Written In Ink

Tag: birthdaycard

  • 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

  • Yummy Designs for Unique Birthday Cards

    Yummy Designs for Unique Birthday Cards

    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

    Yellow Border Layer: 5 3/8 x 4 1/8

    Card Face:  5 ⅛ x 3 ⅞

    I had already created part of this card face weeks before even getting the cake stencil.  I had stamped and heat embossed with this with pearlized purple embossing powder for a different project –  and then decided that it wasn’t quite the right “look” at that time .  It turned out to be perfect for this one!

    Card Face:

    • I laid the card face down on the grip mat.
    • Alternating when required and masking as necessary, I created the cake using brown (chocolate!) and pink inks to form the cake’s layers.
    • I created the flames on the candles with a small brush, using red at the base of each flame and blending yellow towards the top.
    • The cake base was created with soft grey ink, blending silver ink (again with a small brush) towards the outside of each layer of the grey.
    • I drew the actual candles in with a gold gel pen.
    • I used Wink of Stella on the flames to add a subtle, unexpected detail.
    • I put the card face into my stamp positioner and added the sentiment with black Versafine Onyx.

    Assembly

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

    Final Thoughts:

    The embossed image feels like streamers to me (at least when combined with this image) –  I love the way these two products played together.

    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:  Layered Celebration Cake,  A Colorful Life Designs

    Versamark Embossing Ink: Simon Says Stamp

    Purple Embossing Powder:  unfortunately I have no idea what company produced this powder,  as it isn’t labelled, and was part of a “lot purchase” of goods from someone purging her stash. 

    Stamps: 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 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.

    Layered Celebration Cake

  • “Make a Wish” and send it to a friend

    “Make a Wish” and send it to a friend

    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: 5.25 x 5.25

    White Border Layer: 5 ⅛ x 5 ⅛

    Card Face:  5 x 5

    I love creating gel prints:  it’s an activity I share with my daughter (part of the reason I love it).  I have quite an accumulation,  and from time to time, I make a determined effort to use some of them up. This card was born during one of those times.

    Card Face:

    • I cut the gel print down to size and then placed it on the grip mat.  I positioned the stencil (it is a 6 x 9 stencil, so there are lots of options for how it’s placed on the page) and then pressed my Versamark ink pad firmly through the stencil onto the card face.
    • After removing the stencil, I sprinkled black embossing powder over the card face and set it with my heat gun.

    Other:

    • I used scraps of white cardstock to cut out the three cupcakes.  
    • I also cut three of the sentiments and glued them together, which created extra dimension and presence for the sentiment.

    Assembly

    • I glued the black border layer to the card base.
    • I centered the white border layer on top of these and then added the card face on top of both.
    • I glued the sentiment towards the bottom right as shown,  and then added the three cupcakes.
    • I added a pink embellishment to each cupcake.

    Final Thoughts:

    I love the addition of the stencilled embossing to the gel print: the die cuts finished it off perfectly.

    Supplies: (and links where possible)

       I have listed the products I have used and where to purchase them. It’s a huge marketplace, and in most instances, there are multiple sources and many alternatives to choose from.

    Stencil:  Big Squiggles,  A Colorful Life Designs

    Dies:  Make a Wish, Creative Expressions

    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.

    Big Squiggles

  • Create a Stunning Card with Transfer Foil

    Create a Stunning Card with Transfer Foil

    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: 5.25 x 4

    Focal Layer:  5.25 x 1.75

    White Border: 5.25 x 1 7/8

    Focal Layer:

    • I placed the cardstock on a piece of scrap paper, positioned the stencil, and secured both with Mint Tape.
    • I applied Duo Gel to all exposed areas.
    • I removed the stencil and put it into water immediately,  and put the card face aside to dry.  (Duo Gel is dry when it becomes transparent – dry time depends on the thickness of the application.)
    • I don’t have running water close to my craft room, so when I work with Duo Gel or embossing paste, I have a dish of water nearby: putting the stencils in water immediately prevents the product from drying on, and makes cleanup a lot faster and easier.
    • Once the gel had dried,  I placed a piece of transfer foil over top (pretty side UP) and ran the focal layer through the Big Shot.  The pressure caused the transfer foil to stick to the dried gel, so when I removed the foil, a beautiful, shiny image remained.

    Other:

    • I stamped the sentiment on a scrap of cardstock and used a die to create the shape.

    Assembly

    • I glued the focal layer to the white border layer.
    • I glued the black border layer to the card base and added the focal layer on top towards the left, allowing a narrow border.
    • I added dimensional foam to the back of the sentiment and placed it as shown in the image.
    • I added white embellishments to finish this off: two above the sentiment, and one below.

    Final Thoughts:

    When I created this, it was a full panel  (5.5 x 4.25), and while the shine of the foil was stunning,  it was also overwhelming.   I put it aside for quite a while and wondered how to use this. I finally decided to try this design, and I’m so happy with the result –  the black mutes the overwhelm just enough,  while still allowing the shine of the foil to be the star of the show.

