Written In Ink

Category: Friendship

  • Make a Great Impression with a Whimsical Card

    Make a Great Impression with a Whimsical 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 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:  5.5 x 4.25

    Card Face:

    • I laid the card face down on my grip mat and positioned the stencil.  I used light green ink across the exposed areas.
    • After wiping the surface of the stencil to remove stray ink, I shifted the stencil slightly down and to the right and applied light blue ink across all exposed areas.
    • I turned the paper 90 degrees and repeated the steps above, creating a delightfully wonky pattern that isn’t a plaid or a check –  but something fun and unique nonetheless.
    • I put the card face into my stamp positioner and added the fun border image using Versafine Onyx and stamping a couple of times to get a saturated image.
    • I added the sentiment directly to the card face, also using Versafine Onyx.
    • I used a punch on each corner to add fun detail.

    Assembly

    • I glued the black border layer directly to the card base,  and added the card face on top of these.

    Final Thoughts:

    I love the combination of the stencilled background and stamp:  they both possess the same sort of whimsy,  and have paired perfectly.

    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:Rungs,  A Colorful Life Designs

    Stamps: Deco Rose Burst,   Creative Expressions,  Ecstasy Crafts

    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.

    Rungs

  • Make Stunning Cards with Cats Playing Stencil

    Make Stunning Cards with Cats Playing Stencil

    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

    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 positioned the Essential Heart stencil.  I added soft aqua ink using more pressure at the top and allowing the ink to fade as it approached the bottom.
    • After removing the first stencil I positioned one of the cats from the Cats Playing stencil and created the image with black onyx ink after carefully masking off surrounding areas.

    Other:

    • I die cut a tiny bow from a scrap of black cardstock.
    • I stamped 4You on a scrap of cream cardstock, and used a punch to create the shape.

    Assembly

    • I glued the black border layer to the card base, and centered the card face on top.
    • I glued the bow and the tag in place as shown, putting a tiny piece of dimensional foam under the bottom of the tag for dimension.
    • I drew in the black ribbon that the cat is playing with using a microliner, as well as the movement marks around the bow and tag.
    • I used a light grey alcohol marker to add shadows around the bow and the tag.
    • I added tiny silver balls to the tag and bow as finishing touches.

    Final Thoughts:

    After I had everything in place and glued down I decided that I didn’t like the placement of the bow –  but I had done a good job with the glue,  and it wasn’t budging.   So – if I were to recreate this card I would alter the placement of that.

    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:

    Cats Playing,  A Colorful Life Designs

    Essential Heart ,  A Colorful Life Designs

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Fineliners: Amazon

    Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up! 

    Versafine Onyx, Simon Says Stamp

    Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels

    Card Base & Card Face:   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.

    Cats Playing

    Essential Heart

  • Create an Adorable card for a Friend who Loves Dogs

    Create an Adorable card for a Friend who Loves Dogs

    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

    Border Layer: 5.5 x 4.25

    Card Face:  5.5 x 3.25

    Card Face:

    • I put the card face on my grip mat and centered the 7 Rectangle Shadow stencil.  I added yellow ink to each rectangle, randomly varying depth of colour.
    • Leaving this stencil in place, I used one of the straight line stencils from the Accent Strips set to add darker yellow ink to each rectangle,  deliberately varying positioning and angle each time.
    • I removed the Accent Strips stencil but left the 7 Rectangle stencil in place.  I used a fineliner to trace the edges of each opening: this created definition.
    • After removing the 7 Rectangles stencil,  I positioned the Cute Little Doggie Faces stencil and created the two pup faces with Versafine Onyx.
    • I added details to the eyes and noses of the pups with a white gel pen.
    • Using a ruler and a black marker, I created a narrow black border around the card face.

    Other:

    • I stamped the sentiment on a scrap of white cardstock, and cut it down to size with a stitched rectangle die.
    • I placed the border layer cardstock in an embossing folder, and ran it through the Big Shot, creating depth and texture.

    Assembly

    • I glued the border layer to the card base.
    • I added dimensional foam tape to the back of the card face and centered this on the border layer.
    • I added the sentiment on an angle, as shown.
    • I scattered card bling randomly.

    Final Thoughts:

    These cute little pup faces can work for almost any occasion,  and I had a tough time narrowing down which sentiment I should use.

