Written In Ink

Category: Gal Pals

  • Elevate Your Card Designs By Foiling the Intricate Diamonds Stencil

    Elevate Your Card Designs By Foiling the Intricate Diamonds Stencil

    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

    Card Face:

    This card began with a gel print that I liked: just a mixture of red, blue, and gold (which appears brown in the image), but I liked the result and decided to create a card with it.

    • I laid the card face (gel print)  down on scrap paper and positioned the stencil.
    • After securing both with Mint Tape, I applied Duo Gel to some of the open areas in the stencil.  I didn’t want to cover the print entirely,  but rather to accent what was already there, so I was selective in where I added the gel.
    • I removed the stencil and placed it into water immediately (Duo Gel dries into a very sticky permanent adhesive –  keeping it wet until I can scrub it off saved my stencil.)
    • I put the card face aside to dry. 
    • Once the gel had dried, I laid a piece of red transfer foil over the area and ran it through my Big Shot.  The pressure from the rollers caused the foil to stick to the dried gel:  when I pulled the piece off of the card face, the foiled pattern stayed behind.

    Other:

    • I used a scrap of white cardstock and a die to cut two sets of the dragonflies, and then glued them together.
    • I looked through my sentiments binder and selected the one you see in the image:  I thought that this card could be for almost any occasion, and I liked the size and shape of the sentiment for this design.

    Assembly

    • I centered and glued the card face onto the card base.
    • I glued the dragonflies and sentiment on as shown.
    • I added a tiny red rhinestone to each dragonfly.

    Final Thoughts:

    I’m really happy with this card:  the red foil compliments the background nicely, without overwhelming the design.

    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: Intricate Diamonds,  A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Stamps: Stampin’ Up!  (retired)

    Dies: Stampin’ Up! (retired)

    Duo Gel: Deco Foil,  R&R Scrapbooking

    Red Transfer Foil: Deco Foil,  R&R Scrapbooking

    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.

    Intricate Diamonds

  • Love Card Design? Tips Using Versamark and Embossing

    Love Card Design? Tips Using Versamark and 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 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 

    Focal Layer:  5.00 x 4 (before tearing)

    Card Face:

    • I laid the focal layer on my grip mat and positioned the stencil.
    • I pressed my Versamark ink pad firmly through the stencil,  covering all exposed areas a couple of times to be sure that I didn’t miss a spot.
    • After removing the stencil, I sprinkled embossing powder over the sticky ink and set it with my heat gun.
    • I placed the card face in my spray box and used green, yellow and red Lindy’s Magicals sprays, directly over the embossed area.   This added visual depth as well as interest. 
    • I allowed the paper to dry, and then tore the left-hand side,  tearing off just over half of the card face.
    • I placed the card face into the stamp positioner and stamped the sentiment on the left-hand side, using Versamark Onyx.
    • I also used a background stamp and green ink on the card face to add texture. (This stamp is very subtle, but makes a huge difference to the finished visual.)

    Assembly

    • I glued the torn focal layer to the right-hand side of the card face, centering vertically.
    • I put dimensional foam on the back of the card face and centered it on the card base.
    • I scattered gems randomly on the card face.

    Final Thoughts:

    This embossing powder provides a real “wow” factor,  and is wonderful paired with this stencil.

    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: Three Feathers,  A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Versamark Embossing Ink: The Scrapbook Cottage

    Fairy Dust Powder,  Wow, Amazon

    Stamps:

    Sentiment: Ponderings,  Stampers Anonymous, Amazon

    Rustic Linen,  Altenew

    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.

    Three Feathers

  • 🎵Create a “note” of appreciation 🎵

    🎵Create a “note” of appreciation 🎵

    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

    Card Face:

    • I laid the card face down on the grip mat.
    • I positioned the stencil to begin about ¼ of the way down on the left-hand side and move towards the bottom right.  I applied a mixture of blue, pink and yellow ink across the exposed areas.
    • I moved the stencil, changing the angle dramatically: this time it began slightly lower on the left and moved to the upper left of the card face. I repeated the same three colours in the exposed areas.
    • I placed the card face in my stamp positioner and used Versafine Onyx to add the musical staff, the treble clef and the birds.
    • I created a textured surface by placing the card face in an embossing folder and running it through the Big Shot.
    • I ran the edges of the card face over the yellow ink pad to create an irregular border,  and then lightly touched it to the textured surface in several places to bring more colour to the background.

