Written In Ink

Category: Stencils

  • Stencilling + Paper Piecing on a DIY Card? A fast & easy technique.

    Stencilling + Paper Piecing on a DIY Card? A fast & easy technique.

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

    Let’s get Started:

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

    Black Border Layer:  5.5 x 4.25

    Card Face:  5.5 x 4.25, copy paper

    Patterned Paper

    Card Face:

    I decided to use this stencil with patterned paper instead of ink, creating a very different look.

    • I laid the stencil on the green plaid paper and traced the lines to create the suit jacket, and cut out the pieces
    • I traced the bow tie onto the orange patterned paper and cut out the pieces.

    This stencil is approximately 5.5 x 5.5,   and my card was going to be 5.5 x 4.25 –  I had to make the suit jacket smaller somehow.   Rather than cut the extra width off the sides,  I overlapped the two pieces on the copy paper.  This gave me a smaller V,  which worked well with that width.

    • I glued the two pieces of the suit in place, overlapping as necessary.
    • I glued the bow tie in place, allowing it to extend onto the green plaid.

    Other:

    • I stamped the sentiment with Versafine Onyx and cut it out with a die.

    Assembly

    • I glued the black border layer to the card base,  and then glued the copy paper layer on top of both.
    • I added foam tape to the back of the sentiment and put it in place.
    • I glued a tiny white button to the “shirt”.
    • I traced around the button and the pieces of the bow tie with a black fineliner,  providing more definition.

    Final Thoughts:

    I used papers to create a sort of quirky/geeky feel for this suit –  I love the result. Different papers will produce very different results.

    I don’t often do paper piecing, but it’s so much fun.

    Supplies: (and links where possible)

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

    Stencil:  The Tux,  A Colorful Life Designs

    Versafine Onyx, Simon Says Stamp

    Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels

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

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

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

    The Tux by A Colorful Life Designs

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

    DIY a Card that Celebrates the Dreamer in your Life.

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

    Let’s get Started:

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

    Kraft Card Face:  : 5.5 x 4.25

    Vellum:   2 x 4.5

    Card Face:

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

    Other:

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

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

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

    Assembly

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

    Final Thoughts:

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

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

    Supplies: (and links where possible)

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

    Stencil: Trim Octagon, A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Versamark Embossing Ink: Simon Says Stamp

    Clear Embossing Powder: Wow,  R&R Scrapbooking

    Copper Embossing Powder: Wow , Glitter & Ink

    Stamps:  Observations, Tim Holtz, Stampers Anonymous

    Dies:  Stitched Rectangle, Stampin’ Up!  (retired)

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up! 

    Versafine Onyx, Simon Says Stamp

    Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels

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

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

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

    Trim Octagon by A Colorful Life Designs

  • The card no one wants to make

    The card no one wants to make

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

    Let’s get Started:

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

    Border Layer: 5.5 x 4.25

    Card Face:  5.5 x 4.25 (before die-cutting)

    Card Face:

    • I laid the card face down onto my grip mat,  and then positioned the stencil I applied teal ink across the exposed area.
    • I moved the stencil down and repeated the process several times.  When I was approximately 60% of the way down the card face, i switched to green ink.

      This stencil actually has four sides with different representations of flames.  I chose one side, and stuck with it for this design.

    • After removing the stencil and setting it aside,  I put the card face into my stamp positioner. I stamped the floral image a couple of times with Versafine Onyx.
    • I used a deckled edge die to cut the card face down to it’s final size  (approximately 4 x 5.25)

    Other:

    • I wrapped silver metallic thread several times around the right hand side of the card face, securing the ends with scotch tape.
    • I used a small piece of the same thread to tie a knot around the threads,  pulling them together towards the top of the card face.  I put a tiny dot of glue on the knot,  and allowed this to dry before moving on.
    • This card could work for several different occasions:  I looked through my sentiment binder and selected the one shown in the image.

    Assembly

    • I glued the black border layer to the card base,  and then centered the card face on top of these.
    • I added a black irridescent gem over the knot in the metallic thread, using liquid glue to make sure it stayed put.
    • I added foam tape to the back of the sentiment and positioned it as shown in the picture.

    Final Thoughts:

    Sympathy cards are the ones that no one wants to have to make or send –  I’ve developed a habit of always having two or three on hand so I don’t have to make one when we receive some sade news.

    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:  Fire Edger,  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

    Stamps: Bold Botanicals,  Tim Holtz, Amazon

    Dies:  Decked Edge,  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.

    The Fire Edger stencil from A Colorful Life Designs

  • Unlock Your Creativity with simple DIY Grunge Card Techniques

    Unlock Your Creativity with simple DIY Grunge Card 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 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 do love a bit of grunge from time to time!

