Written In Ink

Category: Birthday

  • Yummy Designs for Unique Birthday Cards

    Yummy Designs for Unique Birthday Cards

    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

    Yellow Border Layer: 5 3/8 x 4 1/8

    Card Face:  5 ⅛ x 3 ⅞

    I had already created part of this card face weeks before even getting the cake stencil.  I had stamped and heat embossed with this with pearlized purple embossing powder for a different project –  and then decided that it wasn’t quite the right “look” at that time .  It turned out to be perfect for this one!

    Card Face:

    • I laid the card face down on the grip mat.
    • Alternating when required and masking as necessary, I created the cake using brown (chocolate!) and pink inks to form the cake’s layers.
    • I created the flames on the candles with a small brush, using red at the base of each flame and blending yellow towards the top.
    • The cake base was created with soft grey ink, blending silver ink (again with a small brush) towards the outside of each layer of the grey.
    • I drew the actual candles in with a gold gel pen.
    • I used Wink of Stella on the flames to add a subtle, unexpected detail.
    • I put the card face into my stamp positioner and added the sentiment with black Versafine Onyx.

    Assembly

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

    Final Thoughts:

    The embossed image feels like streamers to me (at least when combined with this image) –  I love the way these two products played together.

    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:  Layered Celebration Cake,  A Colorful Life Designs

    Versamark Embossing Ink: Simon Says Stamp

    Purple Embossing Powder:  unfortunately I have no idea what company produced this powder,  as it isn’t labelled, and was part of a “lot purchase” of goods from someone purging her stash. 

    Stamps: 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 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.

    Layered Celebration Cake

  • Create A Luxe Card for that Special Somone

    Create A Luxe Card for that Special Somone

    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

    Focal Layer:   scrap of cardstock approx 4.5 x 3

    Card Face: 5.25 x 4

    This stencil has three options for ribbon –  my first task was to decide which one to use on this card.

    Card Face:

    • I laid the card face on the grip mat and positioned the stencil.
    •  I pressed my Versamark embossing powder firmly through the openings, removed the stencil and sprinkled gold embossing powder over the wet ink.  I  set this with my heat gun.
    • I placed the card face in a texturizing embossing folder and ran it through the Big Shot.

    Other:

    • I put the scrap of cardstock into my stamp positioner and stamped the image with Versamark embossing ink.  
    • I sprinkled this with the same gold embossing powder and set it with my heat gun.
    • I used a stitched rectangle die to cut this down to size.

    Assembly

    • I centered the card face on the card base and then added the focal layer as shown in the picture.
    • I added a pearl to the center of the stencilled bow,  and a smaller pearl to the bottom of the loops on each side.
    • I added a pearl to the center of the flower on the focal layer.

    Final Thoughts:

    Cream and gold is such a luxe combination:  I love it.

    I also love the contrast between the textured card face and the oh-so-smooth focal layer.

    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: Bow,  A Colorful Life Designs

    Versamark Embossing Ink: Simon Says Stamp

    Gold Embossing Powder,  Wow,  R&R Scrapbooking

    Stamps:  Stampin’ Up!  (retired)

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

    Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels

     Recollections 110 lb., Michaels

    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.

    Bows stencil

  • Create a Beautiful Chick Card with Stencils

    Create a Beautiful Chick Card with Stencils

    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: 5.25 x 10.5, scored and folded at 5.25

    Black Border Layer: 5 x 5

    Card Face: 4 ⅞ x 4 7/8

    Card Face:

    • I placed the card face on my work surface, positioned the stencil and secured it with low-tack tape.  (I find that my grip mat doesn’t work well with these larger cards, as there isn’t enough margin to stick well.)   
    • I used light green ink over all exposed areas.
    • I stamped the circular image in the middle of the background and cut it out with a die that was just slightly larger.
    • I used my scissors to roughen up the edges of both the card face and the circular die cut.

    Other:

    • I die cut the pieces of the chick from white cardstock and pressed them into yellow or orange ink pads to create the colours.  (I used a fineliner to colour the oh-so-tiny eyes.)
    • I cut two of the signs and glued them together.  I added the stamped sentiment as shown.

