to cover the areas well,  but it’s not difficult.  Because it is so heavy bodied there is no danger of it seeping under the stencil – bonus!

    I love the way the spackle took the spray,  it’s really pretty.   

    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:  Joined Roses,  A Colorful Life Designs

    Versamark Embossing Ink: Simon Says Stamp

    Gold Embossing Powder,  Wow,  R&R Scrapbooking

    Dies: Gift, KSCraft, Amazon

    Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels

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

    Do you have any comments or thoughts 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.

    Joined Roses

  • Creat Stunning Masculine Cards with a Cool Stencil

    Creat Stunning Masculine Cards with a Cool Stencil

    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 ⅜ x 4 ⅛

    Scraps of kraft and black cardstock for the “happy”

    Scrap of kraft approximately   1.25 x .25 for the “birthday”.

    Scrap of black approximately  1.5 x .33” for the shadow layer

    Before starting I sprayed the back of the stencil with Pixie Spray, allowed a lapse of about 30 seconds and then placed it on the card face.  The strands of this stencil are very fine,  and this temporary adhesive made sure that they stayed put!

    Card Face:

    • I laid the card face on a piece of scrap paper, positioned the stencil and secured it with Mint Tape.
    • I applied two different colours of DIY embossing paste randomly across the stencil. (Blue and a soft peach.)
    • I removed the stencil carefully and put it into water immediately. (this makes cleanup a lot faster!) and put the card face aside to dry.

    I prefer not to use paste on my Grip Mat,  so in these cases I secure the card face and stencil directly to scrap paper

    Other:

    • I cut the large “happy”  from both kraft and black cardstock.
    • I stamped “birthday”  on kraft using Versafine Onyx.

    Assembly

    • I glued the black border layer to the card base.
    • I glued the two  “happy” layers together, kraft on top and offset slightly to allow the black to peek out.
    • I glued the kraft “birthday” layer on top of the black shadow layer, centering on all sides.
    • I added matt black card bling randomly to the card face.

    Final Thoughts:

    This is such a cool stencil,  and I love the effect of the embossing paste on it:  I didn’t expect the peach embossing paste to dry to be so close to the colour of the kraft cardstock,  but it’s a cool effect.

    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: Wavy Ladders, A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Die: Hero Arts, Happy, Amazon

    Card Bling:  A Colorful Life Designs

    Versafine Onyx, Simon Says Stamp

    Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels

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

    Wavy Ladder by A Colorful Life Designs

  • Unlock Amazing Texture in Card Making

    Unlock Amazing Texture in Card Making

    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

    Vellum:  7 x 2.5

    Card Face:

    • I laid the card face on the grip mat and applied blue, yellow and red ink randomly , covering the entire surface.
    • I spattered water generously over the surface, creating texture and depth.
    • Once this had dried, I positioned the stencil and applied black ink with a heavy hand:  the pattern was created by the areas which had been protected by the stencil, allowing the multicoloured base layer to show through.

    Other:

    • I dusted the vellum liberally with anti-static powder.
    • I stamped the image with Versamark embossing ink, sprinkled silver embossing powder, and set it with my heat gun.  

    I turned the heat gun on for approximately 1 minute before use to be certain that it was good and hot.  While embossing the vellum, I moved the heat gun constantly to prevent warping.

    Assembly

    • I wrapped the vellum around the card face and secured it with scotch tape, centering vertically.
    • I put dimensional foam on the back of the card face, and put it in place in the center of  the card base.
    • I added a silver pearl to each corner of the card face,  and a triangular metallic embellishment to each corner of the card base.

    Final Thoughts:

    I love the bits of texture created by the water spatter,  and the interest provided by the use of different colours in the background.

    The use of vellum softened the contrast and bold colours of the 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: Scribble Mask,  A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Versamark Embossing Ink: Simon Says Stamp

    Silver Embossing Powder,  Wow,  R&R Scrapbooking

    Stamps: Candles, Stars & Birthday Wishes , Unity Stamps (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  or  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.

    Scribble Mask by A Colorful Life Designs

  • Create Stunning a Card for Your Special Guy

    Create Stunning a Card for Your Special Guy

    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 at 5.25

    Border Layer: 5 x 5

    Card Face:  5 x 5

    Frame: 5 x 5 (before die cutting)

    I had stamped and coloured this image, then set it aside in my “someday” pile.  This stencil gave me the perfect opportunity (and the inspiration)  to put this handsome fellow to use.

    Card Face:

    • I laid the card face down on the Grip Mat and positioned the stencil.  I applied brown ink with a light, careful hand – avoiding the pre-coloured figure.
    • Using the frame die as a guide,  I cut the card face down to a size slightly smaller than the finished frame would be.

