Written In Ink

Category: Fun

  • Create a card just to share a smile

    Create a card just to share a smile

    xxxx

    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

    First Steps:

    • I planned to work with Shimmer Sprays for this project,  so before starting, I sprayed the back of the stencil generously with Pixie Spray so that I would get a crisp result.
    • I waited about 30 seconds and then positioned the stencil in the center of a full piece of paper  (8.5 x 11).  I used a brayer to ensure good contact between the stencil and the paper.
    • I sprayed  Lindy’s Shimmer Sprays generously over the stencil,  covering the entire sheet of paper.  While still wet,  I added several colours of Lindy’s Magicals powders to the mix.
    • I left this to dry for a while before removing the stencil.
    • I cut the paper into four pieces,  5 x 4.25.

    Card Face:

    • I selected one of the pieces, placed it in my stamp positioner and stamped the giraffes with Versafine Onyx.  
    • I removed the card face from the positioner and sprinkled clear embossing powder over the stamping:  I set this with my heat gun.
    • I repeated this step with the sentiment, making the decision to run it vertically rather than horizontally.

    Assembly

    • I glued the card face to the card base.
    • I added three small black embellishments to the upper left.

    Final Thoughts:

    Although I didn’t get the perfectly crisp result I was hoping for (probably too much spray),  I felt that it worked with this pattern.  The irregular lines really don’t bother me here.

       I love this end 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.

    Stencil: Mid Century Mask,  A Colorful Life Designs

    Stamps: Altenew  (retired)

    Versafine Onyx, Simon Says Stamp

    Lindy’s Shimmer Spray:  Starburst,  Glitter & Ink

    Lindy’s Magicals:  Under the Sea:  Glitter and Ink

    Clear Embossing Powder:  Wow, 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.

    Mid Century Mask by A Colorful Life Designs

  • Let the Sea set you FREE

    Let the Sea set you FREE

    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: 5.5 x 4.25

    Card Face:

    • I put the card face onto the grip mat and positioned the Eddies stencil. I applied a mixture of light and dark teal inks across the exposed areas, varying pressure and colours randomly.
    • Leaving the stencil in place,  I spattered water across the exposed areas on the card face, blotting after several seconds to limit the effect.
    • I removed the first stencil and replaced it with the mermaid stencil. I applied dark teal ink with a heavy hand across the exposed surface.
    • I cut the card face down to 3.5 x 2.75,  and then ran the edges over the dark teal ink pad.  I allowed the ink to creep into the card face just slightly.

    Other:

    • I stamped the sentiment with the medium teal ink.
    •   This is a single stamp , with four lines: I cut the lines apart and tore both the right and left-hand edges on each piece.
    • I put dimensional foam on the back of each of the sentiment strips.
    • I salvaged a piece of the cut-off card front and trimmed it down to a  4 x .75” strip.  I cut the right hand end into a banner and then ran all the edges over the dark teal ink pad.
    • I placed the border layer into an embossing folder and ran it through the Big Shot.

    Assembly

    • I glued the embossed border to the card base.
    • I glued the narrow strip to this, aligned to the left hand side about ¾ of the way down the paper.
    • I added dimensional foam to the back of the card face, and then secured it on an angle, as shown.
    • I positioned the four sentiment strips as shown in the picture.

    Final Thoughts:

    I love the play of colours on this card, as well as the texture created by the spatter.

    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:

         Eddies: A Colorful Life Designs

         Set You Free,   A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Stamps:  Sentiment:  Technique Junkies (no longer in business)

    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 notified when I release new work.

    Eddies, by A Colorful Life Designs

  • Create a cute,cheeky birthday hug – and share a giggle!

    Create a cute,cheeky birthday hug – and share a giggle!

    you’re old

    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

    5.5 x 4.25

    Card Face:

    • I laid the card face down on the Grip Mat and then positioned the stencil with the lines running vertically.  
    • I  used a soft yellow ink and a light hand to create the pattern.
    • I removed the stencil and rotated it so that the lines were running horizontally,  and again applied soft yellow ink with a light hand.
    • Voila –  a fun plaid had been created!
    • After removing the stencil, I put the card face into my stamp positioner and stamped the girl using black Memento ink.   I coloured her using alcohol markers.
    • I placed the three lines of sentiment as shown in the picture:  they were placed very deliberately, even though they have a random appearance.
    • (The sentiments are all on one stamp,  and I had to mask carefully to scatter them on the card face.)
    • I spattered a bit of green ink across the card face.

    Assembly

    • I glued the card face to the card base.
    • I glued small gems here and there on the card face. 

    Final Thoughts:

    I love this cute wee girl –   she can take on so many moods,  depending on what kind of card you want to create.  The plaid created with the stencil is a great background for her.

