Written In Ink

Category: tips

  • 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

  • Create “Gorgeous” Cards with the “Gorjuss” girls

    Create “Gorgeous” Cards with the “Gorjuss” girls

    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

    Purple Border Layer: 5.5 x 4.25

    Card Face:  5.25 x 4

    Card Face:

    • I placed the card face in my stamp positioner and stamped the girl using black Memento ink.
    • I coloured her using alcohol markers.
    • Next,  I placed the card face on the grip mat and positioned the stencil.  I applied a soft mauve ink across all exposed areas coming up to the stamped image, trying not to have the stencilled pattern overlap the girl.  

    I used a regular blending brush for most of the stencilling,  but switched to a mini brush for the tricky areas around her hair and legs to avoid getting ink onto the girl.

    • I positioned a die along the left-hand edge and ran this through my Big Shot:  the die created the heart-shaped cut-outs on the card face.

    Other:

    I looked through my sentiment binder and pulled out the die-cut “love,” cut previously and saved for just such a use.

    Assembly

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

    I added the die-cut sentiment as shown in the picture.

    Final Thoughts:

    I love the Gorjuss girls,  and am delighted with the way this turned out.   

    I thought the heart-shaped openings cut by the die tied in nicely with the two heart shapes on the key.

    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:  Dotty Harlequin,   A Colorful Life Designs

    Stamps: Curiosity Wonderland, Studio Light,  Ecstasy Crafts

    Dies: Reverse Random Heart Border,  Frantic Stamper

    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.

    Dotty Harlequin stencil

  • Share a Stunning Card Made with Two Leafy Stencils

    Share a Stunning Card Made with Two Leafy 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

    Card Face: 5.25 x 4

    This card began as a ghost print created during a gel printing session. The fine lines visible in the background were created there.

    Card Face:

    • I laid the card face on my grip mat and positioned the Leaf Lattice stencil.
    • I applied brown ink across the exposed areas, using more pressure in some areas to create more saturation and visual depth. With this particular stencil,  this process created the look of shadows under the leaves,  which was pretty fun.
    •  I removed that stencil and allowed the ink to dry completely.
    • I positioned the Leaf Sprigs stencil at the bottom-left of the card face and then pressed my Versamark embossing pad firmly through the openings.
    • I sprinkled gold embossing powder over the embossing ink and set it with my heat gun.
    • I positioned an edger die along the right-hand side of the card face and ran this through my Big Shot.  This split the card face in two,  while creating two different leafy patterns – one positive and one negative.
    • I trimmed off the rough edge left on the left-hand piece.

    Other:

    • I stamped the sentiment in Versafine Onyx and used a die to create the shape.

    Assembly

    • I glued both pieces of the card face to the card base, allowing a ⅛” border around the outside:  this left a white strip visible between the two pieces.
    • I put dimensional foam on the back of the sentiment and put it in place over that strip, as shown in the picture.
    • I added three metallic gems – two above the sentiment, and one below.

    Final Thoughts:

    These stencils are really pretty together,  and I really like this brown & gold combination.

    If I were to recreate this card,  I would add a border layer underneath the card face to create more contrast and show off the die-cut leaves a little more.

    Supplies: (and links where possible)

       I have listed the products I have used and where to purchase them. It’s a huge marketplace, and in most instances, there are multiple sources and many alternatives to choose from.

    Stencils:

    Leaf Lattice,  A Colorful Life Designs

    Leaf Sprigs,  A Colorful Life Designs

    Versamark Embossing Ink: The Scrapbook Cottage

    Gold Embossing Powder,  Wow,  R&R Scrapbooking

    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.

    Leaf Lattice stencil

    Leaf Sprigs stencil

  • Create a Beautiful Chick Card with Stencils

    Create a Beautiful Chick Card with 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: 5.25 x 10.5, scored and folded at 5.25

    Black Border Layer: 5 x 5

    Card Face: 4 ⅞ x 4 7/8

    Card Face:

    • I placed the card face on my work surface, positioned the stencil and secured it with low-tack tape.  (I find that my grip mat doesn’t work well with these larger cards, as there isn’t enough margin to stick well.)   
    • I used light green ink over all exposed areas.
    • I stamped the circular image in the middle of the background and cut it out with a die that was just slightly larger.
    • I used my scissors to roughen up the edges of both the card face and the circular die cut.

