Your cart is currently empty!
Category: Friendship
-
Unlock Your Creativity with simple DIY Grunge Card Techniques
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.)
I do love a bit of grunge from time to time!
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
Card Face:
- I laid the card face on my Grip Mat and then positioned the stencil, going over it with a brayer to ensure good contact with the mat.
- Next I applied a mixture of light teal and purple inks over the exposed areas.
- I was really happy with the result, and then(because I was in an experimental mood) I cut the card face in half, and glued them to a piece of copy paper, reversing the order.
- I put this reconfigured card face into my stamp positioner and added the focal image in the center, using Versafine Onyx.
- The focal image is from a grunge set, and to further develop that theme, I stamped a few different sentiments onto the background, using grey ink and second-generation stamping.
- I ran each edge of the card face over the teal ink pad used on the stencil, tilting the paper slightly to allow the colour to bleed in just a bit.
Other:
- I grabbed my sentiment binder and pulled out three that worked with the mood of this piece. This binder contains sentiments that have been created in advance and saved for future need. It’s a great time saver!
- I put dimensional foam on the back of each strip.
Assembly
- I glued the black border layer onto the card base, and then centered the card face on top of these.
- I removed the backing from each of the three sentiments, and laid them lightly on the card face where I wanted them.
- I took a length of purple metallic thread, wrapped it loosely around my fingers and then secured it under each sentiment strip, lifting each slightly to slide the thread underneath and then pushing it down to hold the thread and secure it to the card face.
- I used an assortment of card bling to finish the card, gluing it randomly across the finished card face.
Final Thoughts:
- I like the reversed stencil image: if I had been planning on this when I started, it would have been easy to get this look by stencilling just half of the image on each outside edge. Cutting the card face down the middle left a visible line, which will be avoided if I redo this design.
- The metallic thread isn’t very visible in the image, but it adds a subtle bit of loveliness in real life.
- I do love a grungy card! My biggest issue with this style is that I don’t know when to stop, and the card gets muddy – how did I do this 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: Swirl Band, A Colorful Life Designs
Waffle Flower Grip Mat, 8.5 x 6.5, Scrapbook.com
Stamps:
Studio Light Inspire and Create Grunge Collection (retired)
Polka Dot Blossoms Sayings, Tim Holtz, Amazon
Card Bling: A Colorful Life Designs
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 added to the list, and notified when I release new work.
Swirl Band by A Colorful Life Designs – remember, use the code to save!
-
A (quick & easy) gorgeous, inspirational handmade 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
Border Layer: 5.5 x 4.25
Card Face: 5.5 x 4 (subtle patterned paper)
Card Face:
- This stencil is delicate, with long “strands” – so before I started, I sprayed the back with Pixie Spray.
- Next I laid the card face on my Grip Mat, and then positioned the stencil. (I always allow approximately 30 seconds to allow the Pixie Spray to start working.)
- I applied yellow ink across all exposed areas, building up intensity in the top left and bottom right corners.
- After removing the stencil I put the card face into my stamp positioner and added the dancer with dark yellow ink, stamping a couple of times to create enough contrast with the background.
- I removed that stamp and added the sentiment, I stamped this three times with Versafine Onyx to achieve a crisp, intense result.
When I want to add a sentiment directly to the card face, and need to be certain that it’s straight : I add a layer of acetate on top of the card face and stamp on that. I make minor adjustments as necessary , cleaning the acetate and restamping until I’m satisfied. Then I remove the acetate and stamp directly onto the card face. This has saved a lot of work from hitting the trash!
- I added spatter to the card face, using the reinker for the darker yellow.
Assembly
- I glued the black border layer to the card base, and then centered the card face on top of these.
Final Thoughts:
I love this elegant ballerina image, and also the combination of the two stamps with this stencil. They all play together so very well!
Although I used a subtle patterned paper for this, the design would also work on regular cardstock.