    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:  Drizzled Lines, a Colorful Life Designs

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

    Stamps: 

        Joyful Echoes, Unity Stamps

        Sentiment: 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

    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

  • Make and send sea of thanks

    Make and send sea of thanks

    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: gel print,  5 1/8 x 4 1/8

    Card Face:

    • I placed the card face on the Grip Mat and positioned the stencil.
    • I pressed my Versamark embossing ink pad through the stencil firmly,  making sure that there was good ink transfer across the exposed surface.
    • After removing the stencil I sprinkled the card face with sparkly mint green embossing powder,  and then used my heat gun to set it.

    Other:

    • I looked through my Ready to Go binder,  and grabbed three wee fish which had already been coloured with alcohol markers and then cut out.
    • I stamped the sentiment using Versafine Onyx, sprinkled on some clear embossing powder and set it with the heat gun.  I used snips to fussy cut the sentiment.

         Versafine Onyx is a pigment ink and takes longer to dry:  this allows time for heat embossing which intensifies the stamping.

    Assembly

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

    I glued each of the fish down individually, and then put dimensional foam on the back of the sentiment before putting it in place.

    I used clear acrylic dots to represent bubbles coming from the fish,  creating a stream coming from two of the three fish  (visible in the close up image, but not in the full shot).

    Final Thoughts:

    The embossing powder stands out nicely against the dark gel print background,  and the pattern in the gel print provides a lot of depth and additional interest.

    The end result created a cute watery environment for the fish.

    Supplies: (and links where possible)

       I have listed which products I have used, and (if possible) 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:  Droplet Grid,  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

    Green Embossing Powder:  Michaels  (retired)

    Stamps: Bite Me, A Colorful Life Designs (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: 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

    Droplet Grid from A Colorful Life Designs

  • A handmade card that celebrates the sparkle in your life

    A handmade card that celebrates the sparkle in your life

    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: 5.25 x 4

    Card Face:  5 1/8 x 3 7/8

    Card Face

    • I stamped the images onto the card face with Memento ink:  I was using my stamp positioner,  which allowed me to stamp a couple of times to get a good, crisp image.
    • I coloured the images with alcohol markers.
    • I positioned the card face on the grip mat and placed the stencil over it.
    • I pressed Versamark embossing ink through the stencil,  avoiding the images.
    • I sprinkled holographic embossing powder over the wet ink and set it with my heat gun.
    • I rounded the corners of the card face with a punch.

    Other:

    • I stamped the sentiment with Versafine Onyx and added clear embossing powder, setting it with my heat gun.
    • I rounded the corners of the black border layer with the same punch I had used on the card face.

    Assembly

    • I glued the border layer to the card base and added the card face on top of these, centring both layers appropriately.
    • I added tiny (tiny!) rhinestones to each bead of the necklace,  as well as to the earrings. Because – how can you celebrate sparkle without including it on the card?! They don’t show up in the photo,  but they add a nice bit of “glitter,”  which works nicely with the sentiment.
    • I experimented with the placement of the sentiment, in the end deciding to place it vertically on the right-hand side of the card face as shown.

    Final Thoughts:

    I love the whimsy in this card,  created by that fabulous Old Gal  and the placement of the sentiment.

    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:  Ocean Stars,  A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Versamark Embossing Ink: Simon Says Stamp

    Hollographic Embossing Powder: Ranger,Simon Says Stamp

    Clear Embossing Powder: Wow,  Simon Says Stamp

    Stamps:

       You’ve Got Style,  Stampin’ Up!   (retired)

       Glitter,  A Colorful Life Designs  (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 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

    Ocean Stars by a Colorful Life Designs

    Use ChrisFan10 to save!

  • What is more longed-for than time to relax?

    What is more longed-for than time to relax?

    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:  5.3/8 x 4 1/8

    Card Face:

    • I laid the card face onto my grip mat and positioned the Flame Edger Stencil. Using the lower ⅔ of the space,  I moved the stencil around, applying green ink.  I changed areas on the stencil to produce different  patterns of “grass”,  and also changed the intensity of the ink here and there.
    • I changed to the Cloud Edger stencil and blue ink to create the sky on the upper ⅓ of the card face.
    • I placed the card face into the stamp positioner and stamped the image 3X with Versafine Onyx.

    This is an old rubber stamp,  so positioning it where I wanted it in the design involved stamping onto acetate which was  placed over the card face, stamping and moving the stamp slightly until it was where it needed to be.

    Other:

    • I looked through my sentiment binder and selected Happy Retirement as a great match for this image.
    • I added dimensional foam tape to the back of the sentiment.

    Assembly

    • I glued the black border layer to the card base.
    • I centered the card face on top of this.
    • I added the sentiment as shown.

    Final Thoughts:

    I love finding alternate ways to use my products,  and when I was looking at the Flame Edger stencil I could see potential for creating grass.  And then…..  a cute card was born!

    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:

    Flame Edger:  A Colorful Life Designs

    Grass Edger: A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Versamark Embossing Ink: Simon Says Stamp

    Stamps:  old, and long 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 notified when I release new work.

