Written In Ink

Tag: diy card

  • Say Happy Easter with a Fabulous, Sparkly Bunny 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.)

    Easter is typically visualized in happy springtime pastels. But sometimes a sparkly Easter bunny fits the bill!

    Let’s get Started:

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

    Green Border Layer: 4.25 x 4.25

    Card Face:  4 x 4

    Card Face:

    • I positioned the stencil on the card face, securing it with Mint Tape.
    • Next, using a palette knife,  I added sparkly white embossing paste over all exposed areas.   I  removed the stencil, being careful not to smudge the design.  
    • Afterwards, I placed the stencil in water and put the card face aside to dry.

    Other:

    • I stamped the sentiment and used a tiny die to cut it out.
    • I also stamped the tiny heart with green ink,  added embossing ink with a pen, sprinkled it with holographic powder and set it with a heat gun.   I used a punch to cut it out.
    • Once the card face was dry I used a pokey tool to create holes on either side of the bunny’s neck.  I threaded fine iridescent white yarn through the holes and secured this on the back with tape.

    Assembly

    • I glued the card face to the green border layer, centering on all sides.
    • Following that, I added this to the card base, aligning to the left-hand edge, and leaving a white border on the right.
    • I used metallic thread to attach the heart tag to the bunny’s collar.
    • I added the sentiment to the upper left of the card.
    • The finishing touch was the addition of three small green gems down the right-hand border.

    Final Thoughts:

    The sparkly Easter Bunny is really pretty:  I didn’t want to add anything to compete with that,  so I chose very soft green accents.   I’m really happy with the end result.

    Supplies: (and links where possible)

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

    Stencil:  Heart Bunny,  A Colorful Life Designs

    Embossing Pen:  Ranger,  Amazon

    Holographic Embossing Powder: Ranger,  Amazon

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Embossing Paste: 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.

  • Create a card that Celebrates Singing After the Storm

    Create a card that Celebrates Singing After the Storm

    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:  5 x 3.75

    White Cardstock to create window panels and window frame.

    Acetate:  5 x 3.75

    Card Face:

    • I laid the card face onto the Grip Mat and positioned the  MultiShadow stencil.  I applied teal ink with a light hand.
    • After removing this stencil,  I positioned the Message Bird stencil, using a dark blue ink for the bird.   I repositioned the stencil and added the branch with brown ink.
    • Setting both stencils aside,  I lightly spritzed water onto the card face to soften the lines and add depth.

    Other:

    • I used a “plaid” die to create the window panes.
    • I didn’t have a rectangular die in the correct size to create the window frame:  to get around this I cut 4 pieces of card stock,  each ¼” wide and 5” long.
    • I used a couple of dies to cut the foliage for the window and then brushed on a couple of different green inks.
    • I brushed teal ink around all borders of the card base, allowing it to fade as it moved away from the edges.
    • I found a great sentiment in my binder, ready and just waiting to be put to use.

    Assembly

    • I glued the card face to the card base, centering on all sides.
    • I secured the acetate to the back of the window pane die cut and then secured this to the card face.
    • I added the strips of cardstock to the outer edges of this, trimming to the correct size.
    • I glued the foliage to the window as shown.
    • I added the sentiment.

    Final Thoughts:

    I wanted to include acetate behind the window for the realistic shine it would provide:  securing this to the card face and then the window proved very difficult and I would not include it another time.

    I wanted the scene to have the look of being viewed through a window during a rainstorm,  and I think I succeeded!

    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:

        MultiShadow , a Colorful Life Designs

        Message Bird,  A Colorful Life Designs

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

    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.

  • A handmade card: a great way say I’m Here for You

    A handmade card: a great way say I’m Here for You

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    Would you like to experiment with a design like this? Below, you’ll find a supply list, 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.)

    A handmade card, sent with love is a great way to say Here For You.

    Let’s Get Started:

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

    Card Face:  5.25 x 4  (before tearing)

    Several pieces of scrap white cardstock for flowers & leaves

    Vellum:  2.5” circle & 6.25 x 1.5” strip

     Card Face

    • I had a gel print that I wanted to use:  I cut this to size and laid it on a piece of scrap paper.
    • I put the stencil in place, securing it with Mint Tape
    • I spread DIY* mint-coloured embossing paste** across the first layer of the stencil.  I removed the stencil carefully to avoid smudging the design,  and put it into water immediately.
    • After the first layer had dried I put the second layer of the stencil in place and spread white embossing paste across the surface.  Again,  I removed the stencil carefully and put it immediately into water.

