Written In Ink

Category: Gal Pals

  • Step-by-Step Guide to Stunning Card Crafting

    Step-by-Step Guide to Stunning 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 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

    Card Face:

    • I began by using my Glimmer Machine to add some background detail: I used black foil for the partially visible sentiment and blue foil for the spatter.
    • Next, I used the Dove Set stencil to add the birds,  using a soft hand and dark gray ink.  I moved the stencil here and there on the card face and randomly switched up which of the birds was used in an area.
    • I added additional detail to the background with gray ink and two stencils:  Dot Mat and Faded Lines.
    • And finally, I created the sky using light-teal ink and the Cloud Edger stencil.
    • I used water to add spatter to the card face, creating texture and depth.

    Other:

    • I stamped the sentiment with Versafine Onyx,  and created the shape with a die.
    • I ran the edges of this piece over the teal ink pad to create visual interest and definition.  I did the same thing with the card face.

    Assembly

    • I glued the card face to the card base,  and then positioned the sentiment in the upper right as shown.
    • I added three small teal pearls to the sentiment.

    Final Thoughts:

    This design is far more detailed than those I normally create,  but I’m happy with the way the various elements play 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.

    Stencils:

    Dove Set stencil:  A Colorful Life Designs

                   Faded Lines: A Colorful Life Designs

    Dot Mat: A Colorful Life Designs

    Cloud Edger: A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Stamps: Getting Cozy,  Unity Stamps

    Die: 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.

    Dove Set Stencil

    Dot Mat

    Faded Lines

    Cloud Edger

  • Create a Card that will Provide a Smile AND Inspiration

    Create a Card that will Provide a Smile AND Inspiration

    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 3/8 x  4 1/8

    Card Face:

    • I placed the card face down in my stamp positioner and stamped the artist and the three ink pads with Memento Black ink.   I coloured these with alcohol markers.
    • After removing the card face from the stamp positioner, I placed it on the Grip Mat and positioned the Mid Century Tower stencil.  I applied yellow ink with a soft hand, avoiding the coloured images.
    • Leaving the first stencil in place, I layered the Airy Swirls stencil directly on top and used the same yellow ink with a firmer hand to create the pattern.

    Leaving the first stencil in place meant the ink was confined to those openings, resulting in a pattern within a pattern.

    • I used small stamps to add spatter around each ink pad and a bit on the apron.
    • I used markers to add spatter to the artist’s face.
    • Using a fineliner, I added a messy border around the piece,  and then used a punch to round all corners.
    • I also used a fineliner to add lines around each ink pad, creating a sense of movement.
    • I put the card face back into the stamp positioner to add the sentiment with Versafine Onyx.

    Assembly

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

    Final Thoughts:

    I love this wacky artist, and had such fun creating this scene.  (Part of the reason I love her is  that I too am a very messy maker!)

    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:

    Mid Century Tower:  A Colorful Life Designs

    Airy Swirls,  A Colorful Life  Designs

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

    Stamps:

    Artist/InkPads: AALL & Creat, Craftaholic Dee,  Ecstasy Crafts

    Sentiment: Paint Your World, Spellbinders, Scrapbooking Fairies

    Fineliners: Amazon

    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.

    Airy Swirls

    Mid Century Tower

  • Explore Musical Stencils for Unique Card Creations

    Explore Musical Stencils for Unique Card Creations

    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: 5.25 x 10.5,  scored and folded at 5.25

    Card Face:  5 x 5

    Focal Image:  2.25 x 2.25

    Card Face:

    • I placed the card face onto the Grip Mat and centered the Square Cut Out stencil.
    • I brushed medium blue ink into the open areas,  starting at the lower inside corner of each quadrant and moving outward on a diagonal with the ink.
    • I removed the first stencil and masked off the dividing lines for the top right square.
    • I used the Music Elements stencil and a brighter blue ink to add musical notes to this area.  I rotated the stencil and inked more notes into this space,  allowing them to overlap.
    • I repeated this in each of the other three quadrants.

