Written In Ink

Category: Stencils

  • 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 a Stunning Masculine Card with the Rope Trellis Stencil

    Create a Stunning Masculine Card with the Rope Trellis 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: 5.5 x 4.25

    Card Face:

    • I put the card face on the grip mat and positioned the stencil.
    • I went over all exposed areas with a soft hand and brown ink.
    • I used dark brown ink to stamp the “ship’s log”  detail onto the background twice as shown.
    • I used a blending brush very gently around the edges to add a subtle tonal difference around the edges.
    • I ran the edges of the cardstock over the dark brown ink pad, allowing small “blotches” of ink to appear as I did this.

    Other:

    • I stamped and die-cut the compass, sailboat and sentiment.  I put dimensional foam on the back of each piece.

    Assembly

    • I glued the card face to the card base.
    • I positioned each of the die-cut pieces as shown in the picture.

    Final Thoughts:

    I’m happy with the decisions made during the process and how the elements work together in this card.  It’s a masculine card that would suit several different occasions.

    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: Rope Trellis,  A Colorful Life Designs

    Stamps/Dies: Stampin’ Up!  (retired)

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up! 

    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.

    Rope Trellis

  • 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

  • DIY Card Making: Using the Volcano Stencil for Unique Designs

    DIY Card Making: Using the Volcano Stencil for Unique Designs

    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 x3.25

    This stencil is called Volcano,  but as soon as I saw it I was intrigued by the idea of using it to create a road disappearing in the distance. So, of course  I had to have a go ….

    Card Face:

    • I placed the card face on my Grip Mat and positioned the stencil, allowing most of the volcano to extend beyond the card face.
    • After carefully masking the sky with pieces of low-tack tape, I used brown ink to create the road. I intensified the colour towards the vanishing point and allowed it to get lighter in the foreground.
    • I removed the masking from the sky and relocated it to protect the edges of the road.
    • I used blue ink around the vanishing point of the road and then switched to light aqua for the outer edges.  I blended these two colours carefully where they met.

    Other:

    • I stamped, coloured and die-cut the graduate.
    • I stamped and die-cut the sentiment.
    • I cut two 5.25 x ⅛” pieces of white cardstock and dragged the blue ink pad over each of them.

    Assembly

    • I glued the card face to the card base towards the top, leaving a border, while ensuring a larger border at the bottom.
    • I glued on the narrow blue strips along each side, creating a faux border layer.
    • I added the figure of the graduate towards the end of the road,  as shown.
    • I added the sentiment in the bottom right.

    Final Thoughts:

    It took me a couple of tries to get this right:  the first time I didn’t mask fully and ended up mixing the blue and brown inks –  not my goal!

    The effect works,  and I loved matching the tiny graduate with the sentiment – which are from different companies.

    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: Volcano,  A Colorful Life Designs

    Versamark Embossing Ink: Simon Says Stamp

    Clear Embossing Powder,  Wow,  Simon Says Stamp

    Graduate Stamp and Die:  Mini Boy,  Hampton Arts,  Amazon

    Sentiment Stamp:  Stampin’ Up!  (retired)

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up! 

    Versafine Onyx, Simon Says Stamp

    Memento Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Alcohol Markers:

         Stampin’ Blends: Stampin’ Up!

         Copics:  Wallacks

    Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels

    Card Base & 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.

    Volcano

  • You Can Use Your Stencils for Unique Card Designs

    You Can Use Your Stencils for Unique Card Designs

    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 started with a gel print created with the Retro Star Grid stencil.   I have piles of gel prints,  and from time to time, I get a few out and use them up.

    Card Face:

    • I laid the Mid Century Shadow stencil on the card face and applied Duo Gel in a thin layer over the exposed areas.  I allowed a few gaps in the gel as I applied it to create a patchy look once the foiling was complete.  (I do this from time to time,  to get a more interesting result.)
    • I removed the stencil and put the card face aside to dry.  (Duo Gel goes on white,  and dries clear –  the time taken for this depends on the thickness of the gel.)

    The stencil went immediately into water until I could clean it: the Gel dries to be a super-sticky adhesive, and it’s almost impossible to get off at that point.

    • Once the gel was dry, I laid a piece of transfer foil over it and ran it through the Big Shot.  The pressure from the rollers brought the foil into contact with the adhesive.
    • When I pulled the foil off the card face,  the stencilled pattern remained.
    • I used a corner chomper on the corners of the card face.

    Other:

    • I stamped and coloured the fish, then fussy-cut them out.
    • I stamped the sentiment on a scrap of white cardstock and die-cut the circle as well as the circular border

    Assembly

    • I glued the card face to the card base, centering on all sides.
    • I glued the two fish on.
    • I added the sentiment and the circular border piece.
    • I added iridescent glass beads to represent bubbles from the fish.

    Final Thoughts:

    Once I had completed the foiling on this piece, I had no idea how I wanted to finish it –  this happens to me more often than I like to admit, LOL.

    I finally made the decision on which direction the design would go, and after that it was easy –  and I love the 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.

    Stencils:

    Retro Star Grid,  A Colorful Life Designs

    4 Mid Century Shadow,  A Colorful Life Designs

    Fish Stamps:  A Colorful Life Designs  (retired)

    Dies:

    Circle:  Stampin’ Up!  (retired)

    Circular Border:  Sizzix,  Amazon 

    Duo Gel, Therm o web,  Scrapbook.com

    Foil: iCraft, R&R Scrapbooking

    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.

    4 Mid Century Shadow

    Retro Star Grid

  • Create Beautiful Cards: DIY Guide and Tips

    Create Beautiful Cards: DIY Guide and Tips

    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: 5.25 x 4.75

    Card Face:

    • I laid the card face on my grip mat and positioned the stencil.
    • I used light pink ink across all exposed areas, allowing variation in the pressure to create visual interest.

    Other:

    • I positioned the leaf die on one of the gel prints from my stash,  and ran it through the Big Shot.
    • I taped the bird die to a scrap of white cardstock and ran it through the Big Shot.

    Assembly

    • I glued the leaf die cut to the card face, centering on all sides.
    • I glued the bird die cut towards the bottom of the card face, on top of the first die cut.
    •   I added the bird inlay (optional with this die).
    • I added Wink of Stella to the bird,  as well as a gold bead for the eye.
    • I put foam tape on the back of the card face and centered it horizontally on the card base.

    Final Thoughts:

    This mixture of elements feels sort of random,  but works well together!

    This design would work for many different needs: I wasn’t sure how I was going to use this card when I took the photo,  but it was sent out to a friend going through a hard time with “hugs,prayers and love”  in the upper right.

    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: Flower Rays,  A Colorful Life Designs

    Versamark Embossing Ink: Simon Says Stamp

    Clear Embossing Powder,  Wow,  Simon Says Stamp

    Dies:

    Swirly Bird Ribbon,  Poppy Stamps (retired)

    Leaf Cover Die:  Simon Says Stamp  (retired)

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Blending Brushes: 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.

    Flower Rays

  • 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