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: Glittering Hearts, 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, R&R Scrapbooking
Stamps: Dancer and Sentiment – 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 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 added to the list, and notified when I release new work.
Glittering Hearts by A Colorful Life Designs
-
Design Techniques for Unique Greeting Cards are something to CHIRP about!
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.)
I never feel that my day is something to chirp about until I’m caffeinated!
Let’s get Started:
Card Base: 5.5 x 8.5, scored and folded at 4.25
Card Face: 5.25 x 4.25
Card Face:
- I placed the card face in my stamp positioner and stamped the focal image a couple of times with black Memento ink.
- I coloured the image with alcohol markers. This caffeinated fella is ready to take center stage on the card!
- After laying the card face on the Grip Mat, I positioned the stencil, using a brayer to ensure good contact with the sticky surface of the mat.
- I applied navy blue and teal ink across the exposed areas on the stencil, taking care to avoid the coloured image.
Other:
- I looked through my sentiment binder and found this pair – they are perfectly suited to the image!
Assembly
- I glued the card face to the card base,centering the vertical edges.
- I created faux borders on the card by using a blue marker and a ruler. (The marker matched one of the blues used on the bird.)
- I glued the sentiments in place as shown.
- I drew brackets around the sentiment on the bottom, using a black fineliner.
Final Thoughts:
It’s odd what I don’t see when creating a card: for instance, I see now that I forgot to create the outer border on the left of the card! I will fix that up before sending it on.
I love this sentiment, and I like the concept of the brackets around the second half of it, but if I recreate this card I will handwrite that one as I don’t like the combination of hand drawn brackets with the glued on sentiment.
(but now that this fella is fully caffeinated, he’ll have more of a chance of remembering that question, 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: Square Swirl, A Colorful Life Designs
Waffle Flower Grip Mat, 8.5 x 6.5, Scrapbook.com
Stamps:
Coffee Doodle Doo, Unity Stamps
Simple Strips, Coffee: Taylored Expressions
Dies: Simple Strips Die, Taylored Expressions
Ink: Stampin’ Up!
Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up!
Memento Ink: Stampin’ Up!
Alcohol Markers:
Stampin’ Blends: Stampin’ Up!
Copics: Wallacks
Fineliner: Amazon
Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels
Card Base & Card Face: Accent 100 lb., Amazon
Do you have comments or thoughts to share on this design? Drop me a line in the Comments Section below – I’d love to hear from you!
You can also use the Comments Section to be added to the list, and notified when I release new work.
-
A DIY card that says “I care” Easy techniques for stunning results
Unexpected adhesive residue proves to be a bit of serendipity in the 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: 5.5 x 4.25
Card Face:
- I began by spraying the back of the stencil with Pixie Spray. This is a temporary adhesive which I use to prevent movement in stencils that are delicate, or that have longer, unattached “strands” in the design.
- With that complete, I laid the card face on my Grip Mat, and then positioned the stencil. I rolled a brayer across the entire surface to ensure good contact between the adhesive and the paper.
- Next I selected light aqua and yellow inks and applied them diagonally over the stencil, using a soft hand throughout the process.
- I removed the stencil and placed the card face into my stamp positioner before adding the floral image with Versamark embossing ink.
- I added gold embossing powder over this stamped image, and this is where the serendipity comes in –
- During this step I realized that the stencil had left residue behind from the Pixie Spray, and bits of embossing powder had stuck to this. I could have brushed this off of the background, but decided to roll with it and allow it to add an unexpected touch to the background.
- I used an embossing pen to add a few random lines and dots to the background, and then added gold embossing powder.
- After heat setting this, I decided that one more thing was needed to finish the look: a gold border. I used an embossing pen again, going around the border of the card and creating an irregular line (I could have used a ruler, if I’d wanted precision). After heat setting the gold powder added to this I was satisfied with presence of gold on the card face.
- I used a rectangular stitched die to cut the floral image from the card face.