    Supplies: (and links where possible)

       I have listed the products I have used and where to purchase them. It’s a huge marketplace, and in most instances, there are multiple sources and many alternatives to choose from.

    Stencil: Presents,  A Colorful Life Designs

    Duo Gel, Deco, R&R Scrapbooking

    Transfer Foil: Mystic Rainbow, Deco Foil, R&R Scrapbooking

    Ink: 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.

    Presents:

  • Fun Ways to Use Music in Card Making

    Fun Ways to Use Music in Card Making

    Would you like to experiment with a design like this? You’ll find a supply list below, including a link to the stencisl I used fromA 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.)

    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:  5.25 x 4 (after die-cutting)

    Card Face:

    • I placed the card face on the grip mat and positioned the Music Elements stencil so that the left-hand side of the stencil was centered on the card face.  I used a soft yellow ink across the exposed areas. 
    • I used blue and green inks to add additional detail with the large notes on the right of the stencil, randomly changing colours and which note was used.
    • I replaced it with the Smiley Faces stencil.  I used dark yellow across all exposed areas.
    • I put the card face into the stamp positioner and used Versafine Onyx to add the large sentiment.
    • I sprinkled the sentiment with clear embossing powder, and set it with my heat gun.

    Other:

    • I had previously stamped/coloured/fussy cut the bird –  I pulled him out of my Ready To Go binder.
    • I used a Deckled Edge die to cut the card face down to size, and then ran the edges of this piece over the blue ink pad,  creating definition.

    Assembly

    • I glued the card face onto the card base,  and added the bird below the sentiment as shown.
    • I used a fineliner to add legs and feet to the bird,  and added shadow under the bird with a gray alcohol marker.

    Final Thoughts:

    I love the fun vibe brought by this card.  

    Supplies: (and links where possible)

       I have listed the products I have used and where to purchase them. It’s a huge marketplace, and in most instances, there are multiple sources and many alternatives to choose from.

    Stencil:

    Music Elements:  A Colorful Life Designs

    Smiley Faces:  A Colorful life Designs

    Clear Embossing Powder,  Wow,  R&R Scrapbooking

    Stamps:  

    Sentiment: Stampin’ Up!  (retired)

    Bird:  Stampers Anonymous Crazy Birds and Things,  Amazon

    Dies:  Deckled Edge die:  Stampin’ Up!  (retired)

    Fineliners, Amazon

    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.

  • Create Stunning Daisy Cards with Simple Stenciling Techniques

    Create Stunning Daisy Cards with Simple Stenciling Techniques

    xx

    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:  5.25  x 2.25

    Hollographic card stock:  5.25 x ⅛” (2)

    This stencil includes 3 separate daisies,  in 3 sizes.

    Card Face:

    • I laid the card face on my grip mat and positioned the largest daisy in the center of the strip:  I  applied light pink ink with a soft hand.
    • I repositioned the stencil and repeated the steps first on the left-hand side, then on the right.  I stencilled just over half of the flower on each side.
    • I positioned the middle-sized flower over the center daisy and applied the same ink,  with a heavier hand this time.  
    • I repeated this step on both of the other daisies.
    • I positioned the smallest flower over the middle daisy and applied ink, but this time I switched to a more vibrant pink.
    • I repeated this step with each of the other flowers.

    Other:

    • I placed the border layer cardstock in an embossing folder and ran it through my Big Shot.
    • I used two green ink pads to apply colour to the raised leafy pattern, lightly running them over the embossed sections.
    • I stamped the sentiment onto a piece of scrap cardstock with Versafine Onyx and trimmed it into a narrow strip.
    • I trimmed a scrap of holographic cardstock to be the same length as the sentiment,  but ⅓” wider (to allow a narrow border).

    Assembly

    • I put dimensional foam tape on the back of the border layer and adhered it to the card base.
    • I glued the card face in place on top of this, centering vertically.
    • I glued the narrow holographic strips in place on either side of the card face.
    • I glued the sentiment to it’s holographic border,  and glued these in place over the center of the middle daisy.
    • I put a large gem in the center of both the left and right flowers.

    Final Thoughts:

    This stencil was on my wish list for a long time:  I’m so glad I finally got it and got this design out of my head!     I really like the layered ink in the daisies, and the two-toned leaves are really effective (even though they aren’t showing in the photo, 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: Daisy Trio,  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

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up! 

    Versafine Onyx, Simon Says Stamp

    Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels

    Holographic Cardstock:  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.

    Daisy Trio

  • Creat Stunning Masculine Cards with a Cool Stencil

    Creat Stunning Masculine Cards with a Cool 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

    Border Layer: 5.5 x 4.25

    Card Face:  5 ⅜ x 4 ⅛

    Scraps of kraft and black cardstock for the “happy”

    Scrap of kraft approximately   1.25 x .25 for the “birthday”.

    Scrap of black approximately  1.5 x .33” for the shadow layer

    Before starting I sprayed the back of the stencil with Pixie Spray, allowed a lapse of about 30 seconds and then placed it on the card face.  The strands of this stencil are very fine,  and this temporary adhesive made sure that they stayed put!