    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:

    7 Rectangle Shadow,  A Colorful Life Designs

    Accent Strips Stencil Set,  A Colorful Life Designs

    Cute Little Doggie Faces,   A Colorful Life Designs

    White Gel Pens: Arteza,  Amazon

    Fineliners: Amazon

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Card Bling:  A Colorful Life Designs

    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.

    Cute Little Doggie Faces

    7 Rectangle Shadow

    Accent Strips (set of 6)

  • Create a Nostalgic Summer Scene with Stencils

    Create a Nostalgic Summer Scene with Stencils

    Would you like to experiment with a design like this? You’ll find a supply list below, including a link to the stencils I used from A Colorful Life Designs.  Follow the link and use 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:  5.5 x 4

    Card Face:

    • After laying the card face down on my grip mat, I positioned the Screen Door stencil and brushed green ink onto the bottom to represent grass, allowing variation in the depth of colour and building colour up a bit at the bottom.  
    • I added blue to the top of the card face to represent sky, allowing gaps in colour to create clouds.
    • I grabbed the Dogs Playing stencil and carefully positioned the section I wanted over the first stencil. I created the dog using black ink.
    • Leaving the first stencil in place created the lines on the dog and the effect of the dog being on the other side of the screen door.
    • I put both stencils off to the side and placed the card face in my stamp positioner.  I added the trees and birds using the same black ink.

    Other:

    • I put the border cardstock into an embossing folder and ran it through the Big Shot, adding planked wall texture to the paper.  I brushed brown ink onto this piece, adding to the effect.
    • I cut three ¼” pieces of white cardstock, and three ⅛” pieces of white cardstock.
    • I put clear embossing powder on a scrap of cardstock and set it with my heat gun.  I used a ½” circular punch to create the doorknob.  (I used the embossing powder to create the look of an old porcelain knob.)
    • I looked through my sentiment binder and selected one to work with the image being created.
    • I often create sentiments in advance to save against future need:  this is a great time saver,  and also a good way to spend time when I’m not in the mood to create a design.

    Assembly

    • I glued the three ¼” strips around the outside of the screen door, cutting to length as I glued them in place.
    • I glued the three ⅛” strips across the width of the door, trimming as necessary.
    • I glued the doorknob in place.
    • I glued the brown woodgrain layer onto the card base.
    • I centered the completed card face on top of the wood grain layer.
    • I added the sentiment as shown.

    Final Thoughts:

    My goal was to create a scene where we are looking out at a tranquil summer day through a screen door:  I like the scene as created,  but if I were to recreate this, I’d add some water to the scene, not just grass and sky.  This would make it feel like a cottage.

    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:

    Dogs Playing,  A Colorful Life Designs

    Screen Door, A Colorful Life Designs

    Versamark Embossing Ink: R&R Scrapbooking

    Clear Embossing Powder,  Wow,  R&R Scrapbooking

    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.

    Dogs Playing

    Screen Door

  • DIY a Pup-themed card for a Dog Loving Friend

    DIY a Pup-themed card for a Dog Loving Friend

    Would you like to experiment with a design like this? You’ll find a supply list below, including a link to the stencil I used from A Colorful Life Designs.  Follow the link and use the discount code ChrisFan10 to save 10% on your entire order! (Master Creator Bundles are excluded as they already have a 20% discount built in.)

    Let’s get Started:

    Card Base: 5.5 x 8.5, scored and folded at 4.25

    Card Face:  5.25 x 4

    This set includes a stencil with six openings to create dogs, as well as the six cut-out shapes that act as masks.  I used three of the masks to create this card.

    Card Face:

    • I laid the card face on the grip mat and positioned the three masks, securing each with a loop of low-tack tape.
    • I applied light brown ink with a soft hand around each mask.
    • I added touches of the same brown ink to some edges on the card face.
    • I removed the masks,  put the card face in an embossing folder and ran it through the Big Shot.
    • I decided I wanted some spatter on the card face,  so I put the masks back in place and added gold spatter here and there with metallic watercolour.  I used the same puddle of gold metallic watercolour to run the edges of the card face through,  allowing an irregular edge.

    Other:

    • I stamped the sentiment on a scrap of cardstock,  and used a deckled-edge die to cut it out.
    • I used a scrap of gold cardstock to die cut the bones.

    Assembly

    • I glued the card face to the card base, centering on all sides.
    • I added dimensional foam to the back of the sentiment and put it in place on the upper left of the card face.  
    • I glued the bones in random spots,  as shown.
    • I added three clear embellishments to the sentiment as a finishing touch.

