Written In Ink

Tag: diy card

  • DIY Card Design: Techniques for Beautiful Stenciled Art

    DIY Card Design: Techniques for Beautiful Stenciled Art

    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 x 3.75

    Card Face:  4 ⅞ x 3 ⅝ (after die cut)

    Card Face:

    • I began by laying the card face down on the Grip Mat and positioning the grid stencil.  I applied  lime green ink over the exposed areas, deliberately creating variations in depth of tone
    • I laid the Broken Lines stencil directly over the first stencil and secured it before adding dark grey ink randomly through the stencil.
    • After removing both stencils and setting them aside,  I placed the card face in my stamp positioner and added those awesome hearts.  I stamped twice to be certain that the image was dark enough.
    • I added both gold and black spatter, using metallic watercolour paint.
    • I used a deckled edge rectangle die to trim the card face down to its final size.
    • Then I decided that I wanted one more detail for visual interest,  so I used a smaller die from the same set to cut a deckled rectangle from the card face, centering the die around the hearts.

    Other:

    • I looked through my sentiment binder for the perfect finishing touch and decided on a motivational sentiment in the end.

    Assembly

    I added dimensional foam to the back of the inner piece of the card face.

    I centered the outer section of the card face on the black border and then glued these layers to the card base.

    I put the center of the card face back where it belonged, with the foam creating added dimension.

    Finally,  I glued the sentiment to the card face, directly over the hearts.

    Final Thoughts:

    This design would work for any occasion:  I’m always happy when I have a fun, multipurpose card.   

    I’m really happy with the way that these two stencils work together, as well as the final 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.

    Stencils:

        Broken Lines,  A Colorful Life Designs

        16 Square Shadow,  A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Metallic Watercolour Ink:  Amazon

    Stamps:  

        Hearts,  Technique Junkies  (no longer in business)

        Polka Dot Blossoms Sayings,  Tim Holtz,  Amazon

    Dies:   Deckled Edged Rectangles, 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 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.

  • Share a smile with a DIY Cheeky Get Well Card

    Share a smile with a DIY Cheeky Get Well 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:  5.5 x 4.25

    White Frame:  5.25 x 4  (outer dimensions)

    Card Face:

    • I began by stamping the image onto the card face with black Memento ink and colouring it in using alcohol markers.
    • Laying the card face down on my Grip Mat and positioning the Scripty stencil.  I applied black ink randomly, using a light hand.  I took care to avoid the image during this process.
    • Removing that stencil,  I replaced it with the Grunge Dots stencil and applied a medium blue ink across the exposed areas, once again avoiding the image.
    • I brushed the same blue ink on the borders, allowing it to fade as it moved away from the edge. The stencilling was visible through this ink and took on the appearance of texture, which I liked.
    • Finally,  I traced around the image of the nurse using a soft grey alcohol marker.  This helped to separate her from the background,  making her stand out.

    Other:

    • I placed two consecutively sized rectangular dies on a piece of white cardstock, securing them with Mint Tape.  I ran these through the Big Shot: this created the frame.
    • I stamped the sentiment and used a smaller rectangular die to cut it down to the correct size.

    Assembly

    • I glued the card face to the card base.
    • I put glue on the back of the frame, but then blotted some of it off on scrap paper before putting it in place on the card face.  (This ensured that no glue seeped out from under the frame.)
    • I glued the sentiment in place as shown.

    Final Thoughts:

    I love a good cheeky image,  and this one (both image and sentiment)  from Art Impressions is awesome.

    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:

        Script,  A Colorful Life Designs

        Grunge Dots,  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,  R&R Scrapbooking

    Stamps:  Get Well,  Art Impressions

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

  • How to create a Stunning Art Deco card

    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.

  • Elevate Your Card Making with Easy Stenciling Techniques

    Elevate Your Card Making with Easy Stenciling Techniques

    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.)

    A couple of simple stencilling techniques is a great way to make your card stand out.