    Assembly

    • I assembled the chick and put her aside to dry.
    • I glued the black border layer to the card base and placed the card face on top.
    • I glued the die-cut circle back into the center and then added the chick on top.
    • I trimmed the bottom of the sign into a curve,  and then glued it into place against the chick’s wing.
    • I added orange spatter to the card face.
    • I added orange card bling to the finished card, starting at the top-left corner and ending at the bottom-right corner.

    Final Thoughts:

    I wasn’t certain how I wanted to use this stencil ,  so I pondered a bit, and then played a bit.

    I’m super happy with how it turned out.

    Supplies: (and links where possible)

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

    Stencil:  Lines and Dots,  A Colorful Life Designs

    Dies:

    Chicken:  Chicken Fiona,  Joy Crafts,  Frantic Stamper

    Sign:  Stampin’ Up!  (retired)

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up! 

    Versafine Onyx, Simon Says Stamp

    Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels

     Recollections 110 lb., Michaels

    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.

    Lines and Dots

  • “Make a Wish” and send it to a friend

    “Make a Wish” and send it to a friend

    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

    Black Border Layer: 5.25 x 5.25

    White Border Layer: 5 ⅛ x 5 ⅛

    Card Face:  5 x 5

    I love creating gel prints:  it’s an activity I share with my daughter (part of the reason I love it).  I have quite an accumulation,  and from time to time, I make a determined effort to use some of them up. This card was born during one of those times.

    Card Face:

    • I cut the gel print down to size and then placed it on the grip mat.  I positioned the stencil (it is a 6 x 9 stencil, so there are lots of options for how it’s placed on the page) and then pressed my Versamark ink pad firmly through the stencil onto the card face.
    • After removing the stencil, I sprinkled black embossing powder over the card face and set it with my heat gun.

    Other:

    • I used scraps of white cardstock to cut out the three cupcakes.  
    • I also cut three of the sentiments and glued them together, which created extra dimension and presence for the sentiment.

    Assembly

    • I glued the black border layer to the card base.
    • I centered the white border layer on top of these and then added the card face on top of both.
    • I glued the sentiment towards the bottom right as shown,  and then added the three cupcakes.
    • I added a pink embellishment to each cupcake.

    Final Thoughts:

    I love the addition of the stencilled embossing to the gel print: the die cuts finished it off perfectly.

    Supplies: (and links where possible)

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

    Stencil:  Big Squiggles,  A Colorful Life Designs

    Dies:  Make a Wish, Creative Expressions

    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.

    Big Squiggles

  • Create a Stunning Card with Transfer Foil

    Create a Stunning Card with Transfer Foil

    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

    Black Border Layer: 5.25 x 4

    Focal Layer:  5.25 x 1.75

    White Border: 5.25 x 1 7/8

    Focal Layer:

    • I placed the cardstock on a piece of scrap paper, positioned the stencil, and secured both with Mint Tape.
    • I applied Duo Gel to all exposed areas.
    • I removed the stencil and put it into water immediately,  and put the card face aside to dry.  (Duo Gel is dry when it becomes transparent – dry time depends on the thickness of the application.)
    • I don’t have running water close to my craft room, so when I work with Duo Gel or embossing paste, I have a dish of water nearby: putting the stencils in water immediately prevents the product from drying on, and makes cleanup a lot faster and easier.
    • Once the gel had dried,  I placed a piece of transfer foil over top (pretty side UP) and ran the focal layer through the Big Shot.  The pressure caused the transfer foil to stick to the dried gel, so when I removed the foil, a beautiful, shiny image remained.

    Other:

    • I stamped the sentiment on a scrap of cardstock and used a die to create the shape.

    Assembly

    • I glued the focal layer to the white border layer.
    • I glued the black border layer to the card base and added the focal layer on top towards the left, allowing a narrow border.
    • I added dimensional foam to the back of the sentiment and placed it as shown in the image.
    • I added white embellishments to finish this off: two above the sentiment, and one below.

    Final Thoughts:

    When I created this, it was a full panel  (5.5 x 4.25), and while the shine of the foil was stunning,  it was also overwhelming.   I put it aside for quite a while and wondered how to use this. I finally decided to try this design, and I’m so happy with the result –  the black mutes the overwhelm just enough,  while still allowing the shine of the foil to be the star of the show.

