Written In Ink

Category: Masculine

  • From Busy Backgrounds to Remarkable Results in Card Design

    From Busy Backgrounds to Remarkable Results in Card Design

    Got a busy, chaotic print to use? Tame it, and create beauty in the process.

    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 Layer: 5.5 x 4

    Card Face:  Gel Print: 5.5 x 4.25 (before trimming down)

    Narrow Black Border:  5.5 x 2.5

    Card Face:

    • I laid the Gel Print in my stamp positioner and stamped the image with Versamark embossing ink.
    • After removing it from the positioner,I added gold embossing powder and set it with my heat gun.
    • I used a microliner to trace around the negative image of the tree on the inside of the embossed area,  and then outlined outer edges as well.
    • I trimmed the gel print down to 5.5 x 2.25.
    • Other:
    • I spattered the Kraft cardstock with black and gold ink.
    • I looked through my sentiment binder and found one that was a great size and “feel”  for this card.
    • From the remaining pieces of the gel print I trimmed two 5.5 x ⅛” strips.

    Assembly

    • I centered and glued the kraft layer on the card base.
    • I glued the narrow strips on either side of the kraft layer, filling in the remaining space on the card base.
    • I centered and glued the card face to the narrow black border.
    • I added dimensional foam tape to the back of this and centered it on the kraft border layer.
    • I glued the sentiment towards the bottom of the card face, as shown.
    • I used a micro liner to add a fine black border to each side of the kraft layer.

    Final Thoughts:

    • This started as a gel print that I really didn’t care for,  but ended up as a card that I quite like –  yay!
    • I did not initially plan to outline the embossed areas,  but the image needed additional definition against that busy background.  

    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.

    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:  Amazing Silhouettes, Stampin’ Up! (retired)

    Microliners:  Amazon

    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

  • Unique Card Design: Get out there and Just Breathe

    Unique Card Design: Get out there and Just Breathe

    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 laid the card face onto my grip mat and positioned the Aztec Pattern stencil.
    • Masking between rows,  I used yellow, rust and brown inks in a repeating pattern.
    • After removing the first stencil,  I centered the second largest oval stencil on the card face and applied white pigment ink liberally.   I repeated this step 4 or 5 times, allowing time for the ink to dry between layers .  This muted the Aztec pattern in the center of the card face.
    • I put the card face info my stamp positioner and once again put the oval stencil in place and stamped the mountains, birds and trees. (Having the stencil in place allowed me to only stamp onto the muted section of ink as the rest was covered.)
    • Returning the card face to my work surface, I put the corresponding oval mask into the opening, and then removed the stencil..  I traced around the oval with a brown marker.
    • I used an embossing pen to create an oval just outside of the brown one,  sprinkled it with copper embossing powder and set it with my heat gun.
    • Using a ruler and the same embossing pen,  I drew a line on both sides of the card face, sprinkled on copper embossing powder and set it with my heat gun.

    Other:

    • I die cut a tree from green cardstock.
    • I looked through my sentiment binder, and found the perfect sentiment for this card.

    Assembly

    • I glued the card face to the card base.
    • I added the die cut tree, allowing it to extend outside of the oval.
    • I put foam tape on the back of the sentiment, and put it in place.

    Final Thoughts:

    This card was far more time consuming than I anticipated,  due to the number of layers of white ink required, and the necessary dry time between layers.  In fact at one point I put it aside for months before finally picking it up again.   Luckily,  I’m happy with the 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.

    Stencils:

    Marvellous Masks, Ovals,  A Colorful Life Designs

    Aztec Pattern, A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Versamark Embossing Ink: Simon Says Stamp

    Embossing Pen: Ranger, Amazon

    Copper Embossing Powder,  Wow,  R&R Scrapbooking

    Stamps: Mountain Air, Stampin’ Up! (retired)

    Dies: Mountain Air, Stampin’ Up! (retired)

    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

  • Create a beautiful card – celebrate with balloons

    Create a beautiful card – celebrate with balloons

    a fast, easy & impressive 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

    Card Face: 5.5 x 4.25

    White Cardstock: 5 x 3.75  (before die cutting the frame)

    Scraps of White Cardstock for the word

    I used the Marvellous Masks – Balloons for this card, which include four different sizes of both stencils and masks and offers infinite variety.

    Card Face:

    I selected two of the balloon stencils, one quite a bit larger than the other.

    I laid the card face on my Grip Mat and positioned the larger balloon stencil. I applied yellow ink across the exposed area.

    I repeated this 3X, creating four large balloons randomly on the card face using purple, pink and red inks in addition to the yellow.