    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 4

    Card Face:

    • I placed the card face onto my Grip Mat, and then positioned the stencil. I applied bright green ink to the exposed areas. As I had used a heavy hand, I had to put this aside until the ink was dry.
    • With the ink completely dry,  I put the stencil back in place but moved it slightly down and to the right.  This stencilling technique created the illusion of a shadow for each of the hearts.
    • I added translucent gel over the exposed areas, carefully removing the stencil once this was complete and putting it into water immediately.  I set the card face aside to dry once again.
    • Once the gel had dried, I put the card face into my stamp positioner and added the image in the center of the hearts with Versafine Onyx and sprinkled it with clear embossing powder.  I set this with my heat gun.
    • I coloured the image with alcohol markers.
    • I used the cloud edger stencil and blue ink to create the sky, being careful to stay inside the hearts. This stencilling technique created a scene in a very specific part of the card, and is very effective.
    • I added the birds using a black fineliner.

    Other:

    • I put a piece of scrap cardstock into the stamp positioner and stamped the sentiment two or three times with the same blue ink.  (I had used a soft blue,  and I needed to stamp several times to allow the sentiment to have enough presence.)
    • I trimmed the sentiment down to a narrow strip and added dimensional tape on the back.

    Assembly

    • I glued the border layer to the card base and then centered the card face on top of these.
    • I positioned the sentiment as shown.

    Final Thoughts:

    I quite like this offbeat combination of elements. 

    If I were to recreate this card,  I would select a different colour for the umbrella: I don’t feel that it works well with the other colours in the scene. Do you ever regret a colour choice when it’s too late to do anything about it?

    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:

       Cloud Edger:  A Colorful Life Designs

       Happy Thoughts Wreath:  A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Stamps:   I’ll be Your Umbrella,  Andy Skinner,  Amazon

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up! 

    Versafine Onyx, Simon Says Stamp

    Clear Embossing Powder:  Wow,  R&R Scrapbooking

    Black Fine Liners: Amazon

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

  • Get Messy! a Simple DIY Card Tutorial with Stencils

    Get Messy! a Simple DIY Card Tutorial 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.)

    Don’t be afraid to get messy during your design process! The results are usually unexpected, but awesome.

    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:

    • First things first:  I laid the card face on my Grip Mat,  positioned the stencil and applied a random mixture of blue and yellow ink.
    • I left the stencil in place and traced the outline with a teal gel pen.
    • I added some spatter with water to create additional depth and visual interest.
    • Time to get a little messy. I placed the Broken Lines stencil on top of the first one and added slate grey embossing paste selectively over exposed areas.  I immediately removed both stencils (carefully!) and put them into water.
    • I set the card face aside to dry.

    Other:

    • I looked through my binders for inspiration and found the heart and the sentiment.  

    Assembly

    • I glued the card face to the card base, centering on all sides.
    • I glued both the heart and sentiment in place as shown.
    • I added a small coloured rhinestone in the center of the heart.

    Final Thoughts:

    This is a fun card, with a bit of grunge provided by the embossing paste.  

    This stencil is 6 x 9,   so the card face was cut in half to yield this 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.

    Stencils:

        So Many Bubbles:  A Colorful Life Designs

        Broken Lines:  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,  R&R Scrapbooking

    Metallic Gel Pens:  Sakura,  Amazon

    Embossing Paste:  Stormy,  TCW,  Glitter and Ink

    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?  Do you like to add a bit of grunge to a design, or are you more of a clean and simple designer? 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.

  • Unique Floral Card Tutorial for Crafters

    Unique Floral Card Tutorial for Crafters

    The copper embossing powder is so pretty – have a look at the close up.

    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:  5.5 x 3.25

    Copper Strips:   5.5 x ⅛”   (x 2)

    Card Face:

    • I laid the card face down on my Grip Mat and positioned the stencil.
    • I masked off the right side of the stencil and applied mauve ink to the left-hand side (the side with the longer rectangles). 
    • I moved the mask to protect the section just inked and applied a darker, more reddish purple to the exposed areas.
    • I spattered the card face with pink and purple metallic watercolour paint.
    • After allowing this to dry,  I placed the card face into my stamp positioner and stamped the floral image with Versamark embossing ink.
    • I removed the card face, sprinkled copper embossing powder over the ink,  and set it with my heat gun.

    Other:

    • I put the border layer into an embossing folder and ran it through my Big Shot to create texture.
    • I looked through my sentiment binder and discovered the “friend”  ready and waiting: it had been created from metallic copper cardstock.
    • I cut the two narrow strips of copper cardstock.

