Written In Ink

Category: Mixed Media

  • 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

  • Make a card full of summertime fun

    Make a card full of summertime fun

    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 ⅛ x 3 ⅞

    Scraps of black and white cardstock for the letters, and the two children

    Card Face:

    • I laid the card face on the Grip Mat,  and then positioned the stencil over top.  
    • I went over the exposed areas with light pink ink.
    • Leaving the stencil in place,  I added platinum coloured embossing paste here and there.
    • I carefully removed the stencil,  putting it immediately into water. 
    • I set the card face aside to dry, and then used a corner chomper on each of the four corners.

    Other:

    • I stamped the two kiddies with black memento ink, and coloured them with alcohol markers
    • I used a corresponding die to cut them out.
    • I stamped “summer”  with Versafine onyx, I immediately coated the wet ink with clear embossing powder, setting this with my heat gun.  I used my snips to fussy cut around this word, creating an irregular border.
    • I die cut F, U and N  from heavy white card stock, twice.  I used translucent green and blue embossing powder  on one set of these letters ( they are very pale pastel colours,  but pretty with card in hand).  I glued the two sets of letters together.
    • I cut a third set of the letters from black cardstock and glued them under the white ones, offsetting them down and to the right just slightly

    Assembly

    • I glued the black border layer to the card base and then added the card face on top of these, centering both layers.
    • I glued the F,U and N in place as shown,  and then nestled the “summer” into the spot created by the natural shape of the word.
    • I glued the two children in the lower right-hand section.

    Final Thoughts:

    The embossing paste has a beautiful sheen: although it isn’t visible in the image it adds a very pretty detail to the card.  This sheen is echoed in the embossing powder used on “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: Maelstrom,  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 & Dies:  Mini Boy,  Hampton Arts,  Amazon

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Embossing Paste:  DIY

    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

    Maelstrom by A Colorful Life Designs

  • Make and send sea of thanks

    Make and send sea of thanks

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

    Let’s get Started:

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

    Card Face: gel print,  5 1/8 x 4 1/8

    Card Face:

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

    Other:

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

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

    Assembly

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

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

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

    Final Thoughts:

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

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

    Supplies: (and links where possible)

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

    Stencil:  Droplet Grid,  A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Versamark Embossing Ink: Simon Says Stamp

    Clear Embossing Powder:  Wow,  Simon Says Stamp

    Green Embossing Powder:  Michaels  (retired)

    Stamps: Bite Me, A Colorful Life Designs (retired)

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up! 

    Versafine Onyx, Simon Says Stamp

    Memento Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Alcohol Markers:

         Stampin’ Blends: Stampin’ Up!

         Copics:  Wallacks

    Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels

    Card Base: Accent 100 lb., Amazon

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

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

    Droplet Grid from A Colorful Life Designs

  • Make an Impression with an Exciting Mixed-Media Card

    Make an Impression with an Exciting Mixed-Media 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: 5.25 x 4

    Card Face:

    • After laying the black cardstock onto the grip mat,  I positioned the stencil.
    • I used white pigment ink across the exposed surface, repeating a couple of times to build intensity. I had used pigment ink, so  I put this aside for several hours to allow the ink to dry fully.
    • I put the stencil back in place, lining the pattern up carefully; and then added Duo Gel randomly on the inked areas.
    • I placed the stencil water immediately,  and once again put the card face aside to dry.
    • Once the gel had dried (it goes on white,  but is transparent when dry), I added a piece of transfer foil and ran it through my Big Shot.  After pulling the foil away I was left with a wonderfully shiny, random, addition to to the pattern.

    Other:

    • I die cut the Seriously from white card stock twice, and glued them together.
    • I stamped the rest of the sentiment and used my trimmer to cut it down to the final size.

    Assembly

    • I glued the card face to the card base.
    • I glued the large die cut to the card face,  and then positioned the smaller rectangle underneath.

    Final Thoughts:

    I love the look of the stencilled pattern on black cardstock, and also the combination that created the sentiment for 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: Open Coils,  A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Versamark Embossing Ink: Simon Says Stamp

    Dies:  Seriously,  Picket Fences (retired)

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up! 

    Versafine Onyx, Simon Says Stamp

    Deco Gel:  Therm O Web, Amazon

    Transfer Foil: Deco Foil, Therm O Web, 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

    Open Coils from 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

  • Easy Stencil Ideas for Beautiful DIY Mother’s Day Cards

    Easy Stencil Ideas for Beautiful DIY Mother’s Day Cards

    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 (patterned paper)

    Card Face:

    • I began by laying the patterned paper on the Grip Mat and positioning the Love You stencil.
    • I used medium purple ink and a light hand to apply ink across all exposed areas.
    • After removing this stencil,  I replaced it with the Heart of Hearts stencil positioned at an angle and towards the left of the card face.
    • I applied the same purple ink with a heavier hand, allowing it to stand out against the first layer of stencilling.
    • I applied additional layers of ink to the left-hand side of the stencil,  building up intensity and depth.
    • I used gold watercolour paint to add a fine spatter to the card face.