    Final Thoughts:

    I love the way this card came together: the negative images created by the masks,  the texture and dimension created by the embossing folder, the die-cut bones …. All of these work so well 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: Dogs Playing,  A Colorful Life Designs

    Dies: KSCrafts,  Amazon

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up! 

    Versafine Onyx, Simon Says Stamp

    Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels

    Card Base & Card Face:  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.

    Dogs Playing

  • Stencil + Cats + Butterflies = A One of a Kind Card

    Stencil + Cats + Butterflies = A One of a Kind 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 the discount code ChrisFan10 to save 10% on your entire order! (Master Creator Bundles are excluded as they already have a 20% discount built in.)

    Let’s get Started:

    Card Base: 5.5 x 8.5, scored and folded at 4.25

    Black Border Layer: 5.5 x 4.25

    Card Face:  5 ⅜ x 4 1/8

    Card Face:

    • I positioned the die on the card face – centering carefully –  and ran it through the Big Shot.
    • I placed the center cut-out section on the grip mat and added the cats into the squares individually, using brown ink and varying pressure to create depth. This involved both moving the stencil and masking as necessary to prevent stray ink from ruining the design.  
    • Two of the cats were too large to fit into the squares – they were allowed to “spill over”   as shown in the picture.

    Assembly

    • I glued the black border layer to the card base,  and centered the outer section of the card face on top.
    • I put dimensional foam on the back of the card face and placed it back in the center opening.
    • I gave each cat a small butterfly embellishment to play with.

    Final Thoughts:

    This is such a fun design –  I think the cats and the postage stamp die are a great combination.  The tiny butterflies are hard to see in the picture,  but they are a great finishing touch.

    I will add a sentiment to this when I send it –  it could be used for almost any occasion and I’m leaving the options open till then.

    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: Cats Playing, A Colorful Life Designs

    Versamark Embossing Ink: R&R Scrapbooking

    Dies: Postage Collage,  Waffle Flower,  Glitter & Ink

    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.

    Cats Playing

  • You CAN DIY a Stunning Layered Card

    You CAN DIY a Stunning Layered 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 the discount code ChrisFan10 to save 10% on your entire order! (Master Creator Bundles are excluded as they already have a 20% discount built in.)

    Let’s get Started:

    Card Base: 5.5 x 8.5, scored and folded at 4.25

     Black Border Layer: 5.5 x 4.25

    White Anchor Layer: 5.5 x 2

    Lighthouse Layer:   5.5 x 2

    Border for Lighthouse Layer:  5.5 x 2.25

    Card Face:

    • I laid the cardstock for the lighthouse layer onto the grip mat and positioned the stencil.   I used two different blue inks to go over all exposed areas-  one dark and one medium blue.   I used the dark blue on the very bottom and the medium blue on the top 2/3 of the panel,  blending carefully where they met.  I added additional medium blue ink around the top edges and around the curved lines on the stencil, which added a lot of depth to the image.
    • I removed the stencil and added 3 birds toward the top left of the panel.
    • Putting the stencil back in place, I spattered water over the inked image, blotting it with a paper towel to soak up excess moisture.   I set this panel aside.
    • I placed the cardstock for the other half of the card face in the stamp positioner and stamped the anchor both top and bottom, stamping a couple of times to get an intense image.

    Other:

    • I stamped the sentiment on a scrap of white cardstock,  and then used a die to create the shape.
    • I used the same die to cut a second shape, using black cardstock this time.
    • I cut the black shape in half horizontally and then glued the halves behind the white shape in a way that allowed the black to show both top and bottom.

    This is a great way to get extra use from a die,  while creating a perfectly matching border for the sentiment.

    Assembly

    • I glued the larger black border layer to the card base.
    • I centered the lighthouse on the smaller black border piece,  and then glued this to the right hand edge of the card base layers.
    • I glued the white card face layer to the card base, positioning it snugly against the lighthouse and leaving a narrow border on the left hand side.
    • I put dimensional foam on the back of the sentiment and positioned it as shown between the two anchors.

    Final Thoughts:

    The addition of the spatter worked well on this piece, mimicking spray coming up as water crashed into the lighthouse.

    I didn’t get the anchor stamp perfectly spaced top and bottom –  this bothers my eye!

    Other than that,  I’m happy with this design.