    Other:

    • I stamped the sentiment using Versafine Onyx,  and then cut it down to size with a stitched rectangle die.

    Assembly

    • I glued the card face to the card base.
    • I added the sentiment, nestled in beside the treble clef as shown.
    • I added tiny, iridescent butterflies as a finishing touch

    Final Thoughts:

    This is a stamp set that I don’t often get to play with,  so I was delighted to get it out and pair it with this musical stencil.

    If I were to recreate this card,  I would stamp the sentiment directly onto the card face before embossing it:  I don’t think it’s necessary to have it on a separate piece of cardstock, as it is in this example.

    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: Music,  A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Stamps:  Stampin’ Up!  (retired)

    Dies:  Stampin’ Up!  (retired)

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up! 

    Versafine Onyx, Simon Says Stamp

    Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels

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

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

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

    Music stencil

  • Fun Ways to Use Music in Card Making

    Fun Ways to Use Music in Card Making

    Would you like to experiment with a design like this? You’ll find a supply list below, including a link to the stencisl I used fromA 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.)

    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 (after die-cutting)

    Card Face:

    • I placed the card face on the grip mat and positioned the Music Elements stencil so that the left-hand side of the stencil was centered on the card face.  I used a soft yellow ink across the exposed areas. 
    • I used blue and green inks to add additional detail with the large notes on the right of the stencil, randomly changing colours and which note was used.
    • I replaced it with the Smiley Faces stencil.  I used dark yellow across all exposed areas.
    • I put the card face into the stamp positioner and used Versafine Onyx to add the large sentiment.
    • I sprinkled the sentiment with clear embossing powder, and set it with my heat gun.

    Other:

    • I had previously stamped/coloured/fussy cut the bird –  I pulled him out of my Ready To Go binder.
    • I used a Deckled Edge die to cut the card face down to size, and then ran the edges of this piece over the blue ink pad,  creating definition.

    Assembly

    • I glued the card face onto the card base,  and added the bird below the sentiment as shown.
    • I used a fineliner to add legs and feet to the bird,  and added shadow under the bird with a gray alcohol marker.

    Final Thoughts:

    I love the fun vibe brought by this card.  

    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:

    Music Elements:  A Colorful Life Designs

    Smiley Faces:  A Colorful life Designs

    Clear Embossing Powder,  Wow,  R&R Scrapbooking

    Stamps:  

    Sentiment: Stampin’ Up!  (retired)

    Bird:  Stampers Anonymous Crazy Birds and Things,  Amazon

    Dies:  Deckled Edge die:  Stampin’ Up!  (retired)

    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.

  • Create Stunning Cards with the Music Love Stencil

    Create Stunning Cards with the Music Love Stencil

    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 x 5

    Card Face:

    • I laid the card face onto my Grip Mat and positioned the stencil.
    • I applied a mixture of soft green and yellow inks across the exposed areas.
    • I put the card face into my stamp positioner and added the sentiment using Versafine Onyx.
    • I sprayed the back of the card face lightly with water,  placed it into a corrugated embossing folder, and ran it through the Big Shot.
    • I ran a gold ink pad over the edges of the card face and over some of the ridges in the design area, bringing the gold ink close to the design but not touching.

    Other:

    • I ran a brown cord around the card face on the left,  tying a knot to secure it.  

    Assembly

    • I added dimensional foam to the back of the card face and placed it on the card base.

    Final Thoughts:

    I sprayed the back of the card face with water to protect it from cracking: to my dismay it cracked anyway and changed the “feel” of the design.  I wanted to save the design, so I added the gold touches and the cord, and  the piece took on a weathered, rustic feel,  and I was quite happy with the end 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.

    Stencil: Music Love, A Colorful Life Designs

    Stamp:  Ponderings, Tim Holtz, Amazon

    Gold Ink: Lisa Horton,  R&R Scrapbooking

    Yellow/Green 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.

    Music Love

  • 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