    Other:

    • I put the border layer onto the Grip Mat and positioned the stencil once again.  I used the same brown ink with a heavier hand on this piece, covering all exposed areas.
    • Next, I worked on the piece for the frame: I started with white cardstock, positioned the die, and ran it through the Big Shot.
    • After removing the cardstock from the die, I used a medium brown ink over the entire frame, allowing a random variation in the depth of tone. 
    • I finished this off by bringing in a dark brown ink and using it here and there on the frame, increasing the variation in tone.
    • I selected a sentiment from my Sentiment binder (I love having them ready and waiting when I need one).

    Assembly

    • I glued the border layer to the card base, centering it on all sides.
    • I glued the frame on top of the cut-down card face.
    • I glued this new combination on top of the border layer, centering carefully.
    • I put dimensional foam on the back of the sentiment, and put it in place as shown.

    Final Thoughts:

    This is so far from my first thoughts about how to use this stencil – but how perfect is this for a masculine card?

    I’m really happy with the way this turned out.

    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: Close Up Branches, A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Stamps: Zeke Guy,  Unity Stamps

    Dies: Oval Woodgrain Frame,  Hero Arts, 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

    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.

    Close Up Branches by A Colorful Life Designs

  • Create a stellar birthday card that is Out of this WORLD

    Create a stellar birthday card that is Out of this WORLD

    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

    Border:  5 ⅛ x 5 1/8

    Card Face:  5 x 5

    Card Face:

    • I laid the card face onto my Grip Mat and positioned the stencil.
    • Avoiding the center,  I used light blue-gray ink on the inner circles of dots,  and black on the outer circles.
    • I filled in the opening in the center with very pale yellow ink to create the moon.
    • I repositioned the stencil and added the landmasses on the moon with the blue ink used earlier in the process.
    • I added the stars with yellow ink,  and then used the same colour to create a fine spatter over the surface of the card.  (to represent stars in far away galaxies.)
    • I added the rocket with black ink.
    • I realized that I had failed to protect my moon, and this now had yellow spatter on it.  I didn’t care for that,  so I went over the moon with the yellow ink,  until I had equalized the colour and the spatter was no longer visible.
    • BUT –  I didn’t want my moon to be that bright, so I went over this area with white pigment ink (4 or 5 times)  to soften the colour again.
    • I put the card face into my Stamp Positioner and stamped the sentiment.

    Assembly

    I glued the border layer to the card base, and centered the card face on both.

    Final Thoughts:

    This is a super fun stencil –  making this card for a girl or boy interested in space was quick and easy.

    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: Circl Moon,  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 notified when I release new work

    Circle Moon by A Colorful Life Designs

  • Craft Unique Kiddie Cards with *A Colorful Life* Stencils

    Craft Unique Kiddie Cards with *A Colorful Life* Stencils

    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:  5.5 x 4.25 before cutting down

    Card Face:

    • I laid my cardface on the Grip Mat and then centered the largest of the Squeezed Rectangle stencils on top.  
    • Over this, I laid the Grunge Dots Stencil.
    • I used blue ink on the top of this stencil and green on the bottom, creating the basics for a scene.  (having the Squeezed Rectangle stencil on the bottom meant that the ink was kept within it’s borders.
    • I removed the stencils and trimmed the card face along the border created by the ink.
    • I ran my ink pads along the newly cut edges,  matching the colours already used.

    Other:

    • I laid the Mid Century Banner stencil on the front half of the card base and applied blue ink with a light hand.
    • I brushed green ink in from the edges of this piece, again using a light hand.
    • I looked through my Ready to Go binder and found the wee elephants, the sun and the sentiment – all just waiting for a chance to shine.

    Assembly

    • I put dimensional tape on the back of the card face and centered it on the card base.
    • I glued the elephants and the sun in place as shown.
    • After experimenting a bit I decided that the sentiment would be best about halfway down on the right, and put it in place.

    Final Thoughts:

    I’ve had all of the components for this card for quite a while – except for the inked up card base.  I was delighted to put them into use, and to discover that they were willing to play nicely together.

    I initially intended this to be a flat cardface,  with the stencilled pattern inked directly onto the card base, however an inky glitch required the card face to be cut out – and after that dimensional tape seemed like a good idea to make it really stand out.

    I feel that the green ink applied to the card base is a bit too dominant:  if I were to recreate this card I would not apply it,  or I would use an even lighter hand.

    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:

         Marvellous Masks,  Squeezed Rectangle: A Colorful Life Designs

         Grunge Dots:  a Colorful Life Designs

         Mid Century Banners:  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

    Stamps:

         Elephants:  Studio Light (retired)

         Sun:  Here Comes the Sun, Tayored Expressions

    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

    Mid Century Banners by A Colorful Life Designs