Written In Ink

Category: Celebrations

  • Elevate Your Card Designs By Foiling the Intricate Diamonds Stencil

    Elevate Your Card Designs By Foiling the Intricate Diamonds 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 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

    Card Face:

    This card began with a gel print that I liked: just a mixture of red, blue, and gold (which appears brown in the image), but I liked the result and decided to create a card with it.

    • I laid the card face (gel print)  down on scrap paper and positioned the stencil.
    • After securing both with Mint Tape, I applied Duo Gel to some of the open areas in the stencil.  I didn’t want to cover the print entirely,  but rather to accent what was already there, so I was selective in where I added the gel.
    • I removed the stencil and placed it into water immediately (Duo Gel dries into a very sticky permanent adhesive –  keeping it wet until I can scrub it off saved my stencil.)
    • I put the card face aside to dry. 
    • Once the gel had dried, I laid a piece of red transfer foil over the area and ran it through my Big Shot.  The pressure from the rollers caused the foil to stick to the dried gel:  when I pulled the piece off of the card face, the foiled pattern stayed behind.

    Other:

    • I used a scrap of white cardstock and a die to cut two sets of the dragonflies, and then glued them together.
    • I looked through my sentiments binder and selected the one you see in the image:  I thought that this card could be for almost any occasion, and I liked the size and shape of the sentiment for this design.

    Assembly

    • I centered and glued the card face onto the card base.
    • I glued the dragonflies and sentiment on as shown.
    • I added a tiny red rhinestone to each dragonfly.

    Final Thoughts:

    I’m really happy with this card:  the red foil compliments the background nicely, without overwhelming the design.

    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: Intricate Diamonds,  A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Stamps: Stampin’ Up!  (retired)

    Dies: Stampin’ Up! (retired)

    Duo Gel: Deco Foil,  R&R Scrapbooking

    Red Transfer Foil: Deco Foil,  R&R Scrapbooking

    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.

    Intricate Diamonds

  • 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:

  • Create Fast, Easy & Elegant Cards with Dotty Side Butterfly Stencil

    Create Fast, Easy & Elegant Cards with Dotty Side Butterfly 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 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

    Border Layer: 5.25 x 5.25

    Card Face:  3 x 3

    Ribbon –  7 x 1

    Card Face:

    I placed the card face on the Grip Mat and positioned the stencil.  I masked off the antennae and applied orange ink to the left-hand edge of the butterfly.  

     I applied pink ink to the right-hand edge, bringing it into the middle so that it touched the edge of the orange ink.

    I added orange ink on the left until it was quite intense,  allowing it to fade as it moved into the butterfly.

    I moved the mask to cover the left-hand edge of the butterfly and added dark brown ink to the antennae.

    I placed the card face down in the stamp positioner and added the sentiment with brown ink.

    I ran the edges of the card face over the brown ink pad, creating a narrow border which offered definition on the edges.

    Other:

    I put the border layer into an embossing folder and ran it through the Big Shot.

    Assembly

    I secured the ribbon horizontally around the middle of the border layer and then glued it to the card base.

    I put dimensional foam on the back of the card face and centered it on the border layer.

    Final Thoughts:

    This is such a pretty combination – sometimes all the elements in a card work together perfectly, and I feel this is an example of that.  The ribbon pairs beautifully with the embossing ,  and the butterfly is a lovely focal point on top of both.

    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: Dotty Side Butterfly,  A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Embossing Folder:  Four Petal,  Spellbinders

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up! 

    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.

    Dotty Side Butterfly

  • Create Beautiful Cards with Love Ewe and Celtic Knots

    Create Beautiful Cards with Love Ewe and Celtic Knots

    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

    Border Layer: 5.5 x 4.25

    Card Face: 5.25 x 4

    8”  of ¼” white ribbon.

