How to create a Stunning Art Deco card

dance like nobody’s watching

The elegance of Art Deco meets the extravagant feel of foil! (And a touch of sass, as an unexpected final touch.)

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.)

Are you intrigued by the luxurious feel of foil, but at the same time just a bit intimidated? Me too! or, I was until I discovered Duo gel and transfer foil. No Minc or laminator required, but the same amazing results – and unlimited options.

Let’s get Started:

Card Base: 4.25 x 11, scored and folded at 5.5

Border Layer: 4.25 x 5.5  **

Card Face:  4 x 5.5 

** Budget tip: Rather than a full piece of foiled cardstock,  I used two strips of cardstock that were ⅛ x 5.5 each.  Gluing them snugly alongside the card face gave the look of a full piece,  and is more economical.

Card Face:

• I sprayed the back of my stencil with Pixie Spray. This is a temporary adhesive that will ensure that the stencil stays in place on the card face during use.
• I placed my card face on a piece of cardstock and positioned the stencil.   I used a brayer over the entire surface to ensure good contact with the card face.
• I applied Duo gel to all exposed areas, carefully removed the stencil and put it into water. I set the card face aside to dry.
• After the gel had dried (this depends on the thickness of the application,  but I typically leave this 2 – 4 hours) it was time for the magic!   I put a piece of transfer foil over the card face and ran it through my Big Shot.
• Once this was done I removed the excess foil,  leaving the beautiful pattern behind.
• This card needed a sentiment, but I wasn’t certain which direction to go in at first – and then I stumbled across this bit of sass, which fit the bill perfectly. So I put the card face into my stamp positioner and added the sentiment with Versafine Onyx, stamping 3x to get a bold result.

I didn’t use my Grip Mat for this as I don’t like to risk compromising the surface with gels and pastes.  I’ve seen content creators do this successfully:  I’m just not brave enough yet!

Other:

• I placed a piece of adhesive dimensional foam on the back of a scrap piece of cardstock and added the die. Then I ran it through the Big Shot.

Assembly

• I glued the card face to the card base, centering vertically.
• I glued a narrow strip of irridescent cardstock to both sides.
• I added the dancing lady as shown.

Final Thoughts:

This stencil was part of a water themed release from A Colorful Life Designs,  but as soon as I saw it I thought of the elegance of Art Deco. This design has been perking away in my head for a while now –  I’m glad to finally have it out and on paper.

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: Waterspout,  A Colorful Life Designs

Versamark Embossing Ink: Simon Says Stamp

Clear Embossing Powder: Wow,  R&R Scrapbooking

Stamps: Be Yourself, The Frantic Stamper

Dies:  Carmen, The Frantic Stamper

Ink: Stampin’ Up!

Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up! 

Versafine Onyx, Simon Says Stamp

Memento Ink: 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 added to the list, and notified when I release new work.