    Focal Image:

    • I placed this piece in my stamp positioner and stamped the image with brown ink.
    • I placed this into an embossing folder and ran it through the Big Shot to create subtle texture.
    • I added ink to the edges of this piece by running them lightly over the brown ink pad, allowing the ink to extend into the piece as shown.
    • I roughened the edges of the piece with my scissors,  creating a slightly distressed look.
    • I also ran the edges of the card face over this ink pad,  but taking care to create crisp, clean lines in this instance.

    Assembly

    • I glued the card face onto the card base, centering carefully.
    • I glued the focal piece on top of these, again centering carefully.

    Final Thoughts:

    When I was creating the upper left quadrant the stencil slipped and blurred the image. Rather than give up on the design, I moved the stencil and deliberately created a layered set of musical notes in each quadrant. I like the end result – today’s lesson is don’t be afraid to play!

    I like the contrast between crisp outline on the card face and the slightly distressed look of the focal image.  I also like the way the two stencils work together, and the blue and brown combination.   I am happy with this 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.

    Stencils:

    Music Elements,  A Colorful Life Designs

    Square Cut Out,  A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Versamark Embossing Ink: The Scrapbook Cottage

    Clear Embossing Powder,  Wow,  R&R Scrapbooking

    Stamps: Getting Cozy,  Unity Stamps

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up! 

    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.

    Music Elements

    Square Cut Out

  • Create Stunning Daisy Cards with Simple Stenciling Techniques

    Create Stunning Daisy Cards with Simple Stenciling Techniques

    xx

    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:  5.25  x 2.25

    Hollographic card stock:  5.25 x ⅛” (2)

    This stencil includes 3 separate daisies,  in 3 sizes.

    Card Face:

    • I laid the card face on my grip mat and positioned the largest daisy in the center of the strip:  I  applied light pink ink with a soft hand.
    • I repositioned the stencil and repeated the steps first on the left-hand side, then on the right.  I stencilled just over half of the flower on each side.
    • I positioned the middle-sized flower over the center daisy and applied the same ink,  with a heavier hand this time.  
    • I repeated this step on both of the other daisies.
    • I positioned the smallest flower over the middle daisy and applied ink, but this time I switched to a more vibrant pink.
    • I repeated this step with each of the other flowers.

    Other:

    • I placed the border layer cardstock in an embossing folder and ran it through my Big Shot.
    • I used two green ink pads to apply colour to the raised leafy pattern, lightly running them over the embossed sections.
    • I stamped the sentiment onto a piece of scrap cardstock with Versafine Onyx and trimmed it into a narrow strip.
    • I trimmed a scrap of holographic cardstock to be the same length as the sentiment,  but ⅓” wider (to allow a narrow border).

    Assembly

    • I put dimensional foam tape on the back of the border layer and adhered it to the card base.
    • I glued the card face in place on top of this, centering vertically.
    • I glued the narrow holographic strips in place on either side of the card face.
    • I glued the sentiment to it’s holographic border,  and glued these in place over the center of the middle daisy.
    • I put a large gem in the center of both the left and right flowers.

    Final Thoughts:

    This stencil was on my wish list for a long time:  I’m so glad I finally got it and got this design out of my head!     I really like the layered ink in the daisies, and the two-toned leaves are really effective (even though they aren’t showing in the photo, LOL).

    Supplies: (and links where possible)

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

    Stencil: 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

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up! 

    Versafine Onyx, Simon Says Stamp

    Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels

    Holographic Cardstock:  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.

    Daisy Trio

  • DIY Card Tutorial with Versamark and Die-Cuts

    DIY Card Tutorial with Versamark and Die-Cuts

    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

    Cardstock for die-cut:  5.25 x 4 before cutting

    Scraps of cardstock for the sentiment pieces.

    I used a gel print to get started on this card face: the texture in the pieces was a fun addition.

    Card Face:

    • I laid the card face on a piece of scrap paper and positioned the stencil.
    • I pressed Versamark embossing ink firmly through the stencil, repeating in areas until I was satisfied with the coverage.
    • After removing the stencil, I sprinkled embossing powder over the ink and set it with my heat gun.

    Other:

    • I secured the coverplate die to the large piece of cardstock and ran it through the Big Shot.
    • I die-cut “celebrate” from white cardstock three times and glued them together.
    • I stamped “let’s”  and “you”  with Versafine Onyx on small scraps,  and cut them down to their finished sizes.

