Written In Ink

Category: tips

  • Make a Great Impression with a Whimsical Card

    Make a Great Impression with a Whimsical 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 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:  5.5 x 4.25

    Card Face:

    • I laid the card face down on my grip mat and positioned the stencil.  I used light green ink across the exposed areas.
    • After wiping the surface of the stencil to remove stray ink, I shifted the stencil slightly down and to the right and applied light blue ink across all exposed areas.
    • I turned the paper 90 degrees and repeated the steps above, creating a delightfully wonky pattern that isn’t a plaid or a check –  but something fun and unique nonetheless.
    • I put the card face into my stamp positioner and added the fun border image using Versafine Onyx and stamping a couple of times to get a saturated image.
    • I added the sentiment directly to the card face, also using Versafine Onyx.
    • I used a punch on each corner to add fun detail.

    Assembly

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

    Final Thoughts:

    I love the combination of the stencilled background and stamp:  they both possess the same sort of whimsy,  and have paired perfectly.

    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:Rungs,  A Colorful Life Designs

    Stamps: Deco Rose Burst,   Creative Expressions,  Ecstasy Crafts

    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.

    Rungs

  • Create an Adorable card for a Friend who Loves Dogs

    Create an Adorable card for a Friend who Loves Dogs

    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:  5.5 x 3.25

    Card Face:

    • I put the card face on my grip mat and centered the 7 Rectangle Shadow stencil.  I added yellow ink to each rectangle, randomly varying depth of colour.
    • Leaving this stencil in place, I used one of the straight line stencils from the Accent Strips set to add darker yellow ink to each rectangle,  deliberately varying positioning and angle each time.
    • I removed the Accent Strips stencil but left the 7 Rectangle stencil in place.  I used a fineliner to trace the edges of each opening: this created definition.
    • After removing the 7 Rectangles stencil,  I positioned the Cute Little Doggie Faces stencil and created the two pup faces with Versafine Onyx.
    • I added details to the eyes and noses of the pups with a white gel pen.
    • Using a ruler and a black marker, I created a narrow black border around the card face.

    Other:

    • I stamped the sentiment on a scrap of white cardstock, and cut it down to size with a stitched rectangle die.
    • I placed the border layer cardstock in an embossing folder, and ran it through the Big Shot, creating depth and texture.

    Assembly

    • I glued the border layer to the card base.
    • I added dimensional foam tape to the back of the card face and centered this on the border layer.
    • I added the sentiment on an angle, as shown.
    • I scattered card bling randomly.

    Final Thoughts:

    These cute little pup faces can work for almost any occasion,  and I had a tough time narrowing down which sentiment I should use.

    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:

    7 Rectangle Shadow,  A Colorful Life Designs

    Accent Strips Stencil Set,  A Colorful Life Designs

    Cute Little Doggie Faces,   A Colorful Life Designs

    White Gel Pens: Arteza,  Amazon

    Fineliners: Amazon

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Card Bling:  A Colorful Life Designs

    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.

    Cute Little Doggie Faces

    7 Rectangle Shadow

    Accent Strips (set of 6)

  • Create a Nostalgic Summer Scene with Stencils

    Create a Nostalgic Summer Scene 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 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:  5.5 x 4

    Card Face:

    • After laying the card face down on my grip mat, I positioned the Screen Door stencil and brushed green ink onto the bottom to represent grass, allowing variation in the depth of colour and building colour up a bit at the bottom.  
    • I added blue to the top of the card face to represent sky, allowing gaps in colour to create clouds.
    • I grabbed the Dogs Playing stencil and carefully positioned the section I wanted over the first stencil. I created the dog using black ink.
    • Leaving the first stencil in place created the lines on the dog and the effect of the dog being on the other side of the screen door.
    • I put both stencils off to the side and placed the card face in my stamp positioner.  I added the trees and birds using the same black ink.

    Other:

    • I put the border cardstock into an embossing folder and ran it through the Big Shot, adding planked wall texture to the paper.  I brushed brown ink onto this piece, adding to the effect.
    • I cut three ¼” pieces of white cardstock, and three ⅛” pieces of white cardstock.
    • I put clear embossing powder on a scrap of cardstock and set it with my heat gun.  I used a ½” circular punch to create the doorknob.  (I used the embossing powder to create the look of an old porcelain knob.)
    • I looked through my sentiment binder and selected one to work with the image being created.
    • I often create sentiments in advance to save against future need:  this is a great time saver,  and also a good way to spend time when I’m not in the mood to create a design.