    Fire Edger by A Colorful Life Designs

  • Make him a fun and fabulous Father’s Day card.

    Make him a fun and fabulous Father’s Day card.

    Let’s get Started:

    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.)

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

    Cranberry Border Layer: 5.5 x 4.25

    Copper Border Layer: 3.25 x 4.25 

               Alternatively, to save material-  just cut two ⅛ x 4.25 strips from the copper cardstock and glue them directly along the top and bottom of the card face.

    Card Face:  3 x 4.25   

    Card Face:

    • I placed the card face on my grip mat and then positioned the first part of the stencil (the handles).
    • Using cranberry ink and a moderate hand, I applied ink across the exposed areas.  I went back with a shading brush (smaller) and applied addition in specific areas to create depth in the handles.
    • I removed the first stencil and brought in the second layer (the “business end” of each tool).
    • I used copper metallic ink across all exposed areas.

       This is a very dense pigment ink,  and I wasn’t able to create further depth with additional layers.

    Other:

    • I stamped the sentiment with Versafine Onyx,  and cut it down to the finished size with a die.
    • I used an embossing folder on the cranberry border layer to create an industrial feel.
    • I used the same copper foil cardstock and dies to cut out the nuts used as an accent.

        If a piece of foiled cardstock was used for the copper border (rather than strips)  these nuts could be cut from the center of that piece – no one would know!   

    Assembly

    • I glued the cranberry border layer to the card base, and added the copper border layer and card face on top centering appropriately.
    • I put dimensional foam on the back of the sentiment and put it in place in the center of the card.
    • I added the small copper nuts as shown.

    Final Thoughts:

    Such a fun card:  I love the colours and textures.  And I love that sentiment, combined with the wee embellishments.

    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: Layered Tools, A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Stamp and Die:  Taylored Expressions (retired)

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Metallic Ink: Copper Pot:  Lisa Horton, Glitter & Ink

    Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up! 

    Shading Brushes: Waffle Flower, Amazon

    Versafine Onyx, Simon Says Stamp

    Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels

    Copper Foil Cardstock:  Reflections,  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

    Layered Tools from A Colorful Life Designs

  • The delightful whimsy of dasies, in a thank you card

    The delightful whimsy of dasies, in a thank you 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 the card face onto the Grip Mat and positioned the stencil.
    • I applied school bus yellow ink across the exposed areas.
    • I repositioned the stencil,  turning it  90 degrees,  and applied peach ink across all exposed areas.
    • I used a punch on the corners to create the pattern shown in the image.

    Other:

    • I looked through my sentiment binder and selected one that worked:  I took into account the mood of the design and the size of the sentiment.

    Assembly

    • I glued the black cardstock to the card base,  and then centered the card face on top. 
    • I put the sentiment in place as shown.
    • I scattered three different colours of card bling across the surface:  black,  black with white polka dots and white with black polka dots.

    Final Thoughts:

    The combination of the two colours created some interesting tone depth, and rotating the stencil created an interesting depth in the pattern.

    I love the polka dot card bling,  and the additional whimsy it brings to 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: Trim Octagon,  A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up! 

    Stamp: Unity Stamp Company (retired)

    Card Bling: A Colorful Life Designs

    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

    Trim Octagon from A Colorful Life Designs

  • Stencilling + Paper Piecing on a DIY Card? A fast & easy technique.

    Stencilling + Paper Piecing on a DIY Card? A fast & easy technique.

    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:  5.5 x 4.25, copy paper

    Patterned Paper

    Card Face:

    I decided to use this stencil with patterned paper instead of ink, creating a very different look.

    • I laid the stencil on the green plaid paper and traced the lines to create the suit jacket, and cut out the pieces
    • I traced the bow tie onto the orange patterned paper and cut out the pieces.

    This stencil is approximately 5.5 x 5.5,   and my card was going to be 5.5 x 4.25 –  I had to make the suit jacket smaller somehow.   Rather than cut the extra width off the sides,  I overlapped the two pieces on the copy paper.  This gave me a smaller V,  which worked well with that width.

    • I glued the two pieces of the suit in place, overlapping as necessary.
    • I glued the bow tie in place, allowing it to extend onto the green plaid.

    Other:

    • I stamped the sentiment with Versafine Onyx and cut it out with a die.

    Assembly

    • I glued the black border layer to the card base,  and then glued the copy paper layer on top of both.
    • I added foam tape to the back of the sentiment and put it in place.
    • I glued a tiny white button to the “shirt”.
    • I traced around the button and the pieces of the bow tie with a black fineliner,  providing more definition.

    Final Thoughts:

    I used papers to create a sort of quirky/geeky feel for this suit –  I love the result. Different papers will produce very different results.

    I don’t often do paper piecing, but it’s so much fun.

    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:  The Tux,  A Colorful Life Designs

    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.

    The Tux by A Colorful Life Designs

  • Unlock Your Creativity with simple DIY Grunge Card Techniques

    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!