Written In Ink

Category: Stencils

  • Support someone you Care for with a Fast and Easy Card

    Support someone you Care for with a Fast and Easy 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: 8.5 x 7, scored and folded at 3.5

    Card Face: 8 ⅛ x 3 1/8

    Card Face:

    • I placed the card face into my stamp positioner and stamped the image with Versafine Onyx. I stamped a couple of times to create an intense image.
    • I let this dry for a couple of minutes and then placed the card face on my Grip Mat.  I positioned the stencil and added light grey ink around the image.   I allowed a variation in tone as I added ink.
    • I put the card face back into the stamp positioner and added the sentiment in the same light gray ink.

    Assembly

    • I glued the card face to the card base, centering on all sides.
    • I used a ruler and a black marker to create the narrow black border around the card face.

    Final Thoughts:

    This is such a beautiful image:  I purchased it recently, and couldn’t wait to use it.  The stencilled pattern in the background complements perfectly without distraction.

    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: Celtic Knots, A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Stamp:  Twilight Grazing,  Creative Expressions,  Ecstasy Crafts

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up! 

    Versafine Onyx, Simon Says Stamp

    Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels

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

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

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

    Celtic Knots

  • Unique Card Making:Try Using Spackle for Embossing

    Unique Card Making:Try Using Spackle for 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 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

    I love experimenting with new (to me)  techniques and products:  this card was created using spackle as an embossing paste.  I remembered something from Youtube that I saw a few years ago,  demonstrating that “something from a hardware store”  made great embossing paste.  The demonstrator was perfectly clear in what that product was – but I cannot remember!  This was my attempt to substitute, and it was really successful!

    Card Face:

    • I put my card face onto a piece of scrap paper, positioned the stencil and secured both with Mint Tape. 
    • I spread spackle across all exposed areas, removed the stencil and put the card face aside to dry.
    • I put the stencil into water immediately, to prevent the spackle from drying on the stencil.

    When I work with embossing paste  (or spackle, LOL)  I prefer not to use my Grip Mat:  I’m forever going beyond the paper with the paste, and I don’t want to get it on the Mat.

    Other:

    I had previously di- cut the gift from patterned paper: it wasn’t used at that time so I saved it in my Ready to Go Binder until it was needed.

    • I pressed the die cut into my Versamark embossing ink pad, sprinkled it with gold powder and set it with my heat gun.  
    • There were a couple of spots that weren’t completely covered,  so I repeated the process, and the second time around I had great coverage.
    • Once the spackle had dried,  I sprayed the card face with Lindy’s Magicals sprays (gold and blue).  I was pretty enthusiastic with the spraying,  so I left this to dry overnight.

    Assembly

    • I glued the card face to the card base.
    • I glued the die-cut gift in the center of the card face.
    • I glued a small gold embellishment in the center of the bow.

    Final Thoughts:

    I am  impressed with how well the spackle worked.   It is heavier bodied than embossing paste,  so it takes a little extra work to cover the areas well,  but it’s not difficult.  Because it is so heavy bodied there is no danger of it seeping under the stencil – bonus!

    I love the way the spackle took the spray,  it’s really pretty.   

    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:  Joined Roses,  A Colorful Life Designs

    Versamark Embossing Ink: Simon Says Stamp

    Gold Embossing Powder,  Wow,  R&R Scrapbooking

    Dies: Gift, KSCraft, Amazon

    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.

    Joined Roses

  • The Gothic Swirl Stencil is a Great Beginning to a Stunning Steampunk Card

    The Gothic Swirl Stencil is a Great Beginning to a Stunning Steampunk 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 my card face on the Grip Mat and positioned the stencil.
    • I applied blue ink, altering pressure/intensity randomly.
    • After removing the stencil, I placed the card face down in my stamp positioner and added the steampunk images using Versafine Onyx.  (I stamped each a couple of times to get lots of depth.)
    • I spattered the card face with water and blotted it with a paper towel.

    Other:

    • I looked through my Sentiment Binder and grabbed three that I felt worked for this card.

    Assembly

    • I glued the black border layer to the card base,  and then centered the card face on top of these.
    • I added the three sentiments, with dramatically varying angles.

    Final Thoughts:

    I love the way this card turned out.

