Category: Friendship

  • DIY Card Making: Blend Colors with Stencils for Great Results

    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: 5.⅜ x 4 1/8

    Card Face: 5.25 x 4

    Card Face:

    • I got started on this card by placing the card face on the Grip Mat.
    • Using the Daisy Trio stencil, I added pink, orange, and yellow flowers to the background, moving the stencil and placing flowers in all three sizes randomly across the blank surface.
    • Setting that stencil aside, I positioned the bee stencil on the card face and pressed my Versamark embossing ink pad firmly through the openings to create the bee.  I removed the stencil and sprinkled gold embossing powder on it. I set it with my heat gun.
    • I repositioned the stencil to allow the heart trail on the same stencil to be part of the design, then pressed embossing ink through the openings and added gold embossing powder.
    • I placed the card face in my stamp positioner and added the sentiment using Versafine Onyx.  I sprinkled on clear embossing powder, and set this with my heat gun, which made the sentiment “pop”.

    Assembly

    • I glued the card face onto the black border layer,  and then added these to the card base,  centering both layers.
    • I scattered card bling randomly across the card face.

    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:

    Buzzing Bee,  A Colorful Life Designs

    Daisy Trio,  A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Versamark Embossing Ink: Simon Says Stamp

    Clear Embossing Powder,  Wow,  Simon Says Stamp

    Gold Embossing Powder: Wow, R&R Scrapbooking

    Stamps:  Technique Junkies  (no longer in business)

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up! 

    Card Bling,  A Colorful Life Designs

    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.

    Buzzing Bee

    Buzzing Path

    Daisy Trio

  • 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

  • Create Stunning Cards with Butterfly Stencils and Embossing Powder

    Create Stunning Cards with Butterfly Stencils and Embossing Powder

    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: 5.25 x 10.5,  scored and folded at 5.25

    Card Face:  5 x 5

    Card Face:

    • I laid the card face down on the Grip Mat and positioned the butterfly stencil.   I used both orange and pink for the stencilled butterflies, using more ink and additional pressure in the center of each one, allowing the colour to fade as it moved out towards the edge of the wings.
    • After the ink was dry, I stamped the small butterflies with Versamark embossing ink, sprinkled Platinum embossing powder over them, and set them with my heat gun.
    • I positioned the dotted stencil on the card face, allowing it to go over some of the butterflies. I sprinkled pearl embossing powder over this and set it with my heat gun.

    Other:

    • I stamped the sentiment used a small circle die to cut it out.
    • I used a coordinating, larger circle die to cut a second circle.

    Assembly

    • I put dimensional foam on the back of the card face and positioned it on the card base.
    • I glued the two circles together with the sentiment on top, and then glued this new combination to the card face as shown.
    • I glued three tiny pearls under the sentiment.

    Final Thoughts:

    The two embossing powders add a lovely sheen to the finished card.

    The use of pearlized embossing powder for the second stencil resulted in a subtle but pretty texture.

    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:

    Geometric Butterflies:  A Colorful Life Designs

    Buzz Path,  A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Versamark Embossing Ink: Simon Says Stamp

    Metallic Platinum Embossing Powder,  Wow, R&R Scrapbooking

    Vintage Pearl Embossing Powder, Ranger:  R&R Scrapbooking

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up! 

    Versafine Onyx, Simon Says Stamp

    Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels

    Recollections 110 lb., Michaels

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

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

    Geometric Butterflies

    Buzz Path

  • The Gothic Swirl Stencil is a Great Beginning to a Stunning Steampunk Card

    The Gothic Swirl Stencil is a Great Beginning to a Stunning Steampunk 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

    Black Border Layer: 5.5 x 4.25

    Card Face:  5.25 x 4

    Card Face:

    • I laid my card face on the Grip Mat and positioned the stencil.
    • I applied blue ink, altering pressure/intensity randomly.
    • After removing the stencil, I placed the card face down in my stamp positioner and added the steampunk images using Versafine Onyx.  (I stamped each a couple of times to get lots of depth.)
    • I spattered the card face with water and blotted it with a paper towel.

