Category: Stencils

Create a card just to share a smile
xxxx

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

First Steps:
- I planned to work with Shimmer Sprays for this project, so before starting, I sprayed the back of the stencil generously with Pixie Spray so that I would get a crisp result.
- I waited about 30 seconds and then positioned the stencil in the center of a full piece of paper (8.5 x 11). I used a brayer to ensure good contact between the stencil and the paper.
- I sprayed Lindy’s Shimmer Sprays generously over the stencil, covering the entire sheet of paper. While still wet, I added several colours of Lindy’s Magicals powders to the mix.
- I left this to dry for a while before removing the stencil.
- I cut the paper into four pieces, 5 x 4.25.
Card Face:
- I selected one of the pieces, placed it in my stamp positioner and stamped the giraffes with Versafine Onyx.
- I removed the card face from the positioner and sprinkled clear embossing powder over the stamping: I set this with my heat gun.
- I repeated this step with the sentiment, making the decision to run it vertically rather than horizontally.
Assembly
- I glued the card face to the card base.
- I added three small black embellishments to the upper left.
Final Thoughts:

Although I didn’t get the perfectly crisp result I was hoping for (probably too much spray), I felt that it worked with this pattern. The irregular lines really don’t bother me here.

I love this end result.

Supplies: (and links where possible)

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

Stencil: Mid Century Mask, A Colorful Life Designs

Stamps: Altenew (retired)

Versafine Onyx, Simon Says Stamp

Lindy’s Shimmer Spray: Starburst, Glitter & Ink

Lindy’s Magicals: Under the Sea: Glitter and Ink

Clear Embossing Powder: Wow, 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 notified when I release new work.

Mid Century Mask by A Colorful Life Designs
07/17/2025
Let the Sea set you FREE
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

Border Layer: 5.5 x 4.25

Card Face: 5.5 x 4.25

Card Face:
- I put the card face onto the grip mat and positioned the Eddies stencil. I applied a mixture of light and dark teal inks across the exposed areas, varying pressure and colours randomly.
- Leaving the stencil in place, I spattered water across the exposed areas on the card face, blotting after several seconds to limit the effect.
- I removed the first stencil and replaced it with the mermaid stencil. I applied dark teal ink with a heavy hand across the exposed surface.
- I cut the card face down to 3.5 x 2.75, and then ran the edges over the dark teal ink pad. I allowed the ink to creep into the card face just slightly.
Other:
- I stamped the sentiment with the medium teal ink.
- This is a single stamp , with four lines: I cut the lines apart and tore both the right and left-hand edges on each piece.
- I put dimensional foam on the back of each of the sentiment strips.
- I salvaged a piece of the cut-off card front and trimmed it down to a 4 x .75” strip. I cut the right hand end into a banner and then ran all the edges over the dark teal ink pad.
- I placed the border layer into an embossing folder and ran it through the Big Shot.
Assembly
- I glued the embossed border to the card base.
- I glued the narrow strip to this, aligned to the left hand side about ¾ of the way down the paper.
- I added dimensional foam to the back of the card face, and then secured it on an angle, as shown.
- I positioned the four sentiment strips as shown in the picture.
Final Thoughts:

I love the play of colours on this card, as well as the texture created by the spatter.

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:

     Eddies: A Colorful Life Designs

     Set You Free, A Colorful Life Designs

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

Stamps: Sentiment: Technique Junkies (no longer in business)

Ink: Stampin’ Up!

Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up!

Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels

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

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

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

Eddies, by A Colorful Life Designs
07/14/2025
Create a cute,cheeky birthday hug – and share a giggle!
you’re old

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

5.5 x 4.25

Card Face:
- I laid the card face down on the Grip Mat and then positioned the stencil with the lines running vertically.
- I used a soft yellow ink and a light hand to create the pattern.
- I removed the stencil and rotated it so that the lines were running horizontally, and again applied soft yellow ink with a light hand.
- Voila – a fun plaid had been created!
- After removing the stencil, I put the card face into my stamp positioner and stamped the girl using black Memento ink. I coloured her using alcohol markers.
- I placed the three lines of sentiment as shown in the picture: they were placed very deliberately, even though they have a random appearance.
- (The sentiments are all on one stamp, and I had to mask carefully to scatter them on the card face.)
- I spattered a bit of green ink across the card face.
Assembly
- I glued the card face to the card base.
- I glued small gems here and there on the card face.
Final Thoughts:

I love this cute wee girl – she can take on so many moods, depending on what kind of card you want to create. The plaid created with the stencil is a great background for her.

