Category: Holiday

Is “Fast & Easy” your cardmaking jam? Stencils for the win!
Two stencils and a couple of pre-coloured & cut elements … easy peasy.

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

Card Face: 5.25 x 4

Card Face:
- I laid the card face onto my Grip Mat and then positioned the Fine Snowflakes stencil: I applied white pigment ink on all exposed areas, using a heavy hand to ensure good saturation.
- After removing this stencil, I replaced it with the Tree Edger #1 stencil, positioning this approximately half way down the page (horizonally).
- I used the same white pigment ink to create a tree line, with a lighter hand than I had used for the snowflakes.
- I moved the stencil down and repeated this step, to create a second tree line directly below the first.
- I used a white gel pen to add dots of snow to the night sky.
Other:
- The wee house and tree were already stamped, coloured and cut out, waiting in my Ready to Go binder, as was the sentiment. I pulled all three out for use on this card.
Assembly
- I glued the card face to the card base, centering on all sides.
- I glued the house in the middle of the card, just a bit up from the bottom.
- I added the tree as shown, overlapping the house slightly.
- I added the sentiment to the upper left.
- I added rhinestones to the center of each snowflake.
Final Thoughts:

This is a very outside-the-box card for me: both design wise and as a Christmas card. None the less, I like it!

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:

Fine Snowflakes: A Colorful Life Designs

Christmas Tree Edger #1, A Colorful Life Designs

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

Versamark Embossing Ink: Simon Says Stamp

White Gel Pen: Arteza, Amazon

Clear Embossing Powder, Wow, Simon Says Stamp

Stamps & Coordinating Dies: Stampin’ Up! (retired)

Ink: Stampin’ Up!

Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up!

Versafine Onyx, Simon Says Stamp

Memento Ink: Stampin’ Up!

Alcohol Markers:

     Stampin’ Blends: Stampin’ Up!

     Copics: Wallacks

Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels

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

Fine Snowflakes by A Colorful Life Designs

Christmas Tree Edger #1, by A Colorful Life Designs
10/26/2025
Making Cards or Making Mischief ? sometimes you can have both!
Peaceful & calm outside, but inside? Mischief and mayhem!

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

Card Face: 5.5 x 4.25

Card Face:
- I stamped the trees roughly in the center of the paper using Memento black ink. I coloured the trees with alcohol markers.
- I placed the card face onto the grip mat, and then added one of the Arches stencils, centering the opening around the trees.
- Using a light hand, I added blue ink in the open areas.
- I added snow to the scene by spattering white metallic watercolour into the opening, directly over the image.
- I removed the Arches stencil and placed the Floor Perspective stencil towards the bottom of the card face, immediately under the window. I used brown ink across the open areas. I wanted to continue the floor pattern across the entire width of the card face, so I moved the stencil to the right and tried to line up the pattern before applying ink again. (you can see that I was not entirely successful!) I repeated this on the left side of the card face, extending the tiled floor there as well.
- I protected the window image created earlier by adding the corresponding mask to cover the inked area completely. I used a loop of low-tack tape on the back of the mask to keep it in place.
- Using a strip of low tack tape to mask the edge of the floor, I added yellow ink to the top of the card face around the window.
- I put the Sparkles stencil in place and added the same yellow ink across the exposed areas, creating a tone on tone pattern.
- I added light grey ink to the border area between the floor and wall to create shadow.
- I put the mask back in place over the window and traced around this with a black marker. I used a ruler and the same black marker to create the window panes within this border.
Other:
- I had previously stamped and coloured the image of the dog with the string of lights: I fussy cut around the image. To give this just a bit more “pop” I used a clear medium over the Christmas bulbs – this added a bit of depth and a lot of shine.
- I looked through my sentiment binder and found one that worked perfectly with the scene.
Assembly
- I glued the card face to the card base.
- I glued the dog in place.
- I added the sentiment across the center of the trees.
Final Thoughts:

Supplies: (and links where possible)

This card involved a lot of design on the fly …. I started the process with the idea of using the Arches stencil, and no real plan. It created itself as I went along (something that happens often in my craftroom), and once I had added the floor, wallpaper and outlined the window I thought the card was done.

When I went back and had another look the following week, I realized it still needed “something”. So I looked through my pre-coloured images and discovered the perfect final touch.

I love it when serendipity strikes!