    Other:

    • I looked through my Sentiment Binder and grabbed three that I felt worked for this card.

    Assembly

    • I glued the black border layer to the card base,  and then centered the card face on top of these.
    • I added the three sentiments, with dramatically varying angles.

    Final Thoughts:

    I love the way this card turned out.

    This stencil is so beautiful and I was really happy with the way the inking turned out.  Then to decide on how to finish it –  it could head in many different directions.  My thoughts turned to steampunk  (I have just a few stamps,  and rarely play with them),  and from that moment, nothing else would do.

    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: Gothic Swirl,  A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Stamps: 

        Steampunk Images:Stampin’ Up! (retired)

        Sentiments:  Tim Holtz, Amazon

    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.

    Gothic Swirl

  • Design a Fun Card sure to make them Grin

    Design a Fun Card sure to make them Grin

    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

    Black Border Layer: 5 3/8 x 4 ⅛

    Focal Image:  3 1/8 x 1 ⅞

    Border for Focal Image:  3.25 x 2

    Card Face:  5.25 x 4

    Card Face:

    • I laid the card face down onto my Grip Mat and positioned the stencil.
    • I applied yellow ink to all exposed areas, using more pressure in the center and allowing the ink to fade towards the edges.

    Other:

    • I had just stamped and coloured this image a couple of days prior, so I grabbed that to use on this card.
    • I stamped the sentiment on a piece of scrap cardstock and die cut it to create the finished shape.

    Assembly

    • I glued the black border layer to the card base.
    • I glued the smaller black border layer to the focal image, and then glued that newly layered piece onto the card face.
    • I put a piece of dimensional foam onto the back of the sentiment and positioned it on an angle across the focal image.

    Final Thoughts:

    I love this crusty, cantankerous old gal … you can see that she has opinions on anything and everything, and is ready to share them.   I was amused by pairing this sentiment with this image:  it’s like she is saying, “this is me,  this is my style.  Deal with it!”   LOL.

    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: Solar Rays, 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:

    Maude, Artistic Impressions (retired)

    Sentiment: Be Yourself, The Frantic Stamper

    Dies: 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.

    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.

    Solar Rays Stencil

  • Impress Someone with your Graffiti Skills

    Impress Someone with your Graffiti Skills

    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

    Kraft Card Face:5.25 x 4

    Card Face:

    • I laid the card face down on my Grip Mat and positioned the Stonework stencil. I covered exposed areas with a mixture of light brown, yellow brown, and orange brown inks.
    • Removing that stencil, I positioned the Circle Tree stencil, masking off the edges to protect the surface that was already inked.   I used dark brown ink and a heavy hand to create the tree.
    • Leaving this stencil in place, I inked up a background stamp with black ink and pressed it firmly into the exposed areas.  The stamp creates a “crackled” look, as if the paint on the stone wall were about to flake off.  I used fineliners to intensify the black on the dark brown.
    • I used a gold gel pen to outline all the openings in the stencil and to complete the circle around the tree.
    • I wasn’t satisfied, so I removed the Circle Tree stencil and put the Stonework stencil back in place:  I used medium brown ink and a small shading brush to add darker colour to the stones, adding depth and dimension.
    • I put the cardface into my stamp positioner and added the sentiment with Versamark embossing ink.   I added Metallic Platinum embossing powder, and set it with my heat gun.

    Other:

    • I pressed the Versamark embossing pad onto the borders of the cardbase, sprinkled it with the same Platinum embossing powder, and set it with my heat gun.  (This ensured that the border matched the sentiment perfectly.)

    Assembly

    I glued the card face to the card base, centering on all sides.

    Final Thoughts:

    I did not completely achieve my goals with this card, but I still like it.

