Written In Ink

Category: Celebrations

  • DIY Card Making: Using the Volcano Stencil for Unique Designs

    DIY Card Making: Using the Volcano Stencil for Unique 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 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:5.5 x3.25

    This stencil is called Volcano,  but as soon as I saw it I was intrigued by the idea of using it to create a road disappearing in the distance. So, of course  I had to have a go ….

    Card Face:

    • I placed the card face on my Grip Mat and positioned the stencil, allowing most of the volcano to extend beyond the card face.
    • After carefully masking the sky with pieces of low-tack tape, I used brown ink to create the road. I intensified the colour towards the vanishing point and allowed it to get lighter in the foreground.
    • I removed the masking from the sky and relocated it to protect the edges of the road.
    • I used blue ink around the vanishing point of the road and then switched to light aqua for the outer edges.  I blended these two colours carefully where they met.

    Other:

    • I stamped, coloured and die-cut the graduate.
    • I stamped and die-cut the sentiment.
    • I cut two 5.25 x ⅛” pieces of white cardstock and dragged the blue ink pad over each of them.

    Assembly

    • I glued the card face to the card base towards the top, leaving a border, while ensuring a larger border at the bottom.
    • I glued on the narrow blue strips along each side, creating a faux border layer.
    • I added the figure of the graduate towards the end of the road,  as shown.
    • I added the sentiment in the bottom right.

    Final Thoughts:

    It took me a couple of tries to get this right:  the first time I didn’t mask fully and ended up mixing the blue and brown inks –  not my goal!

    The effect works,  and I loved matching the tiny graduate with the sentiment – which are from different companies.

    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: Volcano,  A Colorful Life Designs

    Versamark Embossing Ink: Simon Says Stamp

    Clear Embossing Powder,  Wow,  Simon Says Stamp

    Graduate Stamp and Die:  Mini Boy,  Hampton Arts,  Amazon

    Sentiment Stamp:  Stampin’ Up!  (retired)

    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.

    Volcano

  • You Can Use Your Stencils for Unique Card Designs

    You Can Use Your Stencils for Unique Card Designs

    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 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

    This card started with a gel print created with the Retro Star Grid stencil.   I have piles of gel prints,  and from time to time, I get a few out and use them up.

    Card Face:

    • I laid the Mid Century Shadow stencil on the card face and applied Duo Gel in a thin layer over the exposed areas.  I allowed a few gaps in the gel as I applied it to create a patchy look once the foiling was complete.  (I do this from time to time,  to get a more interesting result.)
    • I removed the stencil and put the card face aside to dry.  (Duo Gel goes on white,  and dries clear –  the time taken for this depends on the thickness of the gel.)

    The stencil went immediately into water until I could clean it: the Gel dries to be a super-sticky adhesive, and it’s almost impossible to get off at that point.

    • Once the gel was dry, I laid a piece of transfer foil over it and ran it through the Big Shot.  The pressure from the rollers brought the foil into contact with the adhesive.
    • When I pulled the foil off the card face,  the stencilled pattern remained.
    • I used a corner chomper on the corners of the card face.

    Other:

    • I stamped and coloured the fish, then fussy-cut them out.
    • I stamped the sentiment on a scrap of white cardstock and die-cut the circle as well as the circular border

    Assembly

    • I glued the card face to the card base, centering on all sides.
    • I glued the two fish on.
    • I added the sentiment and the circular border piece.
    • I added iridescent glass beads to represent bubbles from the fish.

    Final Thoughts:

    Once I had completed the foiling on this piece, I had no idea how I wanted to finish it –  this happens to me more often than I like to admit, LOL.

    I finally made the decision on which direction the design would go, and after that it was easy –  and I love the result.

    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.

    Stencils:

    Retro Star Grid,  A Colorful Life Designs

    4 Mid Century Shadow,  A Colorful Life Designs

    Fish Stamps:  A Colorful Life Designs  (retired)

    Dies:

    Circle:  Stampin’ Up!  (retired)

    Circular Border:  Sizzix,  Amazon 

    Duo Gel, Therm o web,  Scrapbook.com

    Foil: iCraft, R&R Scrapbooking

    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.

    4 Mid Century Shadow

    Retro Star Grid

  • Create Beautiful Cards: DIY Guide and Tips

    Create Beautiful Cards: DIY Guide and Tips

    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

    Card Face: 5.25 x 4.75

    Card Face:

    • I laid the card face on my grip mat and positioned the stencil.
    • I used light pink ink across all exposed areas, allowing variation in the pressure to create visual interest.