Supplies:

   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:

Marvellous Masks Arches, A Colorful Life Designs

Floor Perspective, A Colorful Life Designs

Sparkles, 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:

Dog: Christmas Fun, Penny Black, Amazon

Trees: Impression Obsession (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

Marvellous Masks Arches by A Colorful Life Designs

Sparkles by A Colorful Life Designs

Floor Perspective by A Colorful Life Designs
10/25/2025
Create Beautiful Christmas Cards with Stencils
Would you like to experiment with a design like this? You’ll find a supply list below, including a link to the stencils I used from A Colorful Life Designs. Follow the link and use discount code ChrisFan10 to save 10% on your entire order! (Master Creator Bundles are excluded as they already have a 20% discount built in.)

Let’s get Started:

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

Border Layer: 5.25 x 4

Card Face: 5 ⅛ x 3 7/8

Card Face:
- I stamped the girl and the tree using black Memento ink, and then coloured them in using alcohol markers.
- I laid the card face onto my Grip Mat and positioned the Diagonal Weave stencil. I used light gray ink and a soft hand to add this pattern to the background, carefully avoiding the two coloured images.
- I wasn’t entirely satisfied at this point: after mulling over my options I pulled out the Glittering Hearts stencil and added that to the background as well, using the same gray ink, and once again a very light hand. This provided enough detail in the background to support the two images, while the soft colour didn’t compete with them for attention.
- I placed the card face into my stamp positioner and added the sentiment in red ink, stamping a few times to get the saturation I wanted.
Assembly
- I glued the red border layer to the card base, and then added the card face on top, centering both of these layers carefully.
- I added a small, textured red heart above the sentiment.
Final Thoughts:

I am happy with this card – the two stencils worked together perfectly to fill in that background, providing just enough visual interest.

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

Diagonal Weave, A Colorful Life Designs

Glittering Hearts, A Colorful Life Designs:

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

Stamps: Impression Obsession (no longer in business)

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 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

Diagonal Weave by a Colorful Life Designs

Glittering Hearts by a Colorful Life Designs
10/23/2025
Yes, fast & easy can create beautiful holiday cards
The world is hushed as snow falls silently on a secluded cabin.

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 3/8 x 4 1/8

Card Face:
- I placed the card face into my stamp positioner and stamped the cabin, fence , fox and trees using Versafine Onyx.
- I moved the card face to the grip mat, positioned the stencil and added the design using white pigment ink. I used a heavy hand with this, to be sure that it would stand out well against the dark background.
Other:
- I looked through my sentiment binder, and selected the one that worked for this card.
Assembly
- I glued the card face to the card base, centering on all sides.
- I added the sentiment as shown.
Final Thoughts:

This was such a quick and easy card to create, and a very satisfying result.

I love the white ink on that dark teal cardstock – a very pretty combination. If I wanted even more contrast I could have used clear embossing powder on top of the white ink, but I felt that it was distinct enough without that step.

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: Christmas Greenery, A Colorful Life Designs

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

Stamps: Peaceful Cabin, Stampin’ Up! (retired)

White Ink: Stampin’ Up!

Blending Brushes: Peaceful 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

Christmas Greenery by A Colorful Life Designs
10/19/2025
Step-by-Step Guide to Gingerbread Card Design
Would you like to experiment with a design like this? You’ll find a supply list below, including a link to the stencil I used from A Colorful Life Designs. Follow the link and use discount code ChrisFan10 to save 10% on your entire order! (Master Creator Bundles are excluded as they already have a 20% discount built in.)

Let’s get Started:

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

Border Layer: 5.5 x 4.25

Card Face: 5 ⅜ x 4 ⅛

“Snow” layer: 5.5 x 4.25

Card Face:
- I laid the card face down on the Grip Mat, then positioned the stencil to use the house’s outline.
- I applied light brown ink with a very soft hand to this portion of the stencil, adding a little extra pressure around the edges to add depth and visual interest.
- I repositioned the stencil to add the details to the house. Masking off portions of the stencil as necessary, I grabbed my small blending brushes and added the door, windows, and trim to the house, adding additional colour saturation where shown to create visual interest.
- I added “snow” to the house by colouring in each portion with an embossing pen, adding white embossing powder and setting it with my heat gun.
- There is also a small detail inside the smoke coming out of the chimney – I coloured this with my embossing pen, added holographic embossing powder and set it with my heat gun.
- I added definition by using a black fine liner to outline the house and around each of the detail areas: I also added “bricks” to the chimney.
- I used a soft hand and light blue ink around the house to remove the harsh contrast between the house and the stark white paper.
- I positioned the die on the card face and ran it through the Big Shot to create the sentiment.
Other:
- I pulled out my “someday” binder and grabbed a gingerbread girl who had been coloured and fussy cut, and was just waiting for a chance to shine on a card.
- I tore one edge of the snow layer, creating hills and valleys on that edge; I tore this piece in two, creating additional hills and valleys in the second tear.
Assembly:
- I glued the card face to the card base.
- I glued the upper layer of the snow in place, and then added the lower one, overlapping the two.
- Before the second layer was fully dry I added the gingerbread girl, tucking one lower edge in behind the snow just slightly.
- I trimmed all layers evenly at the bottom.
Final Thoughts:

I love the look of that debossed sentiment on this card.