    Other:

    • I stamped the sentiment with Versamark Embossing Ink, added gold embossing powder and set it with the heat gun.
    •  I cut this out with an oval die.

    Assembly

    • I glued the card face to the card base, centering vertically.
    • I put a thin strip of gold foil on both top and bottom of the card face.   This left me with a very narrow strip of the card base visible, which I didn’t care for.   I dealt with that by running an embossing pen along the strip, sprinkling gold embossing powder over top and setting it with my heat gun. 
    • I used double-faced tape to add metallic gold thread to the back of the sentiment.  I added a piece of foam tape as well,  and put it in place as shown.

    Final Thoughts:

    This patterned paper is so pretty with the gold marbling:  the gold accents I included in the design echo this very well.

    I was very happy with this card in the end.

    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:

        Love You:  A Colorful Life Designs

        Heart of Hearts,  A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Embossing Pen: Ranger,  Amazon

    Gold  Embossing Powder:  Wow,  R&R Scrapbooking

    Metallic Watercolour: Amazon

    Dies:  Nesting Oval Dies,  Hero Arts

    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.

  • Design Techniques for Unique Greeting Cards are something to CHIRP about!

    Design Techniques for Unique Greeting Cards are something to CHIRP about!

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

    I never feel that my day is something to chirp about until I’m caffeinated!

    Let’s get Started:

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

    Card Face:  5.25 x 4.25

    Card Face:

    • I placed the card face in my stamp positioner and stamped the focal image a couple of times with black Memento ink.
    • I coloured the image with alcohol markers. This caffeinated fella is ready to take center stage on the card!
    • After laying the card face on the Grip Mat,  I positioned the stencil, using a brayer to ensure good contact with the sticky surface of the mat.
    • I applied navy blue and teal ink across the exposed areas on the stencil, taking care to avoid the coloured image.

    Other:

    • I looked through my sentiment binder and found this pair – they are perfectly suited to the image!

    Assembly

    • I glued the card face to the card base,centering the vertical edges.
    • I created faux borders on the card by using a blue marker and a ruler. (The marker matched one of the blues used on the bird.)
    • I glued the sentiments in place as shown.
    • I drew brackets around the sentiment on the bottom, using a black fineliner.

    Final Thoughts:

    It’s odd what I don’t see when creating a card: for instance,  I see now that I forgot to create the outer border on the left of the card!   I will fix that up before sending it on.

    I love this sentiment,  and I like the concept of the brackets around the second half of it,  but if I recreate this card I will handwrite that one as I don’t like the combination of hand drawn brackets with the glued on sentiment.

    (but now that this fella is fully caffeinated, he’ll have more of a chance of remembering that question, 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: Square Swirl,  A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Stamps:

        Coffee Doodle Doo,  Unity Stamps

         Simple Strips, Coffee: Taylored Expressions

    Dies:   Simple Strips Die, Taylored Expressions

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up! 

    Memento Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Alcohol Markers:

         Stampin’ Blends: Stampin’ Up!

         Copics:  Wallacks

    Fineliner: 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 added to the list, and notified when I release new work.

  • How to create a Stunning Art Deco card

    How to create a Stunning Art Deco card

    dance like nobody’s watching

    The elegance of Art Deco meets the extravagant feel of foil! (And a touch of sass, as an unexpected final touch.)

    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.)

    Are you intrigued by the luxurious feel of foil, but at the same time just a bit intimidated? Me too! or, I was until I discovered Duo gel and transfer foil. No Minc or laminator required, but the same amazing results – and unlimited options.

    Let’s get Started:

    Card Base: 4.25 x 11, scored and folded at 5.5

    Border Layer: 4.25 x 5.5  **

    Card Face:  4 x 5.5 

    ** Budget tip: Rather than a full piece of foiled cardstock,  I used two strips of cardstock that were ⅛ x 5.5 each.  Gluing them snugly alongside the card face gave the look of a full piece,  and is more economical.

    Card Face:

    • I sprayed the back of my stencil with Pixie Spray. This is a temporary adhesive that will ensure that the stencil stays in place on the card face during use.
    • I placed my card face on a piece of cardstock and positioned the stencil.   I used a brayer over the entire surface to ensure good contact with the card face.
    • I applied Duo gel to all exposed areas, carefully removed the stencil and put it into water. I set the card face aside to dry.
    • After the gel had dried (this depends on the thickness of the application,  but I typically leave this 2 – 4 hours) it was time for the magic!   I put a piece of transfer foil over the card face and ran it through my Big Shot.
    • Once this was done I removed the excess foil,  leaving the beautiful pattern behind.
    • This card needed a sentiment, but I wasn’t certain which direction to go in at first – and then I stumbled across this bit of sass, which fit the bill perfectly. So I put the card face into my stamp positioner and added the sentiment with Versafine Onyx, stamping 3x to get a bold result.