An adhesive eraser can be used to remove residue from Pixie Spray. Just rub it over the paper as if you’re trying to remove a pencil mark.
Other:
- I looked through my sentiments binder and found a foiled XOXOXOXOXO sentiment.
- I cut three separate XO sections out of this.
Assembly
- I glued the card face to the card base.
- I added dimensional foam to the back of the die-cut focal image and then set it in place on the card face.
- I positioned the three XO sections as shown.
Final Thoughts:
I love the serendipity that is evidenced in the bits of gold embossing . They are very tiny and and add a lovely, delicate detail to the card face.
Initially I didn’t have the three sentiment sections on the card face: I was going to keep the imaging very clean and simple: after living with it that way for a couple of days I decided that the additional detail was needed.
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: Glittering Hearts, A Colorful Life Designs
Waffle Flower Grip Mat, 8.5 x 6.5, Scrapbook.com
Versamark Embossing Ink: Simon Says Stamp
Embossing Pen: Tim Holtz, A Colorful Life Designs
Gold Embossing Powder: Ranger, PCW
Stamps: Words in Bloom, Unity Stamps
Dies: Stitched Rectangles, Stampin’ Up! (retired)
Pixie Spray: Michaels
Ink: Stampin’ Up!
Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up!
Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels
Card Base & Card Face: Accent 100 lb., Amazon
Do you have comments or thoughts to share on this design? Drop me a line in the Comments Section below – I’d love to hear from you!
You can also use the Comments Section to be added to the list, and notified when I release new work.
Glittering Hearts from A Colorful Life Designs
-
DIY Card Design: Techniques for Beautiful Stenciled Art
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
Border Layer: 5 x 3.75
Card Face: 4 ⅞ x 3 ⅝ (after die cut)
Card Face:
- I began by laying the card face down on the Grip Mat and positioning the grid stencil. I applied lime green ink over the exposed areas, deliberately creating variations in depth of tone
- I laid the Broken Lines stencil directly over the first stencil and secured it before adding dark grey ink randomly through the stencil.
- After removing both stencils and setting them aside, I placed the card face in my stamp positioner and added those awesome hearts. I stamped twice to be certain that the image was dark enough.
- I added both gold and black spatter, using metallic watercolour paint.
- I used a deckled edge rectangle die to trim the card face down to its final size.
- Then I decided that I wanted one more detail for visual interest, so I used a smaller die from the same set to cut a deckled rectangle from the card face, centering the die around the hearts.
Other:
- I looked through my sentiment binder for the perfect finishing touch and decided on a motivational sentiment in the end.
Assembly
I added dimensional foam to the back of the inner piece of the card face.
I centered the outer section of the card face on the black border and then glued these layers to the card base.
I put the center of the card face back where it belonged, with the foam creating added dimension.
Finally, I glued the sentiment to the card face, directly over the hearts.
Final Thoughts:
This design would work for any occasion: I’m always happy when I have a fun, multipurpose card.
I’m really happy with the way that these two stencils work together, as well as the final result.
Supplies: (and links where possible)
I have listed which products I have used, and where they may be purchased. It’s a huge marketplace and in most instances, there are multiple sources and many alternatives to choose from.
Stencils:
Broken Lines, A Colorful Life Designs
16 Square Shadow, A Colorful Life Designs
Waffle Flower Grip Mat, 8.5 x 6.5, Scrapbook.com
Metallic Watercolour Ink: Amazon
Stamps:
Hearts, Technique Junkies (no longer in business)
Polka Dot Blossoms Sayings, Tim Holtz, Amazon
Dies: Deckled Edged Rectangles, 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 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 added to the list, and notified when I release new work.
-
How to create a Stunning Art Deco card
dance like nobody’s watching
The elegance of Art Deco meets the extravagant feel of foil! (And a touch of sass, as an unexpected final touch.)
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.)