    Assembly

    • I glued the three ¼” strips around the outside of the screen door, cutting to length as I glued them in place.
    • I glued the three ⅛” strips across the width of the door, trimming as necessary.
    • I glued the doorknob in place.
    • I glued the brown woodgrain layer onto the card base.
    • I centered the completed card face on top of the wood grain layer.
    • I added the sentiment as shown.

    Final Thoughts:

    My goal was to create a scene where we are looking out at a tranquil summer day through a screen door:  I like the scene as created,  but if I were to recreate this, I’d add some water to the scene, not just grass and sky.  This would make it feel like a cottage.

    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:

    Dogs Playing,  A Colorful Life Designs

    Screen Door, A Colorful Life Designs

    Versamark Embossing Ink: R&R Scrapbooking

    Clear Embossing Powder,  Wow,  R&R Scrapbooking

    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.

    Dogs Playing

    Screen Door

  • You CAN DIY a Stunning Layered Card

    You CAN DIY a Stunning Layered 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 the discount code ChrisFan10 to save 10% on your entire order! (Master Creator Bundles are excluded as they already have a 20% discount built in.)

    Let’s get Started:

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

     Black Border Layer: 5.5 x 4.25

    White Anchor Layer: 5.5 x 2

    Lighthouse Layer:   5.5 x 2

    Border for Lighthouse Layer:  5.5 x 2.25

    Card Face:

    • I laid the cardstock for the lighthouse layer onto the grip mat and positioned the stencil.   I used two different blue inks to go over all exposed areas-  one dark and one medium blue.   I used the dark blue on the very bottom and the medium blue on the top 2/3 of the panel,  blending carefully where they met.  I added additional medium blue ink around the top edges and around the curved lines on the stencil, which added a lot of depth to the image.
    • I removed the stencil and added 3 birds toward the top left of the panel.
    • Putting the stencil back in place, I spattered water over the inked image, blotting it with a paper towel to soak up excess moisture.   I set this panel aside.
    • I placed the cardstock for the other half of the card face in the stamp positioner and stamped the anchor both top and bottom, stamping a couple of times to get an intense image.

    Other:

    • I stamped the sentiment on a scrap of white cardstock,  and then used a die to create the shape.
    • I used the same die to cut a second shape, using black cardstock this time.
    • I cut the black shape in half horizontally and then glued the halves behind the white shape in a way that allowed the black to show both top and bottom.

    This is a great way to get extra use from a die,  while creating a perfectly matching border for the sentiment.

    Assembly

    • I glued the larger black border layer to the card base.
    • I centered the lighthouse on the smaller black border piece,  and then glued this to the right hand edge of the card base layers.
    • I glued the white card face layer to the card base, positioning it snugly against the lighthouse and leaving a narrow border on the left hand side.
    • I put dimensional foam on the back of the sentiment and positioned it as shown between the two anchors.

    Final Thoughts:

    The addition of the spatter worked well on this piece, mimicking spray coming up as water crashed into the lighthouse.

    I didn’t get the anchor stamp perfectly spaced top and bottom –  this bothers my eye!

    Other than that,  I’m happy with this design.

    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: Two Sea Panels, A Colorful Life Designs

    Versamark Embossing Ink: Simon Says Stamp

    Clear Embossing Powder,  Wow,  Simon Says Stamp

    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.

    Two Sea Panels

  • Elevate Your Card Design with Simple Techniques

    Elevate Your Card Design with Simple Techniques

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

    Let’s get Started:

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

    Border Layer: 5.5 x 4.25

    Card Face:  5.25 x 3

    Card Face:

    • I stamped the image using Memento black ink,  and coloured the girl with alcohol markers.
    • I looked through my  (many) sentiments and found one that fit the opening so perfectly that it seemed made for it –  but it was actually an old,  long retired stamp from a different company.  I added this using Versafine Onyx.
    • I added a light blue “halo” around the girl with an alcohol marker,  softening the edges with a blender to prevent a harsh line. This added visual interest without being a distraction.
    • I put the card face onto the grip mat and positioned the stencil.  I used grey ink  and a soft hand to add the pattern around the girl, allowing the pattern to extend into the blue halo.
    • I used a corner rounder to remove the eges of the card face,  and then ran this rounded rectangle over a black ink pad.

    Other:

    • I put the border layer down on the grip mat and positioned the same stencil:  using light blue ink and a soft hand I added colour over the entire piece.