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: Drizzled Lines, a Colorful Life Designs

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

Stamps:

    Joyful Echoes, Unity Stamps

    Sentiment: Technique Junkies (no longer in business)

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

You can also use the Comments Section to be notified when I release new work
07/10/2025
Make and send sea of thanks
Would you like to experiment with a design like this? You’ll find a supply list below, including a link to the stencil I used from A Colorful Life Designs. Follow the link and use discount code ChrisFan10 to save 10% on your entire order! (Master Creator Bundles are excluded as they already have a 20% discount built in.)

Let’s get Started:

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

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

Card Face:
- I placed the card face on the Grip Mat and positioned the stencil.
- I pressed my Versamark embossing ink pad through the stencil firmly, making sure that there was good ink transfer across the exposed surface.
- After removing the stencil I sprinkled the card face with sparkly mint green embossing powder, and then used my heat gun to set it.
Other:
- I looked through my Ready to Go binder, and grabbed three wee fish which had already been coloured with alcohol markers and then cut out.
- I stamped the sentiment using Versafine Onyx, sprinkled on some clear embossing powder and set it with the heat gun. I used snips to fussy cut the sentiment.
     Versafine Onyx is a pigment ink and takes longer to dry: this allows time for heat embossing which intensifies the stamping.

Assembly

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

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

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

Final Thoughts:

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

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

Supplies: (and links where possible)

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

Stencil: Droplet Grid, A Colorful Life Designs

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

Versamark Embossing Ink: Simon Says Stamp

Clear Embossing Powder: Wow, Simon Says Stamp

Green Embossing Powder: Michaels (retired)

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

Ink: Stampin’ Up!

Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up!

Versafine Onyx, Simon Says Stamp

Memento Ink: Stampin’ Up!

Alcohol Markers:

     Stampin’ Blends: Stampin’ Up!

     Copics: Wallacks

Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels

Card Base: Accent 100 lb., Amazon

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

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

Droplet Grid from A Colorful Life Designs
07/08/2025
A handmade card that celebrates the sparkle 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

Border Layer: 5.25 x 4

Card Face: 5 1/8 x 3 7/8

Card Face
- I stamped the images onto the card face with Memento ink: I was using my stamp positioner, which allowed me to stamp a couple of times to get a good, crisp image.
- I coloured the images with alcohol markers.
- I positioned the card face on the grip mat and placed the stencil over it.
- I pressed Versamark embossing ink through the stencil, avoiding the images.
- I sprinkled holographic embossing powder over the wet ink and set it with my heat gun.
- I rounded the corners of the card face with a punch.
Other:
- I stamped the sentiment with Versafine Onyx and added clear embossing powder, setting it with my heat gun.
- I rounded the corners of the black border layer with the same punch I had used on the card face.
Assembly
- I glued the border layer to the card base and added the card face on top of these, centring both layers appropriately.
- I added tiny (tiny!) rhinestones to each bead of the necklace, as well as to the earrings. Because – how can you celebrate sparkle without including it on the card?! They don’t show up in the photo, but they add a nice bit of “glitter,” which works nicely with the sentiment.
- I experimented with the placement of the sentiment, in the end deciding to place it vertically on the right-hand side of the card face as shown.
Final Thoughts:

I love the whimsy in this card, created by that fabulous Old Gal and the placement of the sentiment.

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: Ocean Stars, A Colorful Life Designs

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

Versamark Embossing Ink: Simon Says Stamp

Hollographic Embossing Powder: Ranger,Simon Says Stamp

Clear Embossing Powder: Wow, Simon Says Stamp

Stamps:

   You’ve Got Style, Stampin’ Up! (retired)

   Glitter, A Colorful Life Designs (retired)

Ink: Stampin’ Up!

Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up!

Versafine Onyx, Simon Says Stamp

Memento Ink: Stampin’ Up!