    Other:

    • I die cut the pieces of the chick from white cardstock and pressed them into yellow or orange ink pads to create the colours.  (I used a fineliner to colour the oh-so-tiny eyes.)
    • I cut two of the signs and glued them together.  I added the stamped sentiment as shown.

    Assembly

    • I assembled the chick and put her aside to dry.
    • I glued the black border layer to the card base and placed the card face on top.
    • I glued the die-cut circle back into the center and then added the chick on top.
    • I trimmed the bottom of the sign into a curve,  and then glued it into place against the chick’s wing.
    • I added orange spatter to the card face.
    • I added orange card bling to the finished card, starting at the top-left corner and ending at the bottom-right corner.

    Final Thoughts:

    I wasn’t certain how I wanted to use this stencil ,  so I pondered a bit, and then played a bit.

    I’m super happy with how it turned out.

    Supplies: (and links where possible)

       I have listed the products I have used and where to purchase them. It’s a huge marketplace, and in most instances, there are multiple sources and many alternatives to choose from.

    Stencil:  Lines and Dots,  A Colorful Life Designs

    Dies:

    Chicken:  Chicken Fiona,  Joy Crafts,  Frantic Stamper

    Sign:  Stampin’ Up!  (retired)

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up! 

    Versafine Onyx, Simon Says Stamp

    Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels

     Recollections 110 lb., Michaels

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

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

    Lines and Dots

  • Elevate Your Card Designs By Foiling the Intricate Diamonds Stencil

    Elevate Your Card Designs By Foiling the Intricate Diamonds Stencil

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

    Let’s get Started:

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

    Card Face: 5.25 x 4

    Card Face:

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

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

    Other:

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

    Assembly

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

    Final Thoughts:

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

    Supplies: (and links where possible)

       I have listed the products I have used and where to purchase them. It’s a huge marketplace, and in most instances, there are multiple sources and many alternatives to choose from.

    Stencil: Intricate Diamonds,  A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Stamps: Stampin’ Up!  (retired)

    Dies: Stampin’ Up! (retired)

    Duo Gel: Deco Foil,  R&R Scrapbooking

    Red Transfer Foil: Deco Foil,  R&R Scrapbooking

    Versafine Onyx, Simon Says Stamp

    Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels

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

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

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

    Intricate Diamonds

  • Love Card Design? Tips Using Versamark and Embossing

    Love Card Design? Tips Using Versamark and Embossing

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

    Let’s get Started:

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

    Card Face:  5.25 x 4 

    Focal Layer:  5.00 x 4 (before tearing)

    Card Face:

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

    Assembly

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

    Final Thoughts:

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

    Supplies: (and links where possible)

       I have listed the products I have used and where to purchase them. It’s a huge marketplace, and in most instances, there are multiple sources and many alternatives to choose from.

    Stencil: Three Feathers,  A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Versamark Embossing Ink: The Scrapbook Cottage

    Fairy Dust Powder,  Wow, Amazon

    Stamps:

    Sentiment: Ponderings,  Stampers Anonymous, Amazon

    Rustic Linen,  Altenew

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up! 

    Versafine Onyx, Simon Says Stamp

    Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels

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

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

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

    Three Feathers

  • Create a Stunning Card with Transfer Foil

    Create a Stunning Card with Transfer Foil

    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: 5.25 x 4

    Focal Layer:  5.25 x 1.75

    White Border: 5.25 x 1 7/8

    Focal Layer:

    • I placed the cardstock on a piece of scrap paper, positioned the stencil, and secured both with Mint Tape.
    • I applied Duo Gel to all exposed areas.
    • I removed the stencil and put it into water immediately,  and put the card face aside to dry.  (Duo Gel is dry when it becomes transparent – dry time depends on the thickness of the application.)
    • I don’t have running water close to my craft room, so when I work with Duo Gel or embossing paste, I have a dish of water nearby: putting the stencils in water immediately prevents the product from drying on, and makes cleanup a lot faster and easier.
    • Once the gel had dried,  I placed a piece of transfer foil over top (pretty side UP) and ran the focal layer through the Big Shot.  The pressure caused the transfer foil to stick to the dried gel, so when I removed the foil, a beautiful, shiny image remained.