    Assembly

    • I glued the border layer to the card base.
    • I added dimensional foam tape to the back of the card face,  and centered this on the border layer.

    Final Thoughts:

    I like the use of the same stencil in two different colours in this design:  the difference is subtle, but fun.

    I still can’t believe how well the sentiment fits the opening –  pure serendipity!

    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: Patterned Noise, A Colorful Life Designs

    Versamark Embossing Ink: Simon Says Stamp

    Clear Embossing Powder,  Wow,  Simon Says Stamp

    Stamps: Remi Girl,  Unity Stamps

    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.

    Patterned Noise

  • Create Unique & Eye-Catching Card Design Using Stencils

    Create Unique & Eye-Catching Card Design Using Stencils

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

    Let’s get Started:

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

    Black Border Layer: 5.5 x 4.25

    Smaller Black Border Layer:  5 x 3.75

    Card Faces:  5  x 3.75 (x2)  before cutting

    This design created itself as I went along –  as so many of mine do!

    Card Face:

    • I placed the first card face-down on the grip mat and positioned the stencil.  I used a mixture of light aqua /light blue inks across the exposed areas.
    • I removed the first card face and put the second one in its place.   After positioning the stencil once again, I used a mixture of dark blue, medium blue, and medium aqua inks across the exposed areas.
    • I cut both card faces into  ¼” strips.  
    • I glued the strips to the smaller black border layer, alternating light and dark strips and leaving a space between, allowing the black to show through.

    I used  a ⅛” strip of cardstock as a spacer to ensure even spacing.  

    Other:

    • I die cut 6 hats out of scraps of white card stock, and glued them in a pairs, resulting in 3 hats in the end.
    • I stamped and die-cut the sentiment.

    Assembly

    • I glued the black border layer onto the card base,  and then glued the striped layer onto this on an angle as shown in the picture.
    • I glued the 3 hats down the left-hand side, leaving a space for the sentiment between the bottom two.
    • I glued the sentiment in place.
    • I added a metallic embellishment on each side of the sentiment.

    Final Thoughts:

    This really wasn’t what I had in mind when I began working with the stencil,  but once I had the two card faces done,  the idea slowly nudged its way into existence.

    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: Turbulent Waters,   A Colorful Life Designs

    Versamark Embossing Ink: Simon Says Stamp

    Clear Embossing Powder,  Wow,  Simon Says Stamp

    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.

    Turbulent Waters

  • Make a Mistake? Turn Card Design Errors into Design Features

    Make a Mistake? Turn Card Design Errors into Design Features

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

    Let’s get Started:

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

    Border Layer: 5.25 x 4

    Card Face:  5 x 3.75

    Card Face:

    • I placed the card face in my stamp positioner and stamped the image with Memento ink.
    • I coloured the image with alcohol markers. 

     I made an error colouring her eyes/glasses:- while adding the fllesh tones behind her glasses I touched the green, and it was transferred to her skin. I couldn’t fix it entirely, so I made the best of the situation by turning them into sunglasses.

    When I was almost done colouring, I noticed a couple of spots of yellow ink on the card face, above the girl.  Rather than toss it – wasting materials and time –  I added more yellow dots,  turning the boo boo into a design detail.

    • I moved the card face to my grip mat and positioned the stencil.  I avoided inking over the stamped and coloured image, but used light aqua ink on all other exposed areas on the stencil.
    • I traced around the girl with a light grey marker –  this made her stand out more from the background.
    • I used a corner chomper on each corner.

    Other:

    • I used the same chomper on the border layer.

    Assembly

    • I glued the border layer to the card base and added the card face on top centering both layers carefully.
    • I added a small round embellishment to each corner,  as well as one over the clasp on the purse.

    Final Thoughts:

    This is such a happy pairing –  the stencil and stamp work really well together. 

    I will add a sentiment when it’s time to send the card –  right now I don’t know how I want to use it.

    I’m glad I was able to fix the errors on the fly and salvage the 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.

    Stencil: Lines and Dots,  A Colorful Life Designs

    Stamps: Hello Sunshine Girl,  Unity Stamps

    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 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.