Alcohol Markers:

     Stampin’ Blends: Stampin’ Up!

     Copics: Wallacks

Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels

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

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

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

Ocean Stars by a Colorful Life Designs

Use ChrisFan10 to save!
07/04/2025
What is more longed-for than time to relax?
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

Border Layer: 5.5 x 4.25

Card Face: 5.3/8 x 4 1/8

Card Face:
- I laid the card face onto my grip mat and positioned the Flame Edger Stencil. Using the lower ⅔ of the space, I moved the stencil around, applying green ink. I changed areas on the stencil to produce different patterns of “grass”, and also changed the intensity of the ink here and there.
- I changed to the Cloud Edger stencil and blue ink to create the sky on the upper ⅓ of the card face.
- I placed the card face into the stamp positioner and stamped the image 3X with Versafine Onyx.
This is an old rubber stamp, so positioning it where I wanted it in the design involved stamping onto acetate which was placed over the card face, stamping and moving the stamp slightly until it was where it needed to be.

Other:
- I looked through my sentiment binder and selected Happy Retirement as a great match for this image.
- I added dimensional foam tape to the back of the sentiment.
Assembly
- I glued the black border layer to the card base.
- I centered the card face on top of this.
- I added the sentiment as shown.
Final Thoughts:

I love finding alternate ways to use my products, and when I was looking at the Flame Edger stencil I could see potential for creating grass. And then….. a cute card was born!

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:

Flame Edger: A Colorful Life Designs

Grass Edger: A Colorful Life Designs

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

Versamark Embossing Ink: Simon Says Stamp

Stamps: old, and long 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 notified when I release new work.

Fire Edger by A Colorful Life Designs
06/28/2025
Send a supportive, encouraging card to that special Someone
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: 4.25 x 11, scored and folded at 5.5

Black Border Layer: 4.25 x 5.5

Kraft Card Face: 4 x 5.5

Card Face:
- I placed the card face into my stamp positioner and used red ink to stamp the image. I stamped three times to ensure a clear, fully saturated image.
- I moved the card face to my grip mat, and positioned the stencil. I applied brown ink with a soft hand over the exposed areas, avoiding the image.
- I went around the borders on the card face with a light hand, brushing on the red ink used for stamping.
- I put the card face into an embossing folder and ran it through the Big Shot to create texture.
Other:
- I placed a scrap of kraft cardstock into my stamp positioner and created the sentiment with Versafine Onyx.
- I used a stitched die to cut this out, and then went over the edges of this with red ink, as I had with the card face.
Assembly
- I glued the black border layer to the card base, and then centered the card face on top of these.
- I put dimensional foam tape on the back of the sentiment and put it in place as shown.
Final Thoughts:

I love kraft and red together, and I also love how much the stencilling and the embossing add to this design (both subtle, but critical to the end result).

I am really happy with the simplicity of this card – I think it makes a statement with minimal fuss.

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: Broken Lines, A Colorful Life Designs

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

Stamps: Technique Junkies (no longer in business)

Dies: Stampin’ Up! (retired)

Ink: Stampin’ Up!

Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up!

Versafine Onyx, Simon Says Stamp

Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels

Card Base: Accent 100 lb., Amazon

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

You can also use the Comments Section to be notified when I release new work
06/23/2025
Make him a fun and fabulous Father’s Day card.
Let’s get Started:

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.)

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

Cranberry Border Layer: 5.5 x 4.25

Copper Border Layer: 3.25 x 4.25

Alternatively, to save material- just cut two ⅛ x 4.25 strips from the copper cardstock and glue them directly along the top and bottom of the card face.

Card Face: 3 x 4.25

Card Face:
- I placed the card face on my grip mat and then positioned the first part of the stencil (the handles).
- Using cranberry ink and a moderate hand, I applied ink across the exposed areas. I went back with a shading brush (smaller) and applied addition in specific areas to create depth in the handles.
- I removed the first stencil and brought in the second layer (the “business end” of each tool).
- I used copper metallic ink across all exposed areas.
This is a very dense pigment ink, and I wasn’t able to create further depth with additional layers.