    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 laid the card face on my Grip Mat and then positioned the stencil, going over it with a brayer to ensure good contact with the mat.
    • Next I applied a mixture of light teal and purple inks over the exposed areas.
    • I was really happy with the result,  and then(because I was in an experimental mood) I cut the card face in half, and glued them to a piece of copy paper, reversing the order.
    • I put this reconfigured card face into my stamp positioner and added the focal image in the center, using Versafine Onyx.
    • The focal image is from a grunge set,  and to further develop that theme, I stamped a few different sentiments onto the background, using grey ink and second-generation stamping.
    • I ran each edge of the card face over the teal ink pad used on the stencil, tilting the paper slightly to allow the colour to bleed in just a bit.

    Other:

    • I grabbed my sentiment binder and pulled out three that worked with the mood of this piece. This binder contains sentiments that have been created in advance and saved for future need. It’s a great time saver!
    • I put dimensional foam on the back of each strip.

    Assembly

    • I glued the black border layer onto the card base,  and then centered the card face on top of these.
    • I removed the backing from each of the three sentiments, and laid them lightly on the card face where I wanted them.
    • I took a length of purple metallic thread, wrapped it loosely around my fingers and then secured it under each sentiment strip, lifting each slightly to slide the thread underneath and then pushing it down to hold the thread and secure it to the card face.
    • I used an assortment of card bling to finish the card, gluing it randomly across the finished card face.

    Final Thoughts:

    • I like the reversed stencil image:  if I had been planning on this when I started,  it would have been easy to get this look by stencilling just half of the image on each outside edge.  Cutting the card face down the middle left a visible line,  which will be avoided if I redo this design.
    • The metallic thread isn’t very visible in the image,  but it adds a subtle bit of loveliness in real life.
    • I do love a grungy card!  My biggest issue with this style is that I don’t know when to stop, and the card gets muddy –  how did I do this time?

    Supplies: (and links where possible)

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

    Stencil: Swirl Band, A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Stamps:

        Studio Light Inspire and Create Grunge Collection (retired)

        Polka Dot Blossoms Sayings,  Tim Holtz, Amazon

    Card Bling:  A Colorful Life Designs

    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.

    Swirl Band by A Colorful Life Designs – remember, use the code to save!

  • Show your love, create an elegant sympathy card

    Show your love, create an elegant sympathy 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 x 3.75

    Three small scraps of white cardstock

    Silver Cardstock:   ⅛ x 5

    Card Face:

    • I began by spraying the back of this delicate stencil with Pixie Spray and waiting for (about) 30 seconds before using it.
    • Then I   laid the card face on my Grip Mat and positioned the stencil on the bottom of the card face –  approximately ⅔ of the stencil was on the paper.
    • I applied Versafine Onyx over the exposed areas, using firm pressure and building up ink until I had a bold, dramatic graphic.

    Other:

    • I put the first scrap of cardstock into my stamp positioner and stamped the flowers several times to get an intense black image.  I used the matching die to cut this out.
    • Using the second piece of scrap and the stamp positioner once again I stamped the sentiment a couple of times.  I fussy cut this, using my snips.
    • I die cut the white bow,  and coloured it with an embossing pen.  I sprinkled on silver embossing powder and set it with my heat gun.

    Assembly

    • I glued the card face to the card base.
    • I glued the die-cut bouquet in place and then added the silver bow as shown.
    • I added the sentiment to the card face.
    • I glued the narrow silver strip along the top of the card face.

    Final Thoughts:

    This was an interesting design to create –  the asymmetry in the design makes it interesting, as well as the still minimalistic feel.  I think it works well as a sympathy card.

    Initially the bow was going to remain white –  I changed my mind partway through the design (as I often do).

    I like to keep two or three sympathy cards on hand – experience has taught me that creating them upon need is very difficult.

    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: Swirl Band , A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Versamark Embossing Pen:

    Silver Embossing Powder: Wow, 

    Stamp/Die: Floral Impressions, Hero Arts

    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.

    Swirl Band by A Colorful Life Designs

  • A (quick & easy) gorgeous, inspirational handmade card.

    A (quick & easy) gorgeous, inspirational handmade card.

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

    Let’s get Started:

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

    Border Layer: 5.5 x 4.25

    Card Face:  5.5 x 4   (subtle patterned paper)

    Card Face:

    • This stencil is delicate,  with long “strands” – so before I started, I sprayed the back with Pixie Spray.
    • Next I laid the card face on my Grip Mat, and then positioned the stencil. (I always allow approximately 30 seconds to allow the Pixie Spray to start working.)
    • I applied yellow ink across all exposed areas,  building up intensity in the top left and bottom right corners.
    • After removing the stencil I put the card face into my stamp positioner and added the dancer with dark yellow ink,  stamping a couple of times to create enough contrast with the background.
    • I removed that stamp and added the sentiment,  I stamped this three times with Versafine Onyx to achieve a crisp, intense result.

