Written In Ink

Category: Fun

  • 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

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

    DIY Card Making: Using the Volcano Stencil for Unique Designs

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

    Let’s get Started:

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

    Card Face:5.5 x3.25

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

    Card Face:

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

    Other:

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

    Assembly

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

    Final Thoughts:

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

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

    Supplies: (and links where possible)

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

    Stencil: Volcano,  A Colorful Life Designs

    Versamark Embossing Ink: Simon Says Stamp

    Clear Embossing Powder,  Wow,  Simon Says Stamp

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

    Sentiment Stamp:  Stampin’ Up!  (retired)

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up! 

    Versafine Onyx, Simon Says Stamp

    Memento Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Alcohol Markers:

         Stampin’ Blends: Stampin’ Up!

         Copics:  Wallacks

    Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels

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

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

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

    Volcano

  • You Can Use Your Stencils for Unique Card Designs

    You Can Use Your Stencils for Unique Card Designs

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

    Let’s get Started:

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

    Card Face:  5.25 x 4

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

    Card Face:

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

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

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

    Other:

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

    Assembly

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

    Final Thoughts:

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

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

    Supplies: (and links where possible)

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

    Stencils:

    Retro Star Grid,  A Colorful Life Designs

    4 Mid Century Shadow,  A Colorful Life Designs

    Fish Stamps:  A Colorful Life Designs  (retired)

    Dies:

    Circle:  Stampin’ Up!  (retired)

    Circular Border:  Sizzix,  Amazon 

    Duo Gel, Therm o web,  Scrapbook.com

    Foil: iCraft, R&R Scrapbooking

    Versafine Onyx, Simon Says Stamp

    Memento Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Alcohol Markers:

         Stampin’ Blends: Stampin’ Up!

         Copics:  Wallacks

    Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels

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

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

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

    4 Mid Century Shadow

    Retro Star Grid

  • Create Beautiful Cards: DIY Guide and Tips

    Create Beautiful Cards: DIY Guide and Tips

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

    Let’s get Started:

    Card Base: 5.25 x 10.5, scored and folded at 5.25

    Card Face: 5.25 x 4.75

    Card Face:

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

    Other:

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

    Assembly

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

    Final Thoughts:

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

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

    Supplies: (and links where possible)

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

    Stencil: Flower Rays,  A Colorful Life Designs

    Versamark Embossing Ink: Simon Says Stamp

    Clear Embossing Powder,  Wow,  Simon Says Stamp

    Dies:

    Swirly Bird Ribbon,  Poppy Stamps (retired)

    Leaf Cover Die:  Simon Says Stamp  (retired)

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up! 

    Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels

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

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

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

    Flower Rays

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

    Make a Mistake? Turn Card Design Errors into Design Features

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

    Let’s get Started:

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

    Border Layer: 5.25 x 4

    Card Face:  5 x 3.75

    Card Face:

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

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

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

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

    Other:

    • I used the same chomper on the border layer.

    Assembly

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

    Final Thoughts:

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

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

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

    Supplies: (and links where possible)

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

    Stencil: Lines and Dots,  A Colorful Life Designs

    Stamps: Hello Sunshine Girl,  Unity Stamps

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up! 

    Memento Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Alcohol Markers:

         Stampin’ Blends: Stampin’ Up!

         Copics:  Wallacks

    Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels

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

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

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

    Lines and Dots

  • Spotlight on Fun Card Design with Norm, the Old Guy

    Spotlight on Fun Card Design with Norm, the Old Guy

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

    Let’s get Started:

    Card Base: 5.25 10.5, folded and score dat 5.25

    Black Border Layer: 5.25 x 5.25

    Card Face:  5 x 5

    Card Face:

    • I laid the card face down on the grip mat and positioned the stencil.
    • I applied vibrant pink ink in the center of the stencil, and soft orange ink to the outer edges,  blending the two where they met.

    Other:

    • I looked through my Ready to Go Binder to find the fine fellow you see in the image: I had previously coloured and fussy-cut him and wanted to use him on this card.
    • I cut three circles using my infinity dies, but in each instance, instead of ensuring even spacing, I pushed the dies together on one side, creating uneven circles.

    Assembly

    • I glued the black border layer to the card base.
    • I glued the three circles onto the card face, making the spacing uneven to echo the wonky shapes.
    • I put the card face into my stamp positioner and created a curve with a photopolymer stamp that worked between the two outer circles.  I stamped the sentiment with Versafine Onyx.

    Photopolymer stamps can be manipulated into a  curve:  as soon as I was done stamping I removed it from the stamp positioner and allowed it to return to it’s original shape.

    • I glued the old guy to the card face as shown.
    • I glued the card face to the card base.

    Final Thoughts:

    I like this card, but looking at it now, I wish I had put a piece of vellum under the old guy to make him stand out against that background.

    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: Spotlight,  A Colorful Life Designs

    Stamps:  

    Norm,  Art Impressions, Amazon

    Sentiment:  Kraftigali  (no longer in business)

    Dies: Circular Infinity Dies,  Hero Arts

    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.