    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: Two Sea Panels, A Colorful Life Designs

    Versamark Embossing Ink: Simon Says Stamp

    Clear Embossing Powder,  Wow,  Simon Says Stamp

    Stamps: Stampin’ Up!  (retired)

    Dies: Stampin’ Up! (retired)

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up! 

    Versafine Onyx, Simon Says Stamp

    Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels

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

    Do you have any comments or thoughts on this design?  Drop me a line in the Comments Section below –  I’d love to hear from you!

    You can also use the Comments Section to be notified when I release new work.

    Two Sea Panels

  • Elevate Your Card Design with Simple Techniques

    Elevate Your Card Design with Simple 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 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 3

    Card Face:

    • I stamped the image using Memento black ink,  and coloured the girl with alcohol markers.
    • I looked through my  (many) sentiments and found one that fit the opening so perfectly that it seemed made for it –  but it was actually an old,  long retired stamp from a different company.  I added this using Versafine Onyx.
    • I added a light blue “halo” around the girl with an alcohol marker,  softening the edges with a blender to prevent a harsh line. This added visual interest without being a distraction.
    • I put the card face onto the grip mat and positioned the stencil.  I used grey ink  and a soft hand to add the pattern around the girl, allowing the pattern to extend into the blue halo.
    • I used a corner rounder to remove the eges of the card face,  and then ran this rounded rectangle over a black ink pad.

    Other:

    • I put the border layer down on the grip mat and positioned the same stencil:  using light blue ink and a soft hand I added colour over the entire piece.

    Assembly

    • I glued the border layer to the card base.
    • I added dimensional foam tape to the back of the card face,  and centered this on the border layer.

    Final Thoughts:

    I like the use of the same stencil in two different colours in this design:  the difference is subtle, but fun.

    I still can’t believe how well the sentiment fits the opening –  pure serendipity!

    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: Patterned Noise, A Colorful Life Designs

    Versamark Embossing Ink: Simon Says Stamp

    Clear Embossing Powder,  Wow,  Simon Says Stamp

    Stamps: Remi Girl,  Unity Stamps

    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.

    Patterned Noise

  • Create Unique & Eye-Catching Card Design Using Stencils

    Create Unique & Eye-Catching Card Design 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 the discount code ChrisFan10 to save 10% on your entire order! (Master Creator Bundles are excluded as they already have a 20% discount built in.)

    Let’s get Started:

    Card Base: 5.5 x 8.5, scored and folded at 4.25

    Black Border Layer: 5.5 x 4.25

    Smaller Black Border Layer:  5 x 3.75

    Card Faces:  5  x 3.75 (x2)  before cutting

    This design created itself as I went along –  as so many of mine do!

    Card Face:

    • I placed the first card face-down on the grip mat and positioned the stencil.  I used a mixture of light aqua /light blue inks across the exposed areas.
    • I removed the first card face and put the second one in its place.   After positioning the stencil once again, I used a mixture of dark blue, medium blue, and medium aqua inks across the exposed areas.
    • I cut both card faces into  ¼” strips.  
    • I glued the strips to the smaller black border layer, alternating light and dark strips and leaving a space between, allowing the black to show through.

    I used  a ⅛” strip of cardstock as a spacer to ensure even spacing.  

    Other:

    • I die cut 6 hats out of scraps of white card stock, and glued them in a pairs, resulting in 3 hats in the end.
    • I stamped and die-cut the sentiment.

    Assembly

    • I glued the black border layer onto the card base,  and then glued the striped layer onto this on an angle as shown in the picture.
    • I glued the 3 hats down the left-hand side, leaving a space for the sentiment between the bottom two.
    • I glued the sentiment in place.
    • I added a metallic embellishment on each side of the sentiment.

    Final Thoughts:

    This really wasn’t what I had in mind when I began working with the stencil,  but once I had the two card faces done,  the idea slowly nudged its way into existence.

    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: Turbulent Waters,   A Colorful Life Designs

    Versamark Embossing Ink: Simon Says Stamp

    Clear Embossing Powder,  Wow,  Simon Says Stamp

    Dies: Stampin’ Up!  (retired)

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up! 

    Versafine Onyx, Simon Says Stamp

    Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels

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

    Do you have any comments or thoughts on this design?  Drop me a line in the Comments Section below –  I’d love to hear from you!

    You can also use the Comments Section to be notified when I release new work.

    Turbulent Waters

  • 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