    Assembly

    • I glued the embossed border layer to the card base.
    • I glued one of the narrow copper strips snugly along the left-hand border.
    • I glued the card face beside this, butting up against the narrow strip.
    • I glued the second strip of copper along the right edge of the card face.
    • I added the “friend”  to the card face, as shown.

    Final Thoughts:

    I love this colour combination,  and I’m also really happy with the mixture of textures and tonalities in 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:  Ordered Lines,  A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Versamark Embossing Ink: Simon Says Stamp

    Copper  Embossing Powder: Wow,  Scrap n’ Stamp

    Stamps:   Technique Junkies  (no longer in business)

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up! 

    Metallic Watercolour: 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 added to the list, and notified when I release new work.

  • A little paint is good for the soul

    A little paint is good for the soul

    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:  5.25 x 4

    Scrap paper for the paint brush

    Card Face:

    • I began by laying the card face down on my Grip Mat and positioning the Broken Lines stencil.  I followed that by applying beige ink across the exposed areas.
    • Laying that stencil aside,  I positioned the Bottled Posies stencil towards the left of the card face and traced two of the bottles using a black fine liner.
    • I used alcohol markers to completely colour the bottle on the left, and then I partially coloured the bottle on the right.
    • With those steps complete,  I decided that I wanted a bit of shadow underneath to ground them,  so I added that.
    • I spritzed the surface of the card face with water,  blotting it quickly.  This softened the background and added visual interest.
    •      The alcohol markers don’t react to water,  making this process safe.
    • Once the card face was completely dry again,  I put it into my stamp positioner and added the sentiment with Versafine Onyx.

    Other:

    • I stamped the paint brush on scrap paper using Memento ink,  and coloured it with alcohol markers.  
    • Once the colouring was complete I cut it out.
    • I looked through my critters binder and found the wee mouse; I quickly decided that he would provide the perfect finishing touch.

    Assembly

    • I glued the black border layer to the card base, and then added the card face on top of these.
    • I experimented with the placement of the brush,  and then glued it in place.
    • Finally,  I added the mouse as shown, sitting on the brush.

    Final Thoughts:

    I was actually creating a completely different card with the Bottled Posies stencil when I this idea struck: I had used the same process of tracing/colouring the images and had too much time invested to try the concep at that moment,  so I tried it on the next card.  

    I’m happy with the general feel of the card  (I really like the watercolour “feel”  that the background has),  but would change the positioning of the brush if I were to do it again.

    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:

       Broken Lines: A Colorful Life Designs

       Bottled Posies: A Colorful Life Designs

    Stamps:  Color My World,  Colorado Craft Co.

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

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Fineliners:  Amazon

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

  • Make a card for that strong, amazing woman in your life

    Make a card for that strong, amazing woman 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: 5.5 x 4.25

    Card Face:  5.5 x 4

    Card Face:

    • I got started by putting the card face onto my Grip Mat and then positioning the stencil on top.
    • Next,  I applied soft pink ink to one edge,  and yellow ink to the other; where they met they turned orange and I went over this junction with both pink and yellow until I had a smooth blend.
      • Although there is a lot to be said for a smooth, homogenous finish I usually allow variations in tone when I blend as I have on this card. I feel that this provides a subtle visual interest and keeps the eye moving on the card face.
    • After setting the stencil aside, I put the card face into my stamp positioner and stamped the fabulous image with Versafine Onyx.

    Other:

    • I created a frame by taping two dies together (taped to ensure even spacing) and then running them through the Big Shot with holographic cardstock.

    Assembly

    • I started putting the card together,  beginning by gluing the black border layer to the card base.
    • Next came the card face:  glued on top of the other two and centered vertically.
    • I found that I needed to experiment a bit before gluing down the frame: did I want it straight? Or angled?  In the end, I put it at an angle which was a fun, unexpected detail.
    • I finished by adding bling in both black and silver, scattered randomly around the card face.

    Final Thoughts:

    I love this stamp,  and it works SO well with the stencil.   

    One of the reasons that I like the angled frame is that it works so well with the lines created by the stencil.