    Supplies: (and links where possible)

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

    Stencil: Presents,  A Colorful Life Designs

    Duo Gel, Deco, R&R Scrapbooking

    Transfer Foil: Mystic Rainbow, Deco Foil, R&R Scrapbooking

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    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.

    Presents:

  • Fun Ways to Use Music in Card Making

    Fun Ways to Use Music 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 stencisl I used fromA 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.)

    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 (after die-cutting)

    Card Face:

    • I placed the card face on the grip mat and positioned the Music Elements stencil so that the left-hand side of the stencil was centered on the card face.  I used a soft yellow ink across the exposed areas. 
    • I used blue and green inks to add additional detail with the large notes on the right of the stencil, randomly changing colours and which note was used.
    • I replaced it with the Smiley Faces stencil.  I used dark yellow across all exposed areas.
    • I put the card face into the stamp positioner and used Versafine Onyx to add the large sentiment.
    • I sprinkled the sentiment with clear embossing powder, and set it with my heat gun.

    Other:

    • I had previously stamped/coloured/fussy cut the bird –  I pulled him out of my Ready To Go binder.
    • I used a Deckled Edge die to cut the card face down to size, and then ran the edges of this piece over the blue ink pad,  creating definition.

    Assembly

    • I glued the card face onto the card base,  and added the bird below the sentiment as shown.
    • I used a fineliner to add legs and feet to the bird,  and added shadow under the bird with a gray alcohol marker.

    Final Thoughts:

    I love the fun vibe brought by this card.  

    Supplies: (and links where possible)

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

    Stencil:

    Music Elements:  A Colorful Life Designs

    Smiley Faces:  A Colorful life Designs

    Clear Embossing Powder,  Wow,  R&R Scrapbooking

    Stamps:  

    Sentiment: Stampin’ Up!  (retired)

    Bird:  Stampers Anonymous Crazy Birds and Things,  Amazon

    Dies:  Deckled Edge die:  Stampin’ Up!  (retired)

    Fineliners, 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 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.

  • Create Stunning Cards with Simple Supplies

    Create Stunning Cards with Simple Supplies

    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

    Black Border Layer: 5.5 x 4.25

    Card Face:  5.5 x 4

    Card Face:

    I laid the card face down on my grip mat and positioned the stencil.   I added dark blue ink across the exposed areas.

    I placed it into the stamp positioner and added the sentiment using  Versafine Onyx.

    I used a large background stamp to add texture and subtle colour, using blue ink that matched the die cut.

    This is my favourite method for using a large background stamp: I lay it on my desk, face up.  I apply ink to the stamp and then lay the card face down on it, being very careful not to let it shift during this step.   I carefully cover the stamp/card face with a piece of scrap copy paper and then run one hand over the surface to ensure ink transfer, while holding the paper still with the other hand.  (I saw this on YouTube several years ago,  but sadly can’t remember who created the video to give credit.)

    Other:

    I grabbed a scrap piece of gel print and used a die to cut out the sentiment.

    I cut a second die cut from black cardstock.

    Assembly

    I glued the black die cut behind the gel print die cut, offsetting slightly.

    I glued the black border layer to the card base and centered the card face vertically on top.

    I glued the die-cut layer on top of these as shown.

    I added black card bling randomly.

    Final Thoughts:

    Full disclosure: This card sort of started with the die cut: I had a scrap of gel print to use, and I went looking for a pre-created background (I have a binder full of these!).  I had stencilled this card face quite a while ago,  but couldn’t decide on how to finish it off.   The blues weren’t quite right to work together,  so I added the blue ink to the background to marry the two –  and I’m really happy with the result.

    Supplies: (and links where possible)

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

    Stencil: Circle of Lines,  A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Card Bling:  A Colorful Life Designs

    Background Stamp: Rustic Linen, Altenew

    Dies: 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 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.

  • Create Stunning Daisy Cards with Simple Stenciling Techniques

    Create Stunning Daisy Cards with Simple Stenciling Techniques

    xx

    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