    *See Homemade Embossing Paste under Stretch Your Pennies in the header

    ** See Multi-Media Products and Stencils under Techniques in the header

    Other:

    • I put the extra pieces of cardstock into my stamp positioner one at a time and stamped the first layer of the flower, creating the outer rim of the petals as well as the center of the blossom with dark teal ink.   
    • I repeated the process with medium teal ink for the inside of the petals.
    • I pressed the dark teal ink pad directly to a piece of white cardstock and then die-cut four leaves from this piece.
    • I used an embossing buddy liberally on the strip of vellum, and then put it into my stamp positioner. I added the sentiment with Versamark embossing ink and sprinkled on some silver embossing powder which I set with my heat gun.

    Assembly

    I wrapped the strip of vellum around the card face towards the top as shown in the image,  securing the ends on the back with scotch tape.

    I tore a narrow strip off of the bottom of the card face to create an uneven edge,  and then glued it to the card base.

    I experimented with the placement of the flowers and leaves on the vellum circle: once I was satisfied with the design I used liquid glue to secure these.  I used dimensionals behind the flowers  in a couple of spots to separate the layers and create dimension.

    I put glue on the back of the vellum circle (behind the blossoms, so it wouldn’t be seen through the vellum)  and glued it in place as shown.

         when using liquid glue on vellum, I apply it very sparingly,  and then blot before it is affixed.     Vellum warps very easily when it comes in contact with moisture,  but will tolerate  a small amount.

    Final Thoughts:

    I’m really liking the combination of rustic feeling card face with the more finished feel of the vellum and blossoms.  It creates subtle tension and interest.

    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.

    Stencil: Layered Fall Foliage, A Colorful Life Designs

    Versamark Embossing Ink: Simon Says Stamp

    Silver Embossing Powder:  Wow,  Simon Says Stamp

    Vellum:  Stampin’ Up! (retired)

    Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels

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

  • Create a handmade card that celebrates the Simple Moments

    Create a handmade card that celebrates the Simple Moments

    Sometimes the simple pleasures really are the best; it could be a smile from a loved one, sunshine on a spring day, or flowers in a vase.

    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

    Card Face:

    • I inked up the background stamp with orange ink, and laid it face up on my desk: then I placed the card face on top, doing my best to keep it straight.
    • I laid a piece of scrap copy paper over this and ran my fingers over the entire surface to ensure ink transfer.   (This is my preferred method when using a background stamp.
    • I put the card face on my Grip Mat and used a black fineliner to trace the pattern onto the card face.
    • I coloured the images with alcohol markers, adding white highlights with gel pen.
    • I used a blue gel pen to add the dotted circle around the center of each blossom  ( it doesn’t look blue in the image, but it is).
    • I used a clear metallic pen to add sparkle to the center of each blossom:  the centers had been coloured green with alcohol marker and the addition of the metallic ink activated that, creating a pretty greenish gold.

    Other:

    • I looked through my sentiment binder and selected one that was a good size for this bold image, and I felt this sentiment worked well too.
    • The sentiment had been created on very light cardstock:  I added a piece of heavier cardstock to the back to create stability.

    Assembly

    • I glued the card face directly to the card base.
    • I added the sentiment as shown.

    Final Thoughts:

    I love this stamp and stencil combination:  they work so very well together.

    I was initially concerned about the orange ink showing through the colouring but then decided that it would just add depth and  visual interest.  I don’t mind the result, what do you think?

    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: Bottled Posies,  A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Versamark Embossing Ink: Simon Says Stamp

    Stamps:  Weave,  Technique Junkies  (no longer available)

    Fineliner:  Amazon

    Metallic Gel  Pen: Sakura Gelly Roll, Amazon

    White Gel Pen: Arteza,  Amazon

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up! 

    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 Make a Stunning Debossed Card

    How to Make a Stunning Debossed Card

    Let’s get Started:

    Card Base: 5.5  x 8.5, scored and folded at 425

    Border Layer: 5.5 x 4

    Card Face:  5.5 x 4 (before tearing)

    I had a card face which had been started but put aside:  I had originally swiped black ink onto the surface and then I had put it into a striped embossing folder and run it through the Big Shot… and then put it aside.  I picked this up one day, and thought “what would happen if I used the back of this as a base for an image?  The stripes are debossed that way …  it might be interesting.”   And so it began.