    I didn’t use my Grip Mat for this as I don’t like to risk compromising the surface with gels and pastes.  I’ve seen content creators do this successfully:  I’m just not brave enough yet!

    Other:

    • I placed a piece of adhesive dimensional foam on the back of a scrap piece of cardstock and added the die. Then I ran it through the Big Shot.

    Assembly

    • I glued the card face to the card base, centering vertically.
    • I glued a narrow strip of irridescent cardstock to both sides.
    • I added the dancing lady as shown.

    Final Thoughts:

    This stencil was part of a water themed release from A Colorful Life Designs,  but as soon as I saw it I thought of the elegance of Art Deco. This design has been perking away in my head for a while now –  I’m glad to finally have it out and on paper.

    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: Waterspout,  A Colorful Life Designs

    Versamark Embossing Ink: Simon Says Stamp

    Clear Embossing Powder: Wow,  R&R Scrapbooking

    Stamps: Be Yourself, The Frantic Stamper

    Dies:  Carmen, The Frantic Stamper

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up! 

    Versafine Onyx, Simon Says Stamp

    Memento Ink: 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 added to the list, and notified when I release new work.

  • Elevate Your Card Making with Easy Stenciling Techniques

    Elevate Your Card Making with Easy Stenciling Techniques

    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.)

    A couple of simple stencilling techniques is a great way to make your card stand out.

    Let’s get Started:

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

    Border Layer: 5.5 x 4.25

    Card Face:  5.25 x 4

    Card Face:

    • I placed the card face onto my Grip Mat, and then positioned the stencil. I applied bright green ink to the exposed areas. As I had used a heavy hand, I had to put this aside until the ink was dry.
    • With the ink completely dry,  I put the stencil back in place but moved it slightly down and to the right.  This stencilling technique created the illusion of a shadow for each of the hearts.
    • I added translucent gel over the exposed areas, carefully removing the stencil once this was complete and putting it into water immediately.  I set the card face aside to dry once again.
    • Once the gel had dried, I put the card face into my stamp positioner and added the image in the center of the hearts with Versafine Onyx and sprinkled it with clear embossing powder.  I set this with my heat gun.
    • I coloured the image with alcohol markers.
    • I used the cloud edger stencil and blue ink to create the sky, being careful to stay inside the hearts. This stencilling technique created a scene in a very specific part of the card, and is very effective.
    • I added the birds using a black fineliner.

    Other:

    • I put a piece of scrap cardstock into the stamp positioner and stamped the sentiment two or three times with the same blue ink.  (I had used a soft blue,  and I needed to stamp several times to allow the sentiment to have enough presence.)
    • I trimmed the sentiment down to a narrow strip and added dimensional tape on the back.

    Assembly

    • I glued the border layer to the card base and then centered the card face on top of these.
    • I positioned the sentiment as shown.

    Final Thoughts:

    I quite like this offbeat combination of elements. 

    If I were to recreate this card,  I would select a different colour for the umbrella: I don’t feel that it works well with the other colours in the scene. Do you ever regret a colour choice when it’s too late to do anything about 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.

    Stencils:

       Cloud Edger:  A Colorful Life Designs

       Happy Thoughts Wreath:  A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Stamps:   I’ll be Your Umbrella,  Andy Skinner,  Amazon

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up! 

    Versafine Onyx, Simon Says Stamp

    Clear Embossing Powder:  Wow,  R&R Scrapbooking

    Black Fine Liners: Amazon

    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 added to the list, and notified when I release new work.

  • Get Messy! a Simple DIY Card Tutorial with Stencils

    Get Messy! a Simple DIY Card Tutorial 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.)

    Don’t be afraid to get messy during your design process! The results are usually unexpected, but awesome.

    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:

    • First things first:  I laid the card face on my Grip Mat,  positioned the stencil and applied a random mixture of blue and yellow ink.
    • I left the stencil in place and traced the outline with a teal gel pen.
    • I added some spatter with water to create additional depth and visual interest.
    • Time to get a little messy. I placed the Broken Lines stencil on top of the first one and added slate grey embossing paste selectively over exposed areas.  I immediately removed both stencils (carefully!) and put them into water.
    • I set the card face aside to dry.

    Other:

    • I looked through my binders for inspiration and found the heart and the sentiment.  

    Assembly

    • I glued the card face to the card base, centering on all sides.
    • I glued both the heart and sentiment in place as shown.
    • I added a small coloured rhinestone in the center of the heart.

    Final Thoughts:

    This is a fun card, with a bit of grunge provided by the embossing paste.  

    This stencil is 6 x 9,   so the card face was cut in half to yield this 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:

        So Many Bubbles:  A Colorful Life Designs

        Broken Lines:  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

    Metallic Gel Pens:  Sakura,  Amazon

    Embossing Paste:  Stormy,  TCW,  Glitter and Ink

    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?  Do you like to add a bit of grunge to a design, or are you more of a clean and simple designer? 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.