    Card Face:

    • I placed the card face in my stamp positioner and stamped the image in the center using Versafine Onyx.
    • I sprinkled clear embossing powder over the wet ink and set it with my heat gun.
    • I repeated these steps with the sentiment.
    • I laid the card face on the Grip Mat and positioned the stencil.  I used yellow ink and a light hand to apply it through the stencil around the edges of the card face, allowing it to fade as it approached the image.
    • I ran the edges of the card face over the ink pad to create definition.
    • I secured the embossing die on the card face using Mint Tape and ran it through the Big Shot.

    Other

    • I tied the ends of the ribbon together in a knot,  and then cut the ribbon at the half way spot on the loop.

    Assembly

    • I used scotch tape to secure the ribbon to the card face towards the left as shown.
    • I glued the black border layer to the card base, and then added the card face on top,  centering on all sides. 

    Final Thoughts:

    I love this image/sentiment from Unity,  and the stencil makes a great backdrop.  When I had the card face complete I thought it needed “something more”,  and added the ribbon.

    I don’t like the look of the ribbon,  and would omit it next time!

    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: Celtic Knots,  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:  Love Ewe, Unity Stamps (retired)

    Dies: Whimsy Dies,  Stampin’ Up!  (retired)

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up! 

    Versafine Onyx, Simon Says Stamp

         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.

    Celtic Knots

  • 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

  • Create Your Own Love Letters Card Design

    Create Your Own Love Letters Card 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

    Card Face: 5.25 x 4

    Card Face:

    • After laying the card face down on my Grip Mat,  I positioned the stencil and applied pink ink over the exposed areas.
    • I switched to a smaller blending brush and added more ink to the hearts on the envelopes.
    • I placed the card face in the stamp positioner and added the “swoosh”  with darker pink ink,  and then added the “sending love”  with black Versafine Onyx.
    • I centered the die on the card face and ran it through the Big Shot.

    This set of dies makes impressions on the card face without cutting through the paper.

    Other:

    • I stamped the “thinking of you”  sentiment on a piece of scrap cardstock and cut it out with a die.
    • I used the matching, larger die to cut a frame for the sentiment.

    Assembly

    • I centered the card face on the card base.
    • I glued the sentiment to the frame,  put dimensional foam on the back and then added it to the card face in the upper left.

    Final Thoughts:

    This is such a pretty stencil: with the hearts on the envelopes, the immediate temptation is to create a Valentine’s Day card, but really, it can be used for any season.

    Although the stamps/dies in this sample are retired, you can easily substitute from your stash and make something wonderful.

    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: Love Letters,  A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Stamps/Dies:  Stampin’ Up!  (retired)

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up! 

    Smaller Blending Brush:  Waffle Flower #1 Shader,  Glitter & Ink

    Versafine Onyx, Simon Says Stamp

    Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels

    Recollections 110 lb., Michaels

    Do you havany e comments or thoughte 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.

    Love Letters by A Colorful Life Designs

  • Create a Unique, Masculine Valentine’s Card Using Stencils

    Create a Unique, Masculine Valentine’s Card Using 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 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 Border Layer: 5.25 x 4

    Card Face:  5 ⅛ x 3 ⅞

    Scraps of Kraft cardstock for die cuts

    Card Face:

    • I laid the card face down onto a piece of scrap paper and positioned the stencil.  
    • After securing these with Mint Tape, I applied DIY embossing paste across the open areas of the stencil.
    • I carefully removed the stencil and placed it in water immediately.
    • I put the card face aside to dry.

    When working with embossing paste, I prefer use a piece of scrap paper under my work,  and not risk getting the paste on my Gel Plate.

    Also, when working with embossing paste, I keep a container of water by my side to put my stencils in immediately –  these pastes are difficult to impossible to remove once dry.

    • Once the paste was dry, I put the card face into my stamp positioner and added the sentiment with Versamark embossing ink.  I sprinkled this with embossing powder and set it with my heat gun.

    Other:

    • I stamped and die-cut a small row of hearts using kraft cardstock.
    • I die-cut the larger heart from kraft cardstock.

    Assembly

    • I glued the border layer to the card base, and the card face on top of these, centering both layers.
    • I glued the row of hearts and the larger die-cut heart in place, as shown.