    I added smaller balloons in the colours mentioned above as well as adding blue and green to the mix,  allowing the balloons to overlap to create depth.

    I outlined each balloon with a black micro liner (I put the stencils back in place to do this, making the process fast and easy).  

    I drew strings on the balloons using the same micro liner.

    I added white spatter to the card face using diluted acrylic.

    Other:

    I die cut  “celebrate” 3X from the scrap cardstock.

    I positioned two stitched rectangle dies on the larger piece of white cardstock, taping them to ensure even spacing all the way around.  I ran this through the Big Shot to create the white frame.

    Assembly

    I stacked and glued the three words on top of each other.

    I glued the card face to the card base, and centered the white frame on these.

    I added the Celebrate on an angle, slightly above the center.

    I added white Nuvo drops as a finishing touch.

    Final Thoughts:

    I’m really happy with this fun, colourful card.  I hadn’t initially planned to outline the balloons,  but I am glad I did: the extra definition made a huge difference in this card.

    I only used two of the four sizes of balloons in the set –  you could easily alter the sizes and number of balloons in the design to create a new look each 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: Marvellous Masks, Balloons, A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Dies: Amazing You, Stampin’ Up! (retired)

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up! 

    Micro Liners: Amazon

    Acrylic: Dr Ph Martin, Taylored Expressions

    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

  • Craft a cute retro card to say “I appreciate you”

    Craft a cute retro card to say “I appreciate you”

    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

    Patterned Paper: 5.5 x 4.25

    Card Face:  5.25 x 4

    Card Face:

    • I laid the card face onto the Grip Mat,  positioned the stencil and applied turquoise ink to all exposed areas.  As usual,  I allowed a variation in the intensity of the ink to provide visual interest.
    • I spattered the card face with blue and purple metallic watercolour.

    Other:

    • I cut the TV out twice: once with patterned paper and once with white cardstock.  I glued the patterned paper on top of the cardstock for most pieces.  In a few of the areas I decided to colour the white cardstock with a black marker,  to provide contrast and interest.
    • I stamped the sentiment into the center of the TV,  and added colour where shown.

    Assembly

    • I glued the patterned paper onto the card base,  and centered the card face on top of these.
    • I glued the TV in place on the center of the card face.
    • I added several colours of card bling randomly to the card face.

    Final Thoughts:

    This is such a fun card with a very retro feel:  that stenciled pattern  created the perfect complimentary backdrop.

    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 Atomic Strands, A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Metallic Watercolour: Amazon

    Stamps:

    Dies:  Retro TV,  The Frantic Stamper

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up! 

    Versafine Onyx, Simon Says Stamp

    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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • DIY a Card that Celebrates the Dreamer in your Life.

    DIY a Card that Celebrates the Dreamer 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

    Kraft Card Face:  : 5.5 x 4.25

    Vellum:   2 x 4.5

    Card Face:

    • I laid the card face down onto my grip mat and positioned the stencil.  I used tan coloured ink and a soft hand over the exposed areas to create the pattern.
    • Removing the stencil and setting it aside,  I brushed the same ink around the edges of the card face.
    • I placed the card face in an embossing folder and ran it through my Big Shot.
    • I added several creases to the vellum to create additional texture and visual interest.

    Other:

    • I dusted the vellum liberally with anti-static powder.
    • I used Versamark embossing ink to stamp the image onto the vellum.
    • I sprinkled on copper embossing powder and then set it with my heat gun.

       **  when heat embossing vellum make sure that you have your heat gun really hot before starting and move the gun continually to avoid scorching the vellum.

    • I stamped the sentiment on a piece of Kraft cardstock using Versafine Onyx.  I sprinkled clear embossing powder over this and set it with my heat gun.
    • I used a stitched rectangle die to cut this to the finished size.

    Assembly

    • I wrapped the vellum around the card face towards the right as shown,  securing the ends with scotch tape.
    • I glued the card face to the card base.
    • I put foam tape on the back of the sentiment and placed it towards the bottom left of the card face.

    Final Thoughts:

    I quite like this combination of products –  they play together very nicely.

    After this picture was taken I added a “Happy Graduation”  sentiment above the one shown in the picture.  It makes a very nice masculine graduation 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

    Versamark Embossing Ink: Simon Says Stamp

    Clear Embossing Powder: Wow,  R&R Scrapbooking

    Copper Embossing Powder: Wow , Glitter & Ink

    Stamps:  Observations, Tim Holtz, Stampers Anonymous

    Dies:  Stitched Rectangle, 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 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.

    Trim Octagon by A Colorful Life Designs