    Card Face:

    • I laid the card face on a piece of scrap paper, positioned the stencil and secured it with Mint Tape.
    • I applied two different colours of DIY embossing paste randomly across the stencil. (Blue and a soft peach.)
    • I removed the stencil carefully and put it into water immediately. (this makes cleanup a lot faster!) and put the card face aside to dry.

    I prefer not to use paste on my Grip Mat,  so in these cases I secure the card face and stencil directly to scrap paper

    Other:

    • I cut the large “happy”  from both kraft and black cardstock.
    • I stamped “birthday”  on kraft using Versafine Onyx.

    Assembly

    • I glued the black border layer to the card base.
    • I glued the two  “happy” layers together, kraft on top and offset slightly to allow the black to peek out.
    • I glued the kraft “birthday” layer on top of the black shadow layer, centering on all sides.
    • I added matt black card bling randomly to the card face.

    Final Thoughts:

    This is such a cool stencil,  and I love the effect of the embossing paste on it:  I didn’t expect the peach embossing paste to dry to be so close to the colour of the kraft cardstock,  but it’s a cool effect.

    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: Wavy Ladders, A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Die: Hero Arts, Happy, Amazon

    Card Bling:  A Colorful Life Designs

    Versafine Onyx, Simon Says Stamp

    Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels

    Card Base & Card Face: Accent 100 lb., Amazon  or  Recollections 110 lb., Michaels

    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.

    Wavy Ladder by A Colorful Life Designs

  • Unlock Amazing Texture in Card Making

    Unlock Amazing Texture in Card Making

    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

    Vellum:  7 x 2.5

    Card Face:

    • I laid the card face on the grip mat and applied blue, yellow and red ink randomly , covering the entire surface.
    • I spattered water generously over the surface, creating texture and depth.
    • Once this had dried, I positioned the stencil and applied black ink with a heavy hand:  the pattern was created by the areas which had been protected by the stencil, allowing the multicoloured base layer to show through.

    Other:

    • I dusted the vellum liberally with anti-static powder.
    • I stamped the image with Versamark embossing ink, sprinkled silver embossing powder, and set it with my heat gun.  

    I turned the heat gun on for approximately 1 minute before use to be certain that it was good and hot.  While embossing the vellum, I moved the heat gun constantly to prevent warping.

    Assembly

    • I wrapped the vellum around the card face and secured it with scotch tape, centering vertically.
    • I put dimensional foam on the back of the card face, and put it in place in the center of  the card base.
    • I added a silver pearl to each corner of the card face,  and a triangular metallic embellishment to each corner of the card base.

    Final Thoughts:

    I love the bits of texture created by the water spatter,  and the interest provided by the use of different colours in the background.

    The use of vellum softened the contrast and bold colours of 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.

    Stencil: Scribble Mask,  A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Versamark Embossing Ink: Simon Says Stamp

    Silver Embossing Powder,  Wow,  R&R Scrapbooking

    Stamps: Candles, Stars & Birthday Wishes , Unity Stamps (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  or  Recollections 110 lb., Michaels

    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.

    Scribble Mask by A Colorful Life Designs

  • Create Stunning a Card for Your Special Guy

    Create Stunning a Card for Your Special Guy

    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: 5.25 x 10.5,  scored at 5.25

    Border Layer: 5 x 5

    Card Face:  5 x 5

    Frame: 5 x 5 (before die cutting)

    I had stamped and coloured this image, then set it aside in my “someday” pile.  This stencil gave me the perfect opportunity (and the inspiration)  to put this handsome fellow to use.

    Card Face:

    • I laid the card face down on the Grip Mat and positioned the stencil.  I applied brown ink with a light, careful hand – avoiding the pre-coloured figure.
    • Using the frame die as a guide,  I cut the card face down to a size slightly smaller than the finished frame would be.

    Other:

    • I put the border layer onto the Grip Mat and positioned the stencil once again.  I used the same brown ink with a heavier hand on this piece, covering all exposed areas.
    • Next, I worked on the piece for the frame: I started with white cardstock, positioned the die, and ran it through the Big Shot.
    • After removing the cardstock from the die, I used a medium brown ink over the entire frame, allowing a random variation in the depth of tone. 
    • I finished this off by bringing in a dark brown ink and using it here and there on the frame, increasing the variation in tone.
    • I selected a sentiment from my Sentiment binder (I love having them ready and waiting when I need one).

    Assembly

    • I glued the border layer to the card base, centering it on all sides.
    • I glued the frame on top of the cut-down card face.
    • I glued this new combination on top of the border layer, centering carefully.
    • I put dimensional foam on the back of the sentiment, and put it in place as shown.

    Final Thoughts:

    This is so far from my first thoughts about how to use this stencil – but how perfect is this for a masculine card?

    I’m really happy with the way this turned out.

    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: Close Up Branches, A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Stamps: Zeke Guy,  Unity Stamps

    Dies: Oval Woodgrain Frame,  Hero Arts, Amazon

    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.

    Close Up Branches by A Colorful Life Designs