    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: Op Art Bench,  A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Versamark Embossing Ink: Simon Says Stamp

    Stamps: Be A Legend,  Technique Junkies (no longer available)

    Dies: Everlasting Squares,  Spellbinders

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up! 

    Versafine Onyx Ink, Simon Says Stamp

    Holographic Cardstock, Recollections,  Michaels

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

  • A Handmade Card for the Bibliophile in Your Life

    A Handmade Card for the Bibliophile in Your Life

    Let’s get Started:

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

    Card Face:  5.25 x 4

    I have to confess that I love books:  I love hard cover, soft cover, e-reader:  I just love reading and stepping into another world.  How about you?

    Card Face:

    • I put the card face into my stamp positioner and stamped the books with black Memento ink.  (This ink is alcohol resistant,  so it is perfect for working with alcohol markers.)
    • Then I removed that stamp and added the stamps for the girl and stamped her, also with Memento.
    • Finally, I coloured both images with alcohol markers, adding a bit of shadow under the girl to ground her in the scene.

    Other:

    • I stamped the sentiment with Versafine Onyx.  
    • After giving it a minute to dry  (pigment inks take longer to dry)  I fussy cut around the sentiment.

    Assembly

    • I glued the card face to the card base.
    • I added the sentiment as shown.
    • Then I decided that the card needed a little more definition:  I grabbed a black marker and used a ruler to create a black border around the card face.  

    There are several advantages to this –

    –  It saves a piece of card stock to be used another day

    –  No need to sacrifice a portion of the card face if you’re happy with the proportions

    –  Or – as in this case –  if you see the need for more definition, but too late in the process to add another layer.

    Final Thoughts:

    The combination of these images makes me think of art you find in a graphic novel.   Such a fun and unexpected result.  ( Did I mention that I love books?)

    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.

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

    Versamark Embossing Ink: Simon Says Stamp

    Stamps:

        Stack of Books,  Technique Junkies (no longer available)

        Hand Delivered,  Stampin’ Up! (retired)

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

  • An easy creative solution to a BIG cardmaking Blunder

    An easy creative solution to a BIG cardmaking Blunder

    What to do when you’ve invested time and materials, but then it all goes sideways? When that happens to me I hate having to scrap the time and materials invested in the piece.

    Errors are opportunities for creativity! Read on to learn more ….

    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

    Card Face:

    I stamped the images in black Memento ink and colored them with alcohol markers. I was happy with the result, as coloring isn’t my strong suit.

      Then I put this aside for a period of time,  trying to decide how to finish the piece. When I picked it back up again I was dismayed to see that it had been sitting too close to something messy –  there was a fine blue spatter in the upper right.  (Probably from cleaning a stencil, and simple carelessness with my work!). How to salvage the time and materials…. ???

    I added both large and small drops of paint above the brush.  I used a fine liner to outline the drops and a blue alcohol marker to fill them in.  I also added small dots of blue marker here and there to bridge between the fine spatter and the larger drops.   It worked –  I was delighted with the result, I had successfully camouflaged my error!

    I carried this one step further by creating puddles of paint under the brush. (There were puddles around the paint pot,  but not under this paintbrush).

    I used a white gel pen to add accents here and there in the scene.

    I put the card face into my stamp positioner and added the sentiment.

    I cut the card face into three panels,  1 ⅓” each.

    Assembly

    I glued the border layer to the card base.

    I glued the three pieces of the card face onto this, spacing evenly.

    Final Thoughts:

    I love Anita Jeram’s work,  and was so happy with the images as placed and coloured. (I don’t pretend to be an expert with any form of colouring, so when I get something that I’m satisfied with, I’m happy!).   

    Then I was dismayed to notice the spatter,  and finally, happy again when the problem was resolved.

    Happy – dismayed – happy.  Sounds like a movie theme!   😆

    Of course if you want to avoid the need for a rescue operation, putting the card in a safe spot is definitely the way to go.

    Supplies: (and links where possible)

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

    Stamps: Paint the Town, Colorado Craft Co., 

    Versafine Onyx, Simon Says Stamp

    Memento Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Alcohol Markers:

         Stampin’ Blends: Stampin’ Up!

         Copics:  Wallacks

    Fineliners: Amazon

    White Gel Pen: Arteza,  Amazon

    Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels

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