Are you intrigued by the luxurious feel of foil, but at the same time just a bit intimidated? Me too! or, I was until I discovered Duo gel and transfer foil. No Minc or laminator required, but the same amazing results – and unlimited options.
Let’s get Started:
Card Base: 4.25 x 11, scored and folded at 5.5
Border Layer: 4.25 x 5.5 **
Card Face: 4 x 5.5
** Budget tip: Rather than a full piece of foiled cardstock, I used two strips of cardstock that were ⅛ x 5.5 each. Gluing them snugly alongside the card face gave the look of a full piece, and is more economical.
Card Face:
- I sprayed the back of my stencil with Pixie Spray. This is a temporary adhesive that will ensure that the stencil stays in place on the card face during use.
- I placed my card face on a piece of cardstock and positioned the stencil. I used a brayer over the entire surface to ensure good contact with the card face.
- I applied Duo gel to all exposed areas, carefully removed the stencil and put it into water. I set the card face aside to dry.
- After the gel had dried (this depends on the thickness of the application, but I typically leave this 2 – 4 hours) it was time for the magic! I put a piece of transfer foil over the card face and ran it through my Big Shot.
- Once this was done I removed the excess foil, leaving the beautiful pattern behind.
- This card needed a sentiment, but I wasn’t certain which direction to go in at first – and then I stumbled across this bit of sass, which fit the bill perfectly. So I put the card face into my stamp positioner and added the sentiment with Versafine Onyx, stamping 3x to get a bold result.
I didn’t use my Grip Mat for this as I don’t like to risk compromising the surface with gels and pastes. I’ve seen content creators do this successfully: I’m just not brave enough yet!
Other:
- I placed a piece of adhesive dimensional foam on the back of a scrap piece of cardstock and added the die. Then I ran it through the Big Shot.
Assembly
- I glued the card face to the card base, centering vertically.
- I glued a narrow strip of irridescent cardstock to both sides.
- I added the dancing lady as shown.
Final Thoughts:
This stencil was part of a water themed release from A Colorful Life Designs, but as soon as I saw it I thought of the elegance of Art Deco. This design has been perking away in my head for a while now – I’m glad to finally have it out and on paper.
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: Waterspout, A Colorful Life Designs
Versamark Embossing Ink: Simon Says Stamp
Clear Embossing Powder: Wow, R&R Scrapbooking
Stamps: Be Yourself, The Frantic Stamper
Dies: Carmen, The Frantic Stamper
Ink: Stampin’ Up!
Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up!
Versafine Onyx, Simon Says Stamp
Memento Ink: Stampin’ Up!
Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels
Card Base & Card Face: Accent 100 lb., Amazon
Do you have comments or thoughts to share on this design? Drop me a line in the Comments Section below – I’d love to hear from you!
You can also use the Comments Section to be added to the list, and notified when I release new work.
-
Elevate Your Card Making with Easy Stenciling Techniques
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.)
A couple of simple stencilling techniques is a great way to make your card stand out.
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
Card Face:
- I placed the card face onto my Grip Mat, and then positioned the stencil. I applied bright green ink to the exposed areas. As I had used a heavy hand, I had to put this aside until the ink was dry.
- With the ink completely dry, I put the stencil back in place but moved it slightly down and to the right. This stencilling technique created the illusion of a shadow for each of the hearts.
- I added translucent gel over the exposed areas, carefully removing the stencil once this was complete and putting it into water immediately. I set the card face aside to dry once again.
- Once the gel had dried, I put the card face into my stamp positioner and added the image in the center of the hearts with Versafine Onyx and sprinkled it with clear embossing powder. I set this with my heat gun.
- I coloured the image with alcohol markers.
- I used the cloud edger stencil and blue ink to create the sky, being careful to stay inside the hearts. This stencilling technique created a scene in a very specific part of the card, and is very effective.
- I added the birds using a black fineliner.