Other:
- I stamped the sentiment with Versafine Onyx, and cut it down to the finished size with a die.
- I used an embossing folder on the cranberry border layer to create an industrial feel.
- I used the same copper foil cardstock and dies to cut out the nuts used as an accent.
If a piece of foiled cardstock was used for the copper border (rather than strips) these nuts could be cut from the center of that piece – no one would know!

Assembly
- I glued the cranberry border layer to the card base, and added the copper border layer and card face on top centering appropriately.
- I put dimensional foam on the back of the sentiment and put it in place in the center of the card.
- I added the small copper nuts as shown.
Final Thoughts:

Such a fun card: I love the colours and textures. And I love that sentiment, combined with the wee embellishments.

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: Layered Tools, A Colorful Life Designs

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

Stamp and Die: Taylored Expressions (retired)

Ink: Stampin’ Up!

Metallic Ink: Copper Pot: Lisa Horton, Glitter & Ink

Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up!

Shading Brushes: Waffle Flower, Amazon

Versafine Onyx, Simon Says Stamp

Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels

Copper Foil Cardstock: Reflections, Michaels

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

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

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

Layered Tools from A Colorful Life Designs
06/22/2025
The delightful whimsy of dasies, in a thank you 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

Black Border Layer: 5.5 x 4.25

Card Face: 5.25 x 4

Card Face:
- I laid the card face onto the Grip Mat and positioned the stencil.
- I applied school bus yellow ink across the exposed areas.
- I repositioned the stencil, turning it 90 degrees, and applied peach ink across all exposed areas.
- I used a punch on the corners to create the pattern shown in the image.
Other:
- I looked through my sentiment binder and selected one that worked: I took into account the mood of the design and the size of the sentiment.
Assembly
- I glued the black cardstock to the card base, and then centered the card face on top.
- I put the sentiment in place as shown.
- I scattered three different colours of card bling across the surface: black, black with white polka dots and white with black polka dots.
Final Thoughts:

The combination of the two colours created some interesting tone depth, and rotating the stencil created an interesting depth in the pattern.

I love the polka dot card bling, and the additional whimsy it brings to this 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

Ink: Stampin’ Up!

Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up!

Stamp: Unity Stamp Company (retired)

Card Bling: A Colorful Life Designs

Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels

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

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

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

Trim Octagon from A Colorful Life Designs
06/18/2025
Make an Impression with an Exciting Mixed-Media Card
Would you like to experiment with a design like this? You’ll find a supply list below, including a link to the stencil I used from A Colorful Life Designs. Follow the link and use discount code ChrisFan10 to save 10% on your entire order! (Master Creator Bundles are excluded as they already have a 20% discount built in.)

Let’s get Started:

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

Card Face: 5.25 x 4

Card Face:
- After laying the black cardstock onto the grip mat, I positioned the stencil.
- I used white pigment ink across the exposed surface, repeating a couple of times to build intensity. I had used pigment ink, so I put this aside for several hours to allow the ink to dry fully.
- I put the stencil back in place, lining the pattern up carefully; and then added Duo Gel randomly on the inked areas.
- I placed the stencil water immediately, and once again put the card face aside to dry.
- Once the gel had dried (it goes on white, but is transparent when dry), I added a piece of transfer foil and ran it through my Big Shot. After pulling the foil away I was left with a wonderfully shiny, random, addition to to the pattern.
Other:
- I die cut the Seriously from white card stock twice, and glued them together.
- I stamped the rest of the sentiment and used my trimmer to cut it down to the final size.
Assembly
- I glued the card face to the card base.
- I glued the large die cut to the card face, and then positioned the smaller rectangle underneath.
Final Thoughts:

I love the look of the stencilled pattern on black cardstock, and also the combination that created the sentiment for the card.

Supplies: (and links where possible)

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

Stencil: Open Coils, A Colorful Life Designs

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

Versamark Embossing Ink: Simon Says Stamp

Dies: Seriously, Picket Fences (retired)

Ink: Stampin’ Up!

Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up!

Versafine Onyx, Simon Says Stamp

Deco Gel: Therm O Web, Amazon

Transfer Foil: Deco Foil, Therm O Web, Amazon

Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels

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

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

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

Open Coils from A Colorful Life Designs
06/14/2025

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