    This stencil is so beautiful and I was really happy with the way the inking turned out.  Then to decide on how to finish it –  it could head in many different directions.  My thoughts turned to steampunk  (I have just a few stamps,  and rarely play with them),  and from that moment, nothing else would do.

    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: Gothic Swirl,  A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Stamps: 

        Steampunk Images:Stampin’ Up! (retired)

        Sentiments:  Tim Holtz, Amazon

    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.

    Gothic Swirl

  • Design a Fun Card sure to make them Grin

    Design a Fun Card sure to make them Grin

    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 3/8 x 4 ⅛

    Focal Image:  3 1/8 x 1 ⅞

    Border for Focal Image:  3.25 x 2

    Card Face:  5.25 x 4

    Card Face:

    • I laid the card face down onto my Grip Mat and positioned the stencil.
    • I applied yellow ink to all exposed areas, using more pressure in the center and allowing the ink to fade towards the edges.

    Other:

    • I had just stamped and coloured this image a couple of days prior, so I grabbed that to use on this card.
    • I stamped the sentiment on a piece of scrap cardstock and die cut it to create the finished shape.

    Assembly

    • I glued the black border layer to the card base.
    • I glued the smaller black border layer to the focal image, and then glued that newly layered piece onto the card face.
    • I put a piece of dimensional foam onto the back of the sentiment and positioned it on an angle across the focal image.

    Final Thoughts:

    I love this crusty, cantankerous old gal … you can see that she has opinions on anything and everything, and is ready to share them.   I was amused by pairing this sentiment with this image:  it’s like she is saying, “this is me,  this is my style.  Deal with it!”   LOL.

    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: Solar Rays, 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

    Stamps:

    Maude, Artistic Impressions (retired)

    Sentiment: Be Yourself, The Frantic Stamper

    Dies: 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.

    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.

    Solar Rays Stencil

  • Impress Someone with your Graffiti Skills

    Impress Someone with your Graffiti Skills

    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

    Kraft Card Face:5.25 x 4

    Card Face:

    • I laid the card face down on my Grip Mat and positioned the Stonework stencil. I covered exposed areas with a mixture of light brown, yellow brown, and orange brown inks.
    • Removing that stencil, I positioned the Circle Tree stencil, masking off the edges to protect the surface that was already inked.   I used dark brown ink and a heavy hand to create the tree.
    • Leaving this stencil in place, I inked up a background stamp with black ink and pressed it firmly into the exposed areas.  The stamp creates a “crackled” look, as if the paint on the stone wall were about to flake off.  I used fineliners to intensify the black on the dark brown.
    • I used a gold gel pen to outline all the openings in the stencil and to complete the circle around the tree.
    • I wasn’t satisfied, so I removed the Circle Tree stencil and put the Stonework stencil back in place:  I used medium brown ink and a small shading brush to add darker colour to the stones, adding depth and dimension.
    • I put the cardface into my stamp positioner and added the sentiment with Versamark embossing ink.   I added Metallic Platinum embossing powder, and set it with my heat gun.

    Other:

    • I pressed the Versamark embossing pad onto the borders of the cardbase, sprinkled it with the same Platinum embossing powder, and set it with my heat gun.  (This ensured that the border matched the sentiment perfectly.)

    Assembly

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

    Final Thoughts:

    I did not completely achieve my goals with this card, but I still like it.

    I wanted it to resemble a stone wall with a tree painted onto it by a graffiti artist.   I’m not seeing my vision, which is frustrating: the addition of the extra brown ink did help with the wall’s visual depth, but it still needs improvement.   A challenge to future self.

    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:

    Stonework: A Colorful Life Designs

    Circle Tree:  A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Versamark Embossing Ink: Simon Says Stamp

    Metallic Platinum Embossing Powder,  Wow,  R &R Scrapbooking

    Stamps:   Paint Your World,  Spellbinders (retired)

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up! 