    When I want to add a sentiment directly to the card face, and need to be certain that it’s straight : I add a layer of acetate on top of the card face and stamp on that.   I make minor adjustments as necessary ,  cleaning the acetate and restamping until I’m satisfied.  Then I remove the acetate and stamp directly onto the card face.  This has saved a lot of work from hitting the trash!

    • I added spatter to the card face, using the reinker for the darker yellow.

    Assembly

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

    Final Thoughts:

    I love this elegant ballerina image,  and also the combination of the two stamps with this stencil. They all play together so very well!

    Although I used a subtle patterned paper for this,  the design would also work on regular cardstock.

    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: Glittering Hearts,  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

    Stamps:  Dancer and Sentiment –  Technique Junkies (no longer in business)

    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.

    Glittering Hearts by A Colorful Life Designs

  • Celebrating the King of the Cookout with a DIY card

    Celebrating the King of the Cookout with a DIY 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 card face on my Grip Mat, I positioned the stencil towards the top of the panel. I was using the section of the stencil which creates flames,  and I masked off any nearby openings.

    I brushed soft yellow ink over the exposed area,  and then (using a detail brush) I added touches of red to the base of the flames to provide visual interest.

    I rotated the stencil to allow the apron to appear in the bottom right of my card face.  After once again masking off nearby areas  I applied red ink.  I used a full sized brush for the main part of the apron,  and a detail brush for the strings.

    I repositioned the stencil again, this time to feature the dotty words.  After  (you guessed it!)  masking nearby areas  I applied black ink to create the fun font.

    Other:

    I die cut the BBQ tools from white cardstock.

    I used alcohol markers to colour the handles. 

    I used an embossing pen to colour the metallic parts of the tools, sprinkled some silver embossing powder over this and set it with my heat gun.

    Assembly

    I glued the card face to the card base.

    I used a ruler and a black marker to create a fine black border around the card face.  (There are two advantages to this:  it saves a piece of cardstock,  and I can draw a very fine line which is perfectly centered.)

    I used a ruler and a fineliner to draw a black line on the card face where shown,  and then glued the BBQ tools onto this.

    Final Thoughts:

    A fun “guy” card –  I haven’t decided if this will be for Father’s Day or a birthday.  My guy is truly a BBQ King,  he produces amazing results from the grill.

    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:  Kiss The Cook,  A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Embossing Pen: Ranger, Amazon

    Silver  Embossing Powder: Wow, R&R Scrapbooking

    Dies:  Apron of Love,  Stampin’ Up!  (retired)

    Fineliner: Amazon

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up! 

    Detail Brushes:  Scrap n’ Stamp

    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.

  • 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.

  • Create Stunning Cards with Bloom Mandala Stencil

    Create Stunning Cards with Bloom Mandala 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 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 (x 2)

    Card Face:

    Before beginning  I sprayed the back of this delicate stencil with Pixie Spray.  I left this for about 30 seconds before using it.

    • I created the first card face by placing the it on my Grip Mat and positioning the stencil. I went over the stencil with a brayer to ensure good contact.
    • I used dark teal ink and a heavy hand across all open areas,  creating very saturated tones across the surface.
    • I used a circular die to cut the center from this panel.
    • I put that card face to the side and positioned the second one on the grip mat: again I positioned the stencil on the card face and used a brayer to ensure good contact between stencil and paper.
    • Using the same ink but with a light hand this time, I created the pattern once again.  I added several layers of ink to all borders to intensify the colour there.

    Other:

    • I stamped the sentiment on a piece of scrap cardstock,  and cut it out with a stitched rectangle die.
    • I used two circular dies and some gold foiled cardstock to create the circular frame.  The smaller of the dies was the one used to cut the circle from the initial card face.  This ensured a perfect match in sizing.

    Assembly

    • I glued the second card face to the card base.
    • I added the more intensely coloured circle cut from the first card face,  taking care to line the patterns up perfectly when gluing it down. This second layer added a nice bit of subtle dimension.
    • I glued the gold circle in place around the layered circle.
    • I added the sentiment across the center as shown.
    • I added 3 different sizes of gems around the mandala to finish the card.

    Final Thoughts:

    The delicacy of this stencil is so lovely – it is a joy to use.  This card was created for my 97 year old mother,  and she was delighted with it.

    Supplies: (and links where possible)

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

    Stencil: Bloom Mandala, A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Stamps:  Polka Dot Blossoms, Tim Holtz, Amazon 

    Dies: 

       Circular Nesting Dies, Amazon 

       Stitched Rectangles, Stampin’ Up! (retired)

    Gems: Twilight Illusion, Crafty Meraki

    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.