    Lines and Dots

  • Creative Card Making: combine Structure with Whimsey

    Creative Card Making: combine Structure with Whimsey

    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:  5.5 x 4.25

    Card Face:

    • I laid the card face on the grip mat and positioned the stencil (taking care to keep the lines straight on this one!).
    • I applied yellow ink across all exposed areas, allowing a variation in tone to create depth.
    • After removing the stencil, I placed the card face in my stamp positioner and added the two flowers with bright pink ink.  I stamped several times to get the intensity I wanted.
    • I removed the floral stamps and replaced them with the sentiment, stamping this in Verafine Onyx.
    • I smooshed the pink ink pad on an acrylic block and then used a water pen to add large pink splotches to the card face.
    • I used a fine liner to freehand a whimsical black frame around the card face. (I was able to use the pattern to keep the border evenly distanced from the edges on all sides.)
    • I added fine black and pink spatter to the card face.

    Assembly

    • I glued the card face to the card base.
    • I added pink card bling to complete the card.

    Final Thoughts:

    The contrast between the very structured stencilled pattern and the whimsical frame makes me happy.

    I almost had an absolutely flat, one-layer card,  but in the end, I just couldn’t resist adding the card bling.

    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: Three Xs,   A Colorful Life Designs

    Stamps: Stampin’ Up!  (retired):

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up! 

    Versafine Onyx, Simon Says Stamp

    Fineliners: Amazon

    Card Bling:  A Colorful Life Designs

    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 Xs

  • Create a Stunning Card and Congratulate Someone Special

    Create a Stunning Card and Congratulate Someone Special

    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

    Teal Border Layer: 5.5 x 4.25

    Card Face: 5.25 x 4

    Card Face:

    • I placed the card face into my stamp positioner:  the congratulations is a 3-step stamp,  and I grabbed red to stamp the outline first,  placing the stamp at an angle on the card face.
    • The next two layers are partial stamps for the word,  so I grabbed lime green and bright teal to complete them, lining everything up carefully.
    • I switched to the small “on your big news” stamp and added that, using the same red ink and echoing the angle of the large word.
    • I moved the card face to the grip mat and positioned the stencil.  I used yellow and orange inks randomly across the openings, allowing variations in tone and colour as I added ink.
    • I used a variety of small stamps to add additional interest to the background, stamping with Versamark embossing ink:  first, I tried a sparkly white powder, but the stamping was so fine that the sparkle blew off when I used the heat gun.  So I switched to silver embossing powder, which worked well.
    • I used a punch on each corner to add visual interest.

    Assembly

    I glued the border layer to the card base and centered the card face on top of these.

    I added small silver pearls as a final touch.

    Final Thoughts:

    I certainly wouldn’t try the sparkly embossing powder on such small images again: in this instance the silver pearls help distract from those areas, and overall I’m happy with this design.

    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: Star Streamers,  A Colorful Life Designs

    Versamark Embossing Ink: Simon Says Stamp

    Silver Embossing Powder,  Wow,   R&R Scrapbooking

    Stamps: Big Congratulations, 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.

    Star Streamers stencil

  • Spotlight on Fun Card Design with Norm, the Old Guy

    Spotlight on Fun Card Design with Norm, the Old Guy

    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 10.5, folded and score dat 5.25

    Black Border Layer: 5.25 x 5.25

    Card Face:  5 x 5

    Card Face:

    • I laid the card face down on the grip mat and positioned the stencil.
    • I applied vibrant pink ink in the center of the stencil, and soft orange ink to the outer edges,  blending the two where they met.

    Other:

    • I looked through my Ready to Go Binder to find the fine fellow you see in the image: I had previously coloured and fussy-cut him and wanted to use him on this card.
    • I cut three circles using my infinity dies, but in each instance, instead of ensuring even spacing, I pushed the dies together on one side, creating uneven circles.

    Assembly

    • I glued the black border layer to the card base.
    • I glued the three circles onto the card face, making the spacing uneven to echo the wonky shapes.
    • I put the card face into my stamp positioner and created a curve with a photopolymer stamp that worked between the two outer circles.  I stamped the sentiment with Versafine Onyx.

    Photopolymer stamps can be manipulated into a  curve:  as soon as I was done stamping I removed it from the stamp positioner and allowed it to return to it’s original shape.

    • I glued the old guy to the card face as shown.
    • I glued the card face to the card base.

    Final Thoughts:

    I like this card, but looking at it now, I wish I had put a piece of vellum under the old guy to make him stand out against that background.

    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: Spotlight,  A Colorful Life Designs

    Stamps:  

    Norm,  Art Impressions, Amazon

    Sentiment:  Kraftigali  (no longer in business)

    Dies: Circular Infinity 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 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.

    Spotlight stencil