When I added the micro liner around the chimney, I somehow managed to smudge the ink slightly – that detail grabs my eye and frustrates me so much!

Over all I like the card, and was delighted to create a home for my gingerbread girl.

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: Gingerbread House, A Colorful Life Designs

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

Embossing Pen: Ranger, Amazon

Hollographic Embossing Powder: Ranger, R&R Scrapbooking

White Embossing Powder: Wow, R& R Scrapbooking

Stamps: Gingerbread girl: Your Next Stamp (no longer in business)

Dies: Impression Obsession (no longer in business)

Ink: Stampin’ Up!

Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up!

Detail Blending Brushes: Waffle Flower, Glitter & Ink

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.

Gingerbread House by A Colorful Life Designs
10/15/2025
Create a one of a kind, elegant Thanksgiving 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

Border Layer: 5.5 x 4.25

Card Face: 5.5 x 4.25 (before cutting)

Card Face:
- I used a background stamp and black ink to provide additional texture on this layer.
My standard practice with background stamps is to lay the stamp on my work surface, ink it, and then carefully lay the cardstock on top. I cover this with a piece of scrap paper and rub the surface gently with my fingers to transfer the ink, always holding the paper absolutely still with my other hand. (The scrap paper serves to keep any excess ink off of my hands, and it is sure to transfer to the card face!)
- I placed the card face down on the Grip Mat and positioned the stencil. I applied a variety of embossing pastes through this, mixing the colours randomly.
- I removed the stencil and immediately put it in water, and put the card face aside to dry.
- Once the paste had dried completely, I trimmed it into three equal pieces measuring 1” x 4.75” each.
- I put dimensional foam on the back of each of these strips.
Other:
- I put the border layer into an embossing folder and ran it through the Big Shot.
- I stamped the sentiment with Versamark embossing ink, added gold embossing powder and set it with the heat gun. I used a die to create the final size and shape.
- Then I ran each side of this die cut lightly over the Versamark pad, added gold embossing powder and set it with my heat gun. This added a very fine gold edging to the die cut.
Assembly
- I glued the border layer to the card base,
- I removed the backing from each strip and put them in place as shown.
- I glued the die-cut sentiment into the middle of the card.
Final Thoughts:

The border layer for this actually started with a stamped image that I wasn’t happy with: it was a new stamp, and the image hadn’t transferred as well as hoped. Rather than waste this, I made use of that paper and ink to create a background for this card.

The card is so beautiful in real life – that embossing paste dries with a lovely sheen which is gorgeous with all that mixed colour.

The use of the embossing folder on this card makes a subtle but massive difference to the end result – the additional depth and texture really elevated the 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: Blowing Leaves, A Colorful Life Designs

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

Versamark Embossing Ink: Simon Says Stamp

Gold Embossing Powder, Wow, R&R Scrapbooking

Stamps: Impression Obsession (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.

Blowing Leaves by A Colorful Life Designs
10/14/2025
Easy Steps for Beautiful Handcrafted Cards
My wish for you this year, next year and always.

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

Copper Border Layer: 5.5 x 4.25

Card Face: 5.25 x 4

Card Face:
- I laid the card face on the Grip Mat and then positioned the stencil.
- I applied light green ink with a soft hand over all exposed areas.
- I allowed the ink to dry ( this only took minutes, but is a critical step when working with embossing powder).
- I put the card face into my stamp positioner and added the sentiment and the spatters using Versamark embossing ink.
- I sprinkled copper embossing powder over the surface, and set it with my heat gun.
Other:
- I positioned a rounded-corner rectangular die in the center of the card face. I added the next largest die around this.
- After ensuring that there was equal spacing all the way between the two dies, I ran it through the Big Shot. This created that copper outline in the center of the card.
Assembly
- I glued the copper border layer to the card base.
- I glued the card face on top of these, centering on all sides.
- I put the center piece in place, carefully centering on all sides.
- I added three small gold embellishments to finish the card.
Final Thoughts:

I’m a sucker for the unexpected in design, so I love negative images. This is an old, long retired stamp set, but I pull it out every year to make Christmas cards.