Other:
- I put a piece of scrap cardstock into the stamp positioner and stamped the sentiment two or three times with the same blue ink. (I had used a soft blue, and I needed to stamp several times to allow the sentiment to have enough presence.)
- I trimmed the sentiment down to a narrow strip and added dimensional tape on the back.
Assembly
- I glued the border layer to the card base and then centered the card face on top of these.
- I positioned the sentiment as shown.
Final Thoughts:
I quite like this offbeat combination of elements.
If I were to recreate this card, I would select a different colour for the umbrella: I don’t feel that it works well with the other colours in the scene. Do you ever regret a colour choice when it’s too late to do anything about it?
Supplies: (and links where possible)
I have listed which products I have used, and where they may be purchased. It’s a huge marketplace and in most instances, there are multiple sources and many alternatives to choose from.
Stencils:
Cloud Edger: A Colorful Life Designs
Happy Thoughts Wreath: A Colorful Life Designs
Waffle Flower Grip Mat, 8.5 x 6.5, Scrapbook.com
Stamps: I’ll be Your Umbrella, Andy Skinner, Amazon
Ink: Stampin’ Up!
Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up!
Versafine Onyx, Simon Says Stamp
Clear Embossing Powder: Wow, R&R Scrapbooking
Black Fine Liners: Amazon
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 added to the list, and notified when I release new work.
-
Unique Floral Card Tutorial for Crafters
The copper embossing powder is so pretty – have a look at the close up.
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: 5.5 x 3.25
Copper Strips: 5.5 x ⅛” (x 2)
Card Face:
- I laid the card face down on my Grip Mat and positioned the stencil.
- I masked off the right side of the stencil and applied mauve ink to the left-hand side (the side with the longer rectangles).
- I moved the mask to protect the section just inked and applied a darker, more reddish purple to the exposed areas.
- I spattered the card face with pink and purple metallic watercolour paint.
- After allowing this to dry, I placed the card face into my stamp positioner and stamped the floral image with Versamark embossing ink.
- I removed the card face, sprinkled copper embossing powder over the ink, and set it with my heat gun.
Other:
- I put the border layer into an embossing folder and ran it through my Big Shot to create texture.
- I looked through my sentiment binder and discovered the “friend” ready and waiting: it had been created from metallic copper cardstock.
- I cut the two narrow strips of copper cardstock.
Assembly
- I glued the embossed border layer to the card base.
- I glued one of the narrow copper strips snugly along the left-hand border.
- I glued the card face beside this, butting up against the narrow strip.
- I glued the second strip of copper along the right edge of the card face.
- I added the “friend” to the card face, as shown.
Final Thoughts:
I love this colour combination, and I’m also really happy with the mixture of textures and tonalities in this card.
Supplies: (and links where possible)
I have listed which products I have used, and where they may be purchased. It’s a huge marketplace and in most instances, there are multiple sources and many alternatives to choose from.
Stencil: Ordered Lines, A Colorful Life Designs
Waffle Flower Grip Mat, 8.5 x 6.5, Scrapbook.com
Versamark Embossing Ink: Simon Says Stamp
Copper Embossing Powder: Wow, Scrap n’ Stamp
Stamps: Technique Junkies (no longer in business)
Ink: Stampin’ Up!
Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up!
Metallic Watercolour: Amazon
Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels
Card Base & Card Face: Accent 100 lb., Amazon
Do you have comments or thoughts to share on this design? Drop me a line in the Comments Section below – I’d love to hear from you!
You can also use the Comments Section to be added to the list, and notified when I release new work.
-
A little paint is good for the soul
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
Border Layer: 5.5 x 4.25
Card Face: 5.25 x 4
Scrap paper for the paint brush
Card Face:
- I began by laying the card face down on my Grip Mat and positioning the Broken Lines stencil. I followed that by applying beige ink across the exposed areas.
- Laying that stencil aside, I positioned the Bottled Posies stencil towards the left of the card face and traced two of the bottles using a black fine liner.