    I wanted it to resemble a stone wall with a tree painted onto it by a graffiti artist.   I’m not seeing my vision, which is frustrating: the addition of the extra brown ink did help with the wall’s visual depth, but it still needs improvement.   A challenge to future self.

    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:

    Stonework: A Colorful Life Designs

    Circle Tree:  A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Versamark Embossing Ink: Simon Says Stamp

    Metallic Platinum Embossing Powder,  Wow,  R &R Scrapbooking

    Stamps:   Paint Your World,  Spellbinders (retired)

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up! 

    Shading Brush:  Waffle Flower, R&R Scrapbooking

    Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels

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

    Stonework Stencil

    Circle Tree stencil

  • YOU Can Create Unique Cards with Stencils

    YOU Can Create Unique Cards 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 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 put the card face into my stamp positioner,  and used Memento ink to stamp the gnome.
    • I coloured him with alcohol markers.
    • I placed the card face onto the Grip Mat and positioned the Outline Grid stencil: I used grey ink and a light hand to create the stencilled pattern.
    • I removed that stencil,  and dropped in the Falling Dots stencil – except instead of the dots going vertically,  I turned the stencil and created them horizontally.  I used blue ink and a soft hand for this step.
    • I returned the card face to the stamp positioner and added the sentiment, using Versafine Onyx.

    Assembly

    • I glued the black border to the card base,  and then centered the card face on top of these.
    • I scattered green and blue Card Bling randomly on the card face.

    Final Thoughts:

    He is such an earnest little guy,  ready to stand his ground and go the course for a friend.  And the stencils provide the perfect detail in the background.

    Supplies: (and links where possible)

       I have listed which products I have used, and where they may be purchased. It’s a huge marketplace, and in most instances, there are multiple sources and many alternatives to choose from.

    Stencils:

         Falling Dots, a Colorful Life Designs

         Outline  Grid, A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Stamps: Technique Junkies (no longer in business)

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up! 

    Versafine Onyx, Simon Says Stamp

    Memento Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Alcohol Markers:

         Stampin’ Blends: Stampin’ Up!

         Copics:  Wallacks

    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.

    Falling Dots Stencil

    Outline Grid Stencil

  • Make an elegant card: combine embossing paste and vellum

    Make an elegant card: combine embossing paste and vellum

    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

    Card Face:  5.5 x 3.75

    Vellum:  7 x 2.5

    Card Face:

    • I laid the card face on scrap paper and positioned the stencil.  I secured both with Mint Tape.
    • I applied DIY embossing paste across all exposed areas.
    • I carefully removed the stencil and placed it in water immediately.

    When I work with embossing paste, I have a container of water beside me:  I usually do several card faces during a session with paste,  with each one going into the water as soon as it’s removed from the card face. When I’m done, the stencils are all cleaned at the same time.  This makes clean-up much faster and easier.

    • I put the card face aside to dry.

    Other:

    • I turned on my heat gun before starting work with the vellum.
    • I placed the vellum in my stamp positioner and added the butterflies with Versafine Onyx.
    • I sprinkled the ink with clear embossing powder and set it with my heat gun.

    Vellum will warp easily with heat,  so it’s important to have a very hot, preheated tool and to move it constantly until the powder has melted.

    • I stamped a scrap of cardstock with the sentiment,  and then cut it out with a die.
    • Assembly
    • I folded the vellum around the card face and secured it with scotch tape.
    • I glued the card face to the card base,  making sure that the vellum on the back of the card face was fully adhered.
    • I glued the sentiment in place as shown,  taking care to use no more glue than was needed, as vellum warps very easily with moisture.

    Final Thoughts:

    The gleam of the embossing paste is so pretty, but the panel was very busy as a whole:  the vellum is such a great tool in this instance,  as it dampens that down, while providing another layer of interest because it is translucent.

    Sadly, the stamps here are retired: but this design is easily replicated with others that you have on hand.