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: Christmas Montage, A Colorful Life Designs

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

Versamark Embossing Ink: Simon Says Stamp

Copper Embossing Powder, Wow, R&R Scrapbooking

Stamps: Stampin’ Up! (retired)

Dies: Rounded Corner Rectangle Infinity Dies, Hero Arts

Ink: Stampin’ Up!

Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up!

Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels

Card Bling: A Colorful Life Designs

Cream Card Base & Card Face: Recollections, 110 lb., Michaels

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

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

Christmas Montage by A Colorful Life Designs
10/10/2025
Easy Steps to Craft a Santa Card
Even the Big Guy needs a break and some fresh air every now and then!

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

Stamped Layer: 5.25 x 4

Card Face: 5.25 x 4

Card Face:
- I brushed blue ink onto the top two-thirds of the the card face, allowing variations in depth to create the look of clouds.
- I placed the card face onto the grip mat, and positioned the stencil about ¾ of the way down the card face. I used green ink to create the tree line.
- I shifted the stencil up and over (to allow the trees to fall in between those in the first row) and created a second row, overlapping where necessary.
- I put the card face into the stamp positioner and added the sentiment in the upper left, using Versafine Onyx.
Other:
- I stamped Santa on the second piece of cardstock, placing him towards the bottom right.
- I coloured this with alcohol markers, adding a shadow under him and the ski track behind him in the snow as well.
- I drew a curved hillside behind Santa, and then cut along that line and also carefully cut around the upper half of Santa.
Assembly
- I glued the card face to the card base, and the layer with the cut out Santa on top of these.
Final Thoughts:

This is such a cute combination – the style of the tree stencil works with Santa so very well. I really like this one.

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: Christmas Tree Edger #1, A Colorful Life Designs

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

Stamps: Jolly Santas, Colorado Craft Co., (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
10/03/2025
Stencils and Diecuts -making masculine cards just got easy
An elegant masculine card – ready in a snap!

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

Kraft Border: 5.5 x 4.25

Black Card Face: 5.25 x 4

Scrap of Kraft Cardstock: .75 x 4

Card Face:
- I laid the card face onto my Grip Mat , positioned the stencil and applied metallic gold ink across the exposed surfaces.
- After allowing the gold ink to dry (it is a very saturated pigment ink) I put the card face into an embossing folder and ran it through the Big Shot to add texture.
Other:
- I stamped the sentiment in gold ink on a piece of black cardstock, and then cut it down to ⅝ x 3
- I looked through my Bits & Pieces binder and found the tree, previously cut out of kraft and waiting to be used.
Assembly
- I glued the black sentiment strip to the kraft strip.
- I glued the kraft border layer to the card base, and then centered the black card face on both.
- I glued the tree in place on the right hand side as shown.
- I glued the sentiment strip in place over the tree, just below the center of the card.
- I added a metallic embellishment on either side of the sentiment.
Final Thoughts:

This was a fast & easy card to put together; it has a very masculine feel due to the colours used.

I love the way gold and kraft play off of each other.

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: Fine Snowflakes, A Colorful Life Designs

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

Dies: Woodlands, Tim Holtz, Amazon

Ink: Lisa Horton Metallic Ink, Glitter & Ink

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

Fine Snowflakes by A Colorful Life Designs
10/01/2025
A retro Christmas card is easy to create with these supplies
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

Card Face:
- I laid the card face on the Grip Mat and positioned the Atomic Strands stencil. I used light green ink across the entire surface.
- After removing this stencil, I positioned the wreath on the card face: I applied dark green ink across all exposed areas
- I repositioned the stencil to place the berries where they belonged on the wreath and applied red ink across all exposed areas.
- Using a white gel pen, I added accents to both the leaves and the berries.
- I put the card face into an embossing folder and ran it through the Big Shot, creating depth and visual interest.
Other:
- I used a scrap piece of red cardstock to create the bow, securing a die to the paper and running it through the Big Shot.
Assembly
- I glued the red border layer to the card base, and centered the card face on top of these.
- I glued the bow in place, and then added a small metallic gem to the center as a finishing touch.
Final Thoughts:

I love the retro feel of the Mid Century Atomic Strands stencil, and I think it creates a wonderful vintage feel for 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.

Stencils:

     Mid Century Atomic Strands, A Colorful Life Designs

     Layered Holly Berry Wreath, A Colorful Life Designs

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

Dies: Bow Toppers, Scrapbook.com

Ink: Stampin’ Up!

White Gel Pens, Arteza, Amazon

Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up!

Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels

Cream Card Base & Card Face: Recollections 100 lb.,Michaels

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Mid Century Atomic Strands from A Colorful Life Designs
08/11/2025

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