    Other:

    • I positioned the leaf die on one of the gel prints from my stash,  and ran it through the Big Shot.
    • I taped the bird die to a scrap of white cardstock and ran it through the Big Shot.

    Assembly

    • I glued the leaf die cut to the card face, centering on all sides.
    • I glued the bird die cut towards the bottom of the card face, on top of the first die cut.
    •   I added the bird inlay (optional with this die).
    • I added Wink of Stella to the bird,  as well as a gold bead for the eye.
    • I put foam tape on the back of the card face and centered it horizontally on the card base.

    Final Thoughts:

    This mixture of elements feels sort of random,  but works well together!

    This design would work for many different needs: I wasn’t sure how I was going to use this card when I took the photo,  but it was sent out to a friend going through a hard time with “hugs,prayers and love”  in the upper right.

    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: Flower Rays,  A Colorful Life Designs

    Versamark Embossing Ink: Simon Says Stamp

    Clear Embossing Powder,  Wow,  Simon Says Stamp

    Dies:

    Swirly Bird Ribbon,  Poppy Stamps (retired)

    Leaf Cover Die:  Simon Says Stamp  (retired)

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Blending Brushes: 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.

    Flower Rays

  • Make a Mistake? Turn Card Design Errors into Design Features

    Make a Mistake? Turn Card Design Errors into Design Features

    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: 5.25 x 4

    Card Face:  5 x 3.75

    Card Face:

    • I placed the card face in my stamp positioner and stamped the image with Memento ink.
    • I coloured the image with alcohol markers. 

     I made an error colouring her eyes/glasses:- while adding the fllesh tones behind her glasses I touched the green, and it was transferred to her skin. I couldn’t fix it entirely, so I made the best of the situation by turning them into sunglasses.

    When I was almost done colouring, I noticed a couple of spots of yellow ink on the card face, above the girl.  Rather than toss it – wasting materials and time –  I added more yellow dots,  turning the boo boo into a design detail.

    • I moved the card face to my grip mat and positioned the stencil.  I avoided inking over the stamped and coloured image, but used light aqua ink on all other exposed areas on the stencil.
    • I traced around the girl with a light grey marker –  this made her stand out more from the background.
    • I used a corner chomper on each corner.

    Other:

    • I used the same chomper on the border layer.

    Assembly

    • I glued the border layer to the card base and added the card face on top centering both layers carefully.
    • I added a small round embellishment to each corner,  as well as one over the clasp on the purse.

    Final Thoughts:

    This is such a happy pairing –  the stencil and stamp work really well together. 

    I will add a sentiment when it’s time to send the card –  right now I don’t know how I want to use it.

    I’m glad I was able to fix the errors on the fly and salvage the card.

    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: Lines and Dots,  A Colorful Life Designs

    Stamps: Hello Sunshine Girl,  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 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

  • Creative Card Making: combine Structure with Whimsey

    Creative Card Making: combine Structure with Whimsey

    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:  5.5 x 4.25

    Card Face:

    • I laid the card face on the grip mat and positioned the stencil (taking care to keep the lines straight on this one!).
    • I applied yellow ink across all exposed areas, allowing a variation in tone to create depth.
    • After removing the stencil, I placed the card face in my stamp positioner and added the two flowers with bright pink ink.  I stamped several times to get the intensity I wanted.
    • I removed the floral stamps and replaced them with the sentiment, stamping this in Verafine Onyx.
    • I smooshed the pink ink pad on an acrylic block and then used a water pen to add large pink splotches to the card face.
    • I used a fine liner to freehand a whimsical black frame around the card face. (I was able to use the pattern to keep the border evenly distanced from the edges on all sides.)
    • I added fine black and pink spatter to the card face.

    Assembly

    • I glued the card face to the card base.
    • I added pink card bling to complete the card.

    Final Thoughts:

    The contrast between the very structured stencilled pattern and the whimsical frame makes me happy.

    I almost had an absolutely flat, one-layer card,  but in the end, I just couldn’t resist adding the card bling.

    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: Three Xs,   A Colorful Life Designs

    Stamps: Stampin’ Up!  (retired):

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up! 

    Versafine Onyx, Simon Says Stamp

    Fineliners: Amazon

    Card Bling:  A Colorful Life Designs

    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.

    Three Xs

  • 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

  • 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