- I used alcohol markers to completely colour the bottle on the left, and then I partially coloured the bottle on the right.
- With those steps complete, I decided that I wanted a bit of shadow underneath to ground them, so I added that.
- I spritzed the surface of the card face with water, blotting it quickly. This softened the background and added visual interest.
- The alcohol markers don’t react to water, making this process safe.
- Once the card face was completely dry again, I put it into my stamp positioner and added the sentiment with Versafine Onyx.
Other:
- I stamped the paint brush on scrap paper using Memento ink, and coloured it with alcohol markers.
- Once the colouring was complete I cut it out.
- I looked through my critters binder and found the wee mouse; I quickly decided that he would provide the perfect finishing touch.
Assembly
- I glued the black border layer to the card base, and then added the card face on top of these.
- I experimented with the placement of the brush, and then glued it in place.
- Finally, I added the mouse as shown, sitting on the brush.
Final Thoughts:
I was actually creating a completely different card with the Bottled Posies stencil when I this idea struck: I had used the same process of tracing/colouring the images and had too much time invested to try the concep at that moment, so I tried it on the next card.
I’m happy with the general feel of the card (I really like the watercolour “feel” that the background has), but would change the positioning of the brush if I were to do it again.
Supplies: (and links where possible)
I have listed which products I have used and where they may be purchased. It’s a huge marketplace and in most instances, there are multiple sources and many alternatives to choose from.
Stencils:
Broken Lines: A Colorful Life Designs
Bottled Posies: A Colorful Life Designs
Stamps: Color My World, Colorado Craft Co.
Waffle Flower Grip Mat, 8.5 x 6.5, Scrapbook.com
Ink: Stampin’ Up!
Fineliners: Amazon
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 added to the list, and notified when I release new work.
-
FUN, FABULOUS & PERFECT FOR THAT SOMEONE SPECIAL
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: 4.25 x 11, scored and folded at 5.5
Border Layer: 4.25 x 5.5
Card Face: 4 ⅛ x 5 ⅜
The visible cardstock in this design is Naturals by Stampin’ Up!. It is no longer available, but I have a supply and use it occasionally.
Card Face:
- I laid the cardstock on my Grip Mat and then positioned the Intersection stencil. Next, I applied red ink over the exposed areas, using more pressure towards the outside of the design and allowing the ink to fade slightly towards the center. I removed this stencil and set it aside.
- After positioning the heart stencil, I applied red ink again, going over the exposed areas repeatedly until I had intense colour.
- I allowed the ink to dry completely and then put the third stencil in place, centering the word carefully inside the hearts.
- I pressed my Versamark embossing pad through the openings in the stencil, repeating this several times to ensure ink transfer.
- Removing the stencil, I sprinkled gold embossing powder over the ink and set it with my heat gun.
Assembly
- I glued the border layer to the card base.
- I added the card face to these, ensuring an equal distance on the top and both sides: this left a much larger space on the bottom.
- I added small gold pearls onto some of the larger hearts, deliberately placing them off-center on all but one heart.
- Finally, I added three small gold pearls under the word in the center, as well as 3 along the bottom border, evenly spaced.
Final Thoughts:
This card began as another one of those backgrounds which I had created and then set aside. I decided to use it with the Heart Circle stencil and I like the very graphic look that was created. The circular shape created by the lines echoes that created by the hearts, and yet the hearts and lines provide nice contrast.
Supplies: (and links where possible)
I have listed which products I have used, and where they may be purchased. It’s a huge marketplace and in most instances, there are multiple sources and many alternatives to choose from.
Stencils:
Intersection: A Colorful Life Designs
Happy Thoughts Wreath: A Colorful Life Designs
Waffle Flower Grip Mat, 8.5 x 6.5, Scrapbook.com
Versamark Embossing Ink: Simon Says Stamp:
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 added to the list, and notified when I release new work.