    Spotlight stencil

  • Create “Gorgeous” Cards with the “Gorjuss” girls

    Create “Gorgeous” Cards with the “Gorjuss” girls

    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

    Purple Border Layer: 5.5 x 4.25

    Card Face:  5.25 x 4

    Card Face:

    • I placed the card face in my stamp positioner and stamped the girl using black Memento ink.
    • I coloured her using alcohol markers.
    • Next,  I placed the card face on the grip mat and positioned the stencil.  I applied a soft mauve ink across all exposed areas coming up to the stamped image, trying not to have the stencilled pattern overlap the girl.  

    I used a regular blending brush for most of the stencilling,  but switched to a mini brush for the tricky areas around her hair and legs to avoid getting ink onto the girl.

    • I positioned a die along the left-hand edge and ran this through my Big Shot:  the die created the heart-shaped cut-outs on the card face.

    Other:

    I looked through my sentiment binder and pulled out the die-cut “love,” cut previously and saved for just such a use.

    Assembly

    I glued the purple border layer to the card base,  and then centered the card face on top of these.

    I added the die-cut sentiment as shown in the picture.

    Final Thoughts:

    I love the Gorjuss girls,  and am delighted with the way this turned out.   

    I thought the heart-shaped openings cut by the die tied in nicely with the two heart shapes on the key.

    Supplies: (and links where possible)

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

    Stencil:  Dotty Harlequin,   A Colorful Life Designs

    Stamps: Curiosity Wonderland, Studio Light,  Ecstasy Crafts

    Dies: Reverse Random Heart Border,  Frantic Stamper

    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.

    Dotty Harlequin stencil

  • Create a Beautiful Chick Card with Stencils

    Create a Beautiful Chick Card with 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: 5.25 x 10.5, scored and folded at 5.25

    Black Border Layer: 5 x 5

    Card Face: 4 ⅞ x 4 7/8

    Card Face:

    • I placed the card face on my work surface, positioned the stencil and secured it with low-tack tape.  (I find that my grip mat doesn’t work well with these larger cards, as there isn’t enough margin to stick well.)   
    • I used light green ink over all exposed areas.
    • I stamped the circular image in the middle of the background and cut it out with a die that was just slightly larger.
    • I used my scissors to roughen up the edges of both the card face and the circular die cut.

    Other:

    • I die cut the pieces of the chick from white cardstock and pressed them into yellow or orange ink pads to create the colours.  (I used a fineliner to colour the oh-so-tiny eyes.)
    • I cut two of the signs and glued them together.  I added the stamped sentiment as shown.

    Assembly

    • I assembled the chick and put her aside to dry.
    • I glued the black border layer to the card base and placed the card face on top.
    • I glued the die-cut circle back into the center and then added the chick on top.
    • I trimmed the bottom of the sign into a curve,  and then glued it into place against the chick’s wing.
    • I added orange spatter to the card face.
    • I added orange card bling to the finished card, starting at the top-left corner and ending at the bottom-right corner.

    Final Thoughts:

    I wasn’t certain how I wanted to use this stencil ,  so I pondered a bit, and then played a bit.

    I’m super happy with how it turned out.

    Supplies: (and links where possible)

       I have listed the products I have used and where to purchase them. It’s a huge marketplace, and in most instances, there are multiple sources and many alternatives to choose from.

    Stencil:  Lines and Dots,  A Colorful Life Designs

    Dies:

    Chicken:  Chicken Fiona,  Joy Crafts,  Frantic Stamper

    Sign:  Stampin’ Up!  (retired)

    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.

    Lines and Dots

  • Create Unique Baby Cards with a Subtle Nautical Feel

    Create Unique Baby Cards with a Subtle Nautical Feel

    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

    Blue Border Layer: 5.25 x 4

    Card Face:  5 ⅛ x 3 7/8

    Card Face:

    I laid the card face down on the Grip Mat and positioned the stencil; I applied light teal ink to all exposed areas.

    Setting the stencil aside,  I placed the card face in my stamp positioner.  I stamped the heart with dark blue ink, allowing the heart to extend over the right-hand edge of the paper.

    I put the card face into an embossing folder and ran it through the Big Shot to add depth and texture.

    Other:

    I used a scrap of white cardstock to die-cut the bunny.

    Using the dark blue I had used earlier, I stamped the sentiment on another scrap of white and cut it out with a small oblong die.

    I used a small scrap of blue cardstock (the same colour used for the border layer)  to create a collar for the bunny. 

    Assembly

    I glued the card face to the card base and added the bunny as shown in the picture.

    I glued the collar onto the bunny.

    I added the sentiment in the lower-left corner, as shown.

    I added three “buttons” to the bunny with tiny pale blue gems, and two above the sentiment on the left, as well as two more below on the right.

    Final Thoughts:

    I’ve wanted to create a baby card with this stencil since I first got it (isn’t it funny how some things just demand a specific use?).   

    These elements came together really well,  and I love the result.  It definitely reads “baby boy”,  but in a slightly less traditional way.

    Supplies: (and links where possible)

       I have listed the products I have used and where to purchase them. It’s a huge marketplace, and in most instances, there are multiple sources and many alternatives to choose from.

    Stencil: Nautical Stripes, A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Dies: 

    Bunny:  unbranded,  Amazon

    Oblong:  Ornate Labels,   Sizzix,  Amazon

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up! 

    Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels

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

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

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

    Nautical Stripes