    Other:

    • I stamped the sentiment on a scrap of cardstock and used a die to create the shape.

    Assembly

    • I glued the focal layer to the white border layer.
    • I glued the black border layer to the card base and added the focal layer on top towards the left, allowing a narrow border.
    • I added dimensional foam to the back of the sentiment and placed it as shown in the image.
    • I added white embellishments to finish this off: two above the sentiment, and one below.

    Final Thoughts:

    When I created this, it was a full panel  (5.5 x 4.25), and while the shine of the foil was stunning,  it was also overwhelming.   I put it aside for quite a while and wondered how to use this. I finally decided to try this design, and I’m so happy with the result –  the black mutes the overwhelm just enough,  while still allowing the shine of the foil to be the star of the show.

    Supplies: (and links where possible)

       I have listed the products I have used and where to purchase them. It’s a huge marketplace, and in most instances, there are multiple sources and many alternatives to choose from.

    Stencil: Presents,  A Colorful Life Designs

    Duo Gel, Deco, R&R Scrapbooking

    Transfer Foil: Mystic Rainbow, Deco Foil, R&R Scrapbooking

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    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.

    Presents:

  • Create Stunning Cards with Simple Supplies

    Create Stunning Cards with Simple Supplies

    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

    Card Face:  5.5 x 4

    Card Face:

    I laid the card face down on my grip mat and positioned the stencil.   I added dark blue ink across the exposed areas.

    I placed it into the stamp positioner and added the sentiment using  Versafine Onyx.

    I used a large background stamp to add texture and subtle colour, using blue ink that matched the die cut.

    This is my favourite method for using a large background stamp: I lay it on my desk, face up.  I apply ink to the stamp and then lay the card face down on it, being very careful not to let it shift during this step.   I carefully cover the stamp/card face with a piece of scrap copy paper and then run one hand over the surface to ensure ink transfer, while holding the paper still with the other hand.  (I saw this on YouTube several years ago,  but sadly can’t remember who created the video to give credit.)

    Other:

    I grabbed a scrap piece of gel print and used a die to cut out the sentiment.

    I cut a second die cut from black cardstock.

    Assembly

    I glued the black die cut behind the gel print die cut, offsetting slightly.

    I glued the black border layer to the card base and centered the card face vertically on top.

    I glued the die-cut layer on top of these as shown.

    I added black card bling randomly.

    Final Thoughts:

    Full disclosure: This card sort of started with the die cut: I had a scrap of gel print to use, and I went looking for a pre-created background (I have a binder full of these!).  I had stencilled this card face quite a while ago,  but couldn’t decide on how to finish it off.   The blues weren’t quite right to work together,  so I added the blue ink to the background to marry the two –  and I’m really happy with the result.

    Supplies: (and links where possible)

       I have listed the products I have used and where to purchase them. It’s a huge marketplace, and in most instances, there are multiple sources and many alternatives to choose from.

    Stencil: Circle of Lines,  A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Card Bling:  A Colorful Life Designs

    Background Stamp: Rustic Linen, Altenew

    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.

  • Create Stunning Cards with the Music Love Stencil

    Create Stunning Cards with the Music Love Stencil

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

    Let’s get Started:

    Card Base: 5.25 x 10.5, scored and folded at 5.25

    Card Face:  5 x 5

    Card Face:

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

    Other:

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

    Assembly

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

    Final Thoughts:

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

    Supplies: (and links where possible)

       I have listed the products I have used and where they can be purchased. It’s a huge marketplace, and in most instances, there are multiple sources and many alternatives to choose from.

    Stencil: Music Love, A Colorful Life Designs

    Stamp:  Ponderings, Tim Holtz, Amazon

    Gold Ink: Lisa Horton,  R&R Scrapbooking

    Yellow/Green Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up! 

    Versafine Onyx, Simon Says Stamp

    Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels

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

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

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

    Music Love