Written In Ink

Tag: mixedmedia

  • Start with a Gel Print, End with Something Wonderful

    Start with a Gel Print, End with Something Wonderful

    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

    This card began its life as a gel print.   I loved this mixture of blue, green and silver and wanted to use it in a card. I trimmed it down and got started…

    Card Face:

    • I laid the card face on the grip mat and positioned the stencil.
    • I pressed my Versamark embossing pad firmly through the openings,  going over each area a couple of times to be certain that I had good coverage.
    • I sprinkled translucent embossing powder over the embossing ink,  and set it with my heat gun.
    • I positioned the large negative butterfly die to the right and ran it through the Big Shot.

    Other:

    • I positioned two dies on a piece of scrap cardstock –  one butterfly,  and one for bricks –  and ran it through the Big Shot.
    • I stamped the sentiment on another scrap,  and then used a die to cut it down to the desired size and shape.

    Assembly

    • I glued the card face to the card base, centering on all sides.
    • I glued the die-cut bricks towards the bottom left and added the butterfly above.
    • I put the sentiment in place as shown.
    • I added metallic embellishments to the butterflies.

    Final Thoughts:

    I love the translucent embossing powder on this gel print:  fun pops of blue that feel so natural that they could have been part of the original gel print.

    Although I chose to send this card to someone who had just experienced a loss, the design is versatile and could be used for many different purposes.

    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

    Versamark Embossing Ink: The Scrapbook Cottage

    Topaz Embossing Powder, Wow, R&R Scrapbooking

    Dies:  Bellina Butterfly Collage,  Poppy Stamps,  R&R Scrapbooking

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up! 

    Versafine Onyx, Simon Says Stamp

    Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels

    Cream Cardstock: 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.

    Big Squiggles

  • Elevate Your Card Designs By Foiling the Intricate Diamonds Stencil

    Elevate Your Card Designs By Foiling the Intricate Diamonds 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 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

    Card Face:

    This card began with a gel print that I liked: just a mixture of red, blue, and gold (which appears brown in the image), but I liked the result and decided to create a card with it.

    • I laid the card face (gel print)  down on scrap paper and positioned the stencil.
    • After securing both with Mint Tape, I applied Duo Gel to some of the open areas in the stencil.  I didn’t want to cover the print entirely,  but rather to accent what was already there, so I was selective in where I added the gel.
    • I removed the stencil and placed it into water immediately (Duo Gel dries into a very sticky permanent adhesive –  keeping it wet until I can scrub it off saved my stencil.)
    • I put the card face aside to dry. 
    • Once the gel had dried, I laid a piece of red transfer foil over the area and ran it through my Big Shot.  The pressure from the rollers caused the foil to stick to the dried gel:  when I pulled the piece off of the card face, the foiled pattern stayed behind.

    Other:

    • I used a scrap of white cardstock and a die to cut two sets of the dragonflies, and then glued them together.
    • I looked through my sentiments binder and selected the one you see in the image:  I thought that this card could be for almost any occasion, and I liked the size and shape of the sentiment for this design.

    Assembly

    • I centered and glued the card face onto the card base.
    • I glued the dragonflies and sentiment on as shown.
    • I added a tiny red rhinestone to each dragonfly.

    Final Thoughts:

    I’m really happy with this card:  the red foil compliments the background nicely, without overwhelming the design.

    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: Intricate Diamonds,  A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Stamps: Stampin’ Up!  (retired)

    Dies: Stampin’ Up! (retired)

    Duo Gel: Deco Foil,  R&R Scrapbooking

    Red Transfer Foil: Deco Foil,  R&R Scrapbooking

    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.

    Intricate Diamonds

  • Love Card Design? Tips Using Versamark and Embossing

    Love Card Design? Tips Using Versamark and 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 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 

    Focal Layer:  5.00 x 4 (before tearing)

    Card Face:

    • I laid the focal layer on my grip mat and positioned the stencil.
    • I pressed my Versamark ink pad firmly through the stencil,  covering all exposed areas a couple of times to be sure that I didn’t miss a spot.
    • After removing the stencil, I sprinkled embossing powder over the sticky ink and set it with my heat gun.
    • I placed the card face in my spray box and used green, yellow and red Lindy’s Magicals sprays, directly over the embossed area.   This added visual depth as well as interest. 
    • I allowed the paper to dry, and then tore the left-hand side,  tearing off just over half of the card face.
    • I placed the card face into the stamp positioner and stamped the sentiment on the left-hand side, using Versamark Onyx.
    • I also used a background stamp and green ink on the card face to add texture. (This stamp is very subtle, but makes a huge difference to the finished visual.)