    Shading Brush:  Waffle Flower, R&R Scrapbooking

    Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels

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

    Stonework Stencil

    Circle Tree stencil

  • Create an Adorable Baby Card That Will be Treasured

    Create an Adorable Baby Card That Will be Treasured

    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:  5.25 x 4

    Card Face:

    • I placed my card face on the Grip Mat and positioned the Dotted Trellis stencil. I applied a mixture of yellow and pink ink randomly across the exposed areas.
    • I switched out the stencils, putting the Circles Galore stencil in place, and added turquoise ink over the first layer of stencilling.
    • I placed the card face in the stamp positioner and added the pink ribbon to the top-left corner of the card face.
    • I stamped the sentiment directly onto the card face, as shown, using Versafine Onyx.  I sprinkled this with clear embossing powder and set it with my heat gun.
    • I ran the edges of the card face across the pink ink pad.

    Other:

    • I looked through my Ready To Go binder and decided to use the wee chick, which was pre-coloured with alcohol markers and fussy cut.

    Assembly

    • I glued the card face to the card base, centering on all sides.
    • I glued the wee chick onto the card face and drew legs and feet so she is standing on the bottom of the ribbon.
    • I added card bling randomly to the card face.

    Final Thoughts:

    I really like the shapes and colours in the two layers of stencilling:  with that in place turning this into a baby card seemed natural.  (I almost always decide what direction a card will go in once the first steps are complete …. And often not until the card is finished.)

    The large stamped ribbon is a nice contrast to the wee chick.

    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:

          Dotted Trellis,  A Colorful Life Designs

          Circles Galore, 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

    Stamps:

    Ribbon:  Technique Junkies (no longer in business)

    Chick:  I am Chickie, Nellies Choice, Ecstasy Crafts

    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.

    Dotted Trellis by A Colorful Life Designs

    Circles Galore by A Colorful Life Designs

  • Create Stunning Cards with Ombre and Stencils

    Create Stunning Cards with Ombre and Stencils

    A card that looks somber at first glance – until it catches the light!

    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  x 3.75

    Focal Image: 3 x 2.5

    Gold Border for Focal Image:  3 ⅛ x 2 ⅝

    I started with a  piece of ombre cardstock,  which made a big difference to the final look of the piece.

    Card Face:

    • I laid the cardface on my Grip Mat and positioned the Rocky Path stencil:  I applied ink which matched the darkest tones on the cardstock to all exposed areas, increasing saturation as I neared the bottom.
    • I waited until this first layer of ink was completely dry.
    • I swapped out the stencils, putting the Smooch Lines stencil down onto the cardface,  and pressing my Versamark embossing ink pad firmly through the open areas. After removing the stencil, I sprinkled gold embossing powder over the cardface,  and set it with my heat gun.

    Other:

    • I stamped the image of the children on the small piece o cardstock using Versafine Onyx,and sprinkled this ink with clear embossing powder.  I set it with my heat gun.
    • Next, it went into my stamp positioner and I added the fence behind the children.
    • I used a light gray copic marker to create the shadow under the children.
    • I used a black fineliner to draw a fine line between the fence and the shadow,  adding separation and definition.
    • I used the Cloud Edger stencil to create the sky.

    Assembly

    • I centered and glued the card face onto the card base.
    • I glued the gold border to the focal image, and then glued these to the card face.

    Final Thoughts:

    Although this card appears very flat and dull in the “full version” image,  you can see that the gold embossing powder adds a lovely lustre to the background.

    I love the tiny scene in the center of the card,  but a bit of carelessness caused me some chagrin.   I had everything else completed and positioned the stencil to add the sky: as soon as I put ink to paper I realized that I had grabbed the black blending brush instead of the grey one.  So –  my initial concept was a softer sky,  but this is what I ended up with!

    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:

    Rocky Path:A Colorful Life Designs

    ` Smooch Lines: A Colorful Life Designs

    Cloud 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,  Simon Says Stamp

    Gold Embossing Powder: Wow,  R&R Scrapbooking

    Stamps:  Nellie’s Choice Children with Balloon,  Ecstasy Crafts

    Fineliners:  Amazon

    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.

    Rocky Path by A Colorful Life Designs

    Smooch Lines By A Colorful Life Designs

    Cloud Edger by A Colorful Life Designs

  • Create Bold Captivating Design in a Card that will be Treasured

    Create Bold Captivating Design in a Card that will be Treasured

    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 ⅛ x 3 7/8

    Card Face:

    This card face began as a bold gel print that I simply cut down to size.