    Final Thoughts:

    I love black and kraft cardstock together:  this awesome stencil allowed me to combine them in a masculine card that will become my husband’s valentine card this year.   No last-minute scrambling for me –  at least not this year, 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: Love Waterfall,  A Colorful Life Designs

    Versamark Embossing Ink: Simon Says Stamp

    Vintage Pearl Embossing Powder,  Ranger, Amazon

    Stamps/Dies: Stampin’ Up! (retired)

    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.

    Love Waterfall 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

  • Stencils and Diecuts -making masculine cards just got easy

    Stencils and Diecuts -making masculine cards just got easy

    An elegant masculine card – ready in a snap!

    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 Border: 5.5 x 4.25

    Black Card Face:  5.25 x 4

    Scrap of Kraft Cardstock: .75 x 4

    Card Face:

    • I laid the card face onto my Grip Mat , positioned the stencil and applied metallic gold ink across the exposed surfaces.
    • After allowing the gold ink to dry (it is a very saturated pigment ink) I put the card face into an embossing folder and ran it through the Big Shot to add texture.

    Other:

    • I stamped the sentiment in gold ink on a piece of black cardstock,  and then cut it down to ⅝ x 3
    • I looked through my Bits & Pieces binder and found the tree, previously cut out of kraft and waiting to be used.

    Assembly

    • I glued the black sentiment strip to the kraft strip.
    • I glued the kraft border layer to the card base, and then centered the black card face on both.
    • I glued the tree in place on the right hand side as shown.
    • I glued the sentiment strip in place over the tree, just below the center of the card.
    • I added a metallic embellishment on either side of the sentiment.

    Final Thoughts:

    This was a fast & easy card to put together; it has a very masculine feel due to the colours used.

    I love the way gold and kraft play off of each other.

    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: Fine Snowflakes,  A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Dies:  Woodlands,  Tim Holtz, Amazon

    Ink: Lisa Horton Metallic Ink,  Glitter & Ink

    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

    Fine Snowflakes by A Colorful Life Designs

  • Create a beautiful card – celebrate with balloons

    Create a beautiful card – celebrate with balloons

    a fast, easy & impressive 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: 5.5 x 4.25

    White Cardstock: 5 x 3.75  (before die cutting the frame)

    Scraps of White Cardstock for the word

    I used the Marvellous Masks – Balloons for this card, which include four different sizes of both stencils and masks and offers infinite variety.

    Card Face:

    I selected two of the balloon stencils, one quite a bit larger than the other.

    I laid the card face on my Grip Mat and positioned the larger balloon stencil. I applied yellow ink across the exposed area.

    I repeated this 3X, creating four large balloons randomly on the card face using purple, pink and red inks in addition to the yellow.

    I added smaller balloons in the colours mentioned above as well as adding blue and green to the mix,  allowing the balloons to overlap to create depth.

    I outlined each balloon with a black micro liner (I put the stencils back in place to do this, making the process fast and easy).  

    I drew strings on the balloons using the same micro liner.

    I added white spatter to the card face using diluted acrylic.

    Other:

    I die cut  “celebrate” 3X from the scrap cardstock.

    I positioned two stitched rectangle dies on the larger piece of white cardstock, taping them to ensure even spacing all the way around.  I ran this through the Big Shot to create the white frame.

    Assembly

    I stacked and glued the three words on top of each other.

    I glued the card face to the card base, and centered the white frame on these.

    I added the Celebrate on an angle, slightly above the center.

    I added white Nuvo drops as a finishing touch.

    Final Thoughts:

    I’m really happy with this fun, colourful card.  I hadn’t initially planned to outline the balloons,  but I am glad I did: the extra definition made a huge difference in this card.

    I only used two of the four sizes of balloons in the set –  you could easily alter the sizes and number of balloons in the design to create a new look each 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: Marvellous Masks, Balloons, A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Dies: Amazing You, Stampin’ Up! (retired)

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up! 

    Micro Liners: Amazon

    Acrylic: Dr Ph Martin, Taylored Expressions

    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