    Card Face:

    • I stamped the flower onto the card face,  followed by the long sentiment using black Memento ink for both.  I overlapped the two deliberately.
    • I coloured the flower using alcohol markers.  While colouring the blossom, I accidentally filled in one of the debossed channels:  there was nothing to do but continue doing that as I continued colouring the image.
    • I wanted more colour,  so I added the Simplify in red ink, to match the flower.
    • I tore both sides off close to the image, distressing the edges quite a bit.

    Other:

    • I used a wide flat brush with gold watercolour paint and created a gold strip down both sides of the border piece:  I deliberately created a jagged, irregular line as I went.  Once this was dry, I placed it in an embossing folder and ran it through the Big Shot.   
    • I added spatter to the card face using both silver and gold watercolour paint.
    • I stamped the “happy life”  sentiment onto a narrow strip of scrap paper and then used my snips to create the flag on the right.

    Assembly

    • I glued the border layer to the card base, centering vertically.
    • I put dimensional foam on the back of the card face and added this to the border layer, again centering vertically.
    • I glued the sentiment onto the card face as shown.
    • I added bling randomly to the card face.

    Final Thoughts:

    I’m really happy with this card:  I like the look of the image stamped onto the debossed card face,  and the tiny sentiment on the stem.

    If I were to do this again,  I would lightly touch a few of the torn edges of the card face with the same gold ink used elsewhere. This would have tied that element in quite nicely.

    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: Bloom and Simplify, Unity Stamps (retired)

    Metallic Watercolour Paint:  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

    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 –  I’d love to hear from you!

  • Master Card Making with Simple Innovative Stenciling Techniques

    Master Card Making with Simple Innovative Stenciling Techniques

    Would you like to experiment with a design like this? Below, you’ll find a supply list, including a link to the stencils 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.)

    Mixing media and techniques can create stunning results – read more below for a how-to.

    Let’s get Started:

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

    Card Face:  4 x 5.25

    Card Face:

    • I placed my card face on the Grip Mat.
    • I sprayed the back of the Graduated Lines stencil with Pixie spray and waited for about 30 seconds before positioning it on the card face.   (The longer, unattached lines of this stencil may shift if not secured.)
    • I applied intense pink ink across the bottom of the stencil and then shifted to a softer orange colour before setting this stencil aside.
    • I took the Heart of Hearts stencil and scrap copy paper. I traced around the outer edges of the heart where I could. Once I removed the stencil, I joined the gaps to create a complete heart. I then carefully cut it out with an Xacto knife, leaving the borders intact.
    • I removed the card face from the Grip Mat and placed it on scrap paper. I positioned the stencil on the card face, securing it with mint tape.  
    • I laid the scrap paper over the stencil,  lining up the cut out opening carefully:  the remainder of the scrap paper became a mask.
    • I applied Duo Gel to all open areas on the stencil.
    • After carefully removing the stencil and putting it in water,  I set the card face aside to dry.
    • Once dry I laid a piece of transfer foil (previously cut to size)  over the now-sticky gel,  and ran the card face through the Big Shot.
    • When I removed the foil,  the Duo Gel held onto the foil, causing the stencilled pattern to remain.
    • I added dashes around the outside of the heart,  about ⅛” away from the foiling.

    Other:

    • I stamped the sentiment with  Versafine Onyx ink, immediately sprinkled on clear embossing powder and set it with my heat gun.

    Versafine Onyx is a pigment ink,  which stays wet long enough to allow heat embossing.

    • I fussy cut the around sentiment and put dimensional foam on the back.

    Assembly

    • I glued the card face to the card base, centering vertically.
    • I added the sentiment to the card face.
    • I added small dashes under the sentiment, echoing those around the heart.
    • I used a black marker and a ruler to create the look of a fine black border beside the card face.

    Final Thoughts:

    I really like the combination of the two stencils –  they work so well together.  I had initially tried to heat emboss the sentiment to create a flat card,  but it was too muted on top of the foil.  I solved it by heat embossing the sentiment on white and fussy cutting around it,  then lining it up directly over the dud sentiment.

    Supplies: (and links where possible)

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

    Stencils:

    Graduated Lines,  A Colorful Life Designs

    Heart of Hearts,  A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Versamark Embossing Ink: Simon Says Stamp

    Stamps: Loads of Wishes, Avery Elle, Amazon

    Fine Liners:  Amazon

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up! 

    Versafine Onyx, Simon Says Stamp

    Clear Embossing Powder: Wow, Simon Says Stamp

    Duo Gel: Therm O Web, Simon Says Stamp

    Transfer Foil: Summer Rainbow, Therm O Web, Amazon

    Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels

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

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

       Before you go –  use the Notifications box     (below)  to be notified when I release new work.