    • I placed the card face on scrap paper and positioned the stencil.  I secured these with Mint Tape.
    • I applied Lunar Paste to the exposed areas, then carefully removed the stencil to avoid smudges.
    • I placed the stencil immediately into a basin of water (keeping the paste wet makes clean up much easier).
    • I put the card face aside to dry.
    • Once the paste had dried,  I positioned a second stencil over top and pressed my Versamark embossing ink firmly over all exposed areas.
    • After removing the stencil, I sprinkled this with gold embossing powder and set it with my heat gun.

    Other:

    • I die-cut three small leaves from gold cardstock.
    • Using Versamark embossing ink, I stamped the sentiment on a piece of scrap cardstock.
    • I sprinkled gold embossing powder over this and set it with my heat gun.
    • I used a die to cut this down to size.

    Assembly

    • I added dimensional foam to the back of the card face and centered it on the card base.
    • I glued the leaves and sentiment in place, as shown.

    Final Thoughts:

    I love the warm, rich tones this piece has, and the way the Rungs stencil appears to float between layers of colour and texture.  This was the result of the addition of the gold-embossed layer of stencilling:  I have had that curly Q stencil for so long that I no longer know who the maker is,  but you could achieve a similar look with Simple Spirals from A Colorful Life Designs.

    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: Rungs, A Colorful Life Designs

    Versamark Embossing Ink: Simon Says Stamp

    Gold Embossing Powder by  Wow,  R&R Scrapbooking

    Stamp/ Dies: Stampin’ Up! (retired)

    Embossing Paste:  Tropical Tango by Simon Hurley, 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.

    Rungs by A Colorful Life Designs

  • YOU Can Create Unique Cards with Stencils

    YOU Can Create Unique Cards with Stencils

    Would you like to experiment with a design like this? You’ll find a supply list below, including a link to the stencils I used from A Colorful Life Designs.  Follow the link and use 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 put the card face into my stamp positioner,  and used Memento ink to stamp the gnome.
    • I coloured him with alcohol markers.
    • I placed the card face onto the Grip Mat and positioned the Outline Grid stencil: I used grey ink and a light hand to create the stencilled pattern.
    • I removed that stencil,  and dropped in the Falling Dots stencil – except instead of the dots going vertically,  I turned the stencil and created them horizontally.  I used blue ink and a soft hand for this step.
    • I returned the card face to the stamp positioner and added the sentiment, using Versafine Onyx.

    Assembly

    • I glued the black border to the card base,  and then centered the card face on top of these.
    • I scattered green and blue Card Bling randomly on the card face.

    Final Thoughts:

    He is such an earnest little guy,  ready to stand his ground and go the course for a friend.  And the stencils provide the perfect detail in the background.

    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:

         Falling Dots, a Colorful Life Designs

         Outline  Grid, A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Stamps: 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

    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.

    Falling Dots Stencil

    Outline Grid Stencil

  • Create Your Own Love Letters Card Design

    Create Your Own Love Letters Card Design

    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 down on my Grip Mat,  I positioned the stencil and applied pink ink over the exposed areas.
    • I switched to a smaller blending brush and added more ink to the hearts on the envelopes.
    • I placed the card face in the stamp positioner and added the “swoosh”  with darker pink ink,  and then added the “sending love”  with black Versafine Onyx.
    • I centered the die on the card face and ran it through the Big Shot.

    This set of dies makes impressions on the card face without cutting through the paper.

    Other:

    • I stamped the “thinking of you”  sentiment on a piece of scrap cardstock and cut it out with a die.
    • I used the matching, larger die to cut a frame for the sentiment.

    Assembly

    • I centered the card face on the card base.
    • I glued the sentiment to the frame,  put dimensional foam on the back and then added it to the card face in the upper left.

    Final Thoughts:

    This is such a pretty stencil: with the hearts on the envelopes, the immediate temptation is to create a Valentine’s Day card, but really, it can be used for any season.

    Although the stamps/dies in this sample are retired, you can easily substitute from your stash and make something wonderful.

    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: Love Letters,  A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Stamps/Dies:  Stampin’ Up!  (retired)

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up! 

    Smaller Blending Brush:  Waffle Flower #1 Shader,  Glitter & Ink

    Versafine Onyx, Simon Says Stamp

    Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels

    Recollections 110 lb., Michaels

    Do you havany e comments or thoughte 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.

    Love Letters by A Colorful Life Designs