    Assembly

    • I glued the large die-cut to the card face, then glued the new layer to the card base, centering it on all sides.
    • I glued “celebrate” in the center of the card face, on an angle.
    • I added  “let’s”  and “you”  as shown.

    Final Thoughts:

    I like the bold colours in this card (thanks to the gel print),  as well as all the various layers and geometric shapes.

    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: Diamond Fade,  A Colorful Life Designs

    Versamark Embossing Ink: Simon Says Stamp

    Vintage Peacock Embossing Powder,  Wow,  Amazon

    Dies:

    Circles and Crosses Coverplate, the Frantic Stamper,  Ecstasy Crafts

    Sentiment Stamps/Die,  Stampin’ Up!  (retired)

    Ink: 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.

    Diamond Fade by A Colorful Life Designs

  • Send your Love in a DIY Card: Lighthouse and Clouds

    Send your Love in a DIY Card: Lighthouse and Clouds

    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:  5.25 x 4

    Card Face:

    • I put the card face down in my stamp positioner and stamped the lighthouse, the ground around the base, the water, and the beam of light.
    • I used light gray ink and a blending brush to add the base colour for the sky, allowing variation in depth of tone.  I added the clouds with the Cloud Edger stencil, moving the stencil on the card face and rotating it to create different cloud shapes.
    • I added the same gray ink to all borders,  adding extra colour to the water to create the look of a stormy sea.
    • I put the card face back into the stamp positioner and added the sentiment using Versafine Onyx.
    • I used a ruler to measure ½” on each corner,  marking these with pencil.  Then I connected the marks with a red marker to create a frame.

    Assembly

    • I glued the black border piece to the card base,  and centered the card face on top of these.

    Final Thoughts:

    This is one of my favourite stamp sets , and although it is (sadly) retired,  I still pull it out from time to time.

    I am always impressed with the depth I get by using the Cloud Edger stencil.

    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: Cloud Edger,  A Colorful Life Designs

    Stamps: High Tide , 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.

    Cloud Edger

  • 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

  • Unique Card Making:Try Using Spackle for Embossing

    Unique Card Making:Try Using Spackle for Embossing

    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

    I love experimenting with new (to me)  techniques and products:  this card was created using spackle as an embossing paste.  I remembered something from Youtube that I saw a few years ago,  demonstrating that “something from a hardware store”  made great embossing paste.  The demonstrator was perfectly clear in what that product was – but I cannot remember!  This was my attempt to substitute, and it was really successful!

    Card Face:

    • I put my card face onto a piece of scrap paper, positioned the stencil and secured both with Mint Tape. 
    • I spread spackle across all exposed areas, removed the stencil and put the card face aside to dry.
    • I put the stencil into water immediately, to prevent the spackle from drying on the stencil.

    When I work with embossing paste  (or spackle, LOL)  I prefer not to use my Grip Mat:  I’m forever going beyond the paper with the paste, and I don’t want to get it on the Mat.

    Other:

    I had previously di- cut the gift from patterned paper: it wasn’t used at that time so I saved it in my Ready to Go Binder until it was needed.

    • I pressed the die cut into my Versamark embossing ink pad, sprinkled it with gold powder and set it with my heat gun.  
    • There were a couple of spots that weren’t completely covered,  so I repeated the process, and the second time around I had great coverage.
    • Once the spackle had dried,  I sprayed the card face with Lindy’s Magicals sprays (gold and blue).  I was pretty enthusiastic with the spraying,  so I left this to dry overnight.

    Assembly

    • I glued the card face to the card base.
    • I glued the die-cut gift in the center of the card face.
    • I glued a small gold embellishment in the center of the bow.

    Final Thoughts:

    I am  impressed with how well the spackle worked.   It is heavier bodied than embossing paste,  so it takes a little extra work to cover the areas well,  but it’s not difficult.  Because it is so heavy bodied there is no danger of it seeping under the stencil – bonus!

    I love the way the spackle took the spray,  it’s really pretty.   

    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:  Joined Roses,  A Colorful Life Designs

    Versamark Embossing Ink: Simon Says Stamp

    Gold Embossing Powder,  Wow,  R&R Scrapbooking

    Dies: Gift, KSCraft, Amazon

    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.

    Joined Roses