    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: Chaos Squares, A Colorful Life Designs

    Clear Embossing Powder,  Wow,  Simon Says Stamp

    Stamp & Die:  Stampin’ Up!  (retired)

    Versafine Onyx, Simon Says Stamp

    Vellum: Stampin’ Up!    

    Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels

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

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

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

    Chaos Squares by A Colorful Life Designs

  • Make a Striking Impression with Card Crafting

    Make a Striking Impression with Card Crafting

    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

    I wanted to have a play with ink smooshing – I hadn’t even remembered that technique in a long time.   I loved the result I got from the blue and brown mix, then I had to figure out how to use it.

    Card Face:

    • I pressed an acrylic block firmly into a brown ink pad and spritzed it with water.  I pressed the watery result onto the card face in several areas.
    • I repeated this process with blue ink.
    • I put the card face aside to dry.
    • Once dry, the paper was warped (caused by the watery ink smooshing).  I lightly spritzed the back of the card face with water and placed it under a weight overnight, which flattened it again.
    • I placed the card face in my stamp positioner and added the image with Versafine Onyx.
    • Moving the card face to the Grip Mat, I positioned the Chaos Squares stencil and applied brown ink randomly across the image.
    • I switched the stencils, positioned the Falling Dots over the card face, and filled in some areas with the same brown ink.
    • I returned the card face back to the stamp positioner and stamped the sentiment with Versafine Onyx.
    • I sprinkled clear embossing powder over the sentiment and used my heat gun to set it. 

     This treatment makes the sentiment more intense, and it stands out more against a busy background.

    Assembly

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

    Final Thoughts:

    I love Andy Skinner stamps,  and I’m so happy with this card.  The combination of ink smooshing and randomized stencilling works very well with this image.

    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:

    Chaos Squares:  A Colorful Life Designs

    Falling Dots: 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:  Best Friends,  Andy Skinner, Scrapbook.com

    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 notified when I release new work.

    Falling Dots By A Colorful Life Designs

    Chaos Squares by A Colorful Life Designs

  • Creative Techniques for Unique Designs using Gel Prints

    Creative Techniques for Unique Designs using Gel Prints

    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:  5.25 x 10.5, scored and folded at 5.25

    Kraft Border Layer: 4 1/8 x 4 1/8

    White Border Layer: 4  x 4  

    Card Face: 4 x 4 (before cutting)

    I have quite a supply of gel prints in my stash, each just waiting for a chance to shine.  I pulled one out for this card.

    Card Face:

    • I laid the card face (gel print) on a piece of scrap paper and positioned the stencil.  I applied embossing paste to all open areas on the stencil. 
    • I carefully removed the stencil and placed it in water immediately, as cleanup is much easier when the paste is moist.
    •  I put the card face aside to dry.
    • Once dry,  I trimmed the card face down to 3 x 3,  and then cut it into three pieces, each 3 x 1” wide. 
    • I tore the top and bottom of each piece, deliberately making the tears uneven.
    •  I applied dimensional foam to the back of each piece.

    Assembly

    • I glued the kraft border layer to the card base, and the white border layer on top of that, centering both carefully.
    • I removed the backing from the foam tape and put each piece in place taking care to leave space between each piece and on the edges as well.  
    • I also made sure that the image lined up correctly to “work” visually as I was putting the pieces in place.

    Final Thoughts:

    I had such a time with this gel print:   I loved the combination of the Sand Paste with that print, but then (as is often the case)  I couldn’t decide how to use it.  After putting it aside, looking at it again, putting it aside …. for a couple of weeks  (!)  I finally decided on the design you see here,  and I’m so happy with it.  This is one of my absolute favourite creations in a long 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: Chrysanthemum Set,  A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Cosmic Shimmer Antique Sand Paste,  Ecstasy Crafts

    Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels

    Card Base & Card Face: Accent 100 lb., Amazon  or  Recollections 110 lb., Michaels

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

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

    Chrysanthemum Set by A Colorful Life Designs