    Assembly

    • I glued the torn focal layer to the right-hand side of the card face, centering vertically.
    • I put dimensional foam on the back of the card face and centered it on the card base.
    • I scattered gems randomly on the card face.

    Final Thoughts:

    This embossing powder provides a real “wow” factor,  and is wonderful paired with this stencil.

    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: Three Feathers,  A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Versamark Embossing Ink: The Scrapbook Cottage

    Fairy Dust Powder,  Wow, Amazon

    Stamps:

    Sentiment: Ponderings,  Stampers Anonymous, Amazon

    Rustic Linen,  Altenew

    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.

    Three Feathers

  • Create Stunning Cards with Simple Supplies

    Create Stunning Cards with Simple Supplies

    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: 5.5 x 4.25

    Card Face:  5.5 x 4

    Card Face:

    I laid the card face down on my grip mat and positioned the stencil.   I added dark blue ink across the exposed areas.

    I placed it into the stamp positioner and added the sentiment using  Versafine Onyx.

    I used a large background stamp to add texture and subtle colour, using blue ink that matched the die cut.

    This is my favourite method for using a large background stamp: I lay it on my desk, face up.  I apply ink to the stamp and then lay the card face down on it, being very careful not to let it shift during this step.   I carefully cover the stamp/card face with a piece of scrap copy paper and then run one hand over the surface to ensure ink transfer, while holding the paper still with the other hand.  (I saw this on YouTube several years ago,  but sadly can’t remember who created the video to give credit.)

    Other:

    I grabbed a scrap piece of gel print and used a die to cut out the sentiment.

    I cut a second die cut from black cardstock.

    Assembly

    I glued the black die cut behind the gel print die cut, offsetting slightly.

    I glued the black border layer to the card base and centered the card face vertically on top.

    I glued the die-cut layer on top of these as shown.

    I added black card bling randomly.

    Final Thoughts:

    Full disclosure: This card sort of started with the die cut: I had a scrap of gel print to use, and I went looking for a pre-created background (I have a binder full of these!).  I had stencilled this card face quite a while ago,  but couldn’t decide on how to finish it off.   The blues weren’t quite right to work together,  so I added the blue ink to the background to marry the two –  and I’m really happy with the result.

    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: Circle of Lines,  A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Card Bling:  A Colorful Life Designs

    Background Stamp: Rustic Linen, Altenew

    Dies: 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 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 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

  • Make an elegant card: combine embossing paste and vellum

    Make an elegant card: combine embossing paste and vellum

    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

    Card Face:  5.5 x 3.75

    Vellum:  7 x 2.5

    Card Face:

    • I laid the card face on scrap paper and positioned the stencil.  I secured both with Mint Tape.
    • I applied DIY embossing paste across all exposed areas.
    • I carefully removed the stencil and placed it in water immediately.

    When I work with embossing paste, I have a container of water beside me:  I usually do several card faces during a session with paste,  with each one going into the water as soon as it’s removed from the card face. When I’m done, the stencils are all cleaned at the same time.  This makes clean-up much faster and easier.

    • I put the card face aside to dry.

    Other:

    • I turned on my heat gun before starting work with the vellum.
    • I placed the vellum in my stamp positioner and added the butterflies with Versafine Onyx.
    • I sprinkled the ink with clear embossing powder and set it with my heat gun.

    Vellum will warp easily with heat,  so it’s important to have a very hot, preheated tool and to move it constantly until the powder has melted.

    • I stamped a scrap of cardstock with the sentiment,  and then cut it out with a die.
    • Assembly
    • I folded the vellum around the card face and secured it with scotch tape.
    • I glued the card face to the card base,  making sure that the vellum on the back of the card face was fully adhered.
    • I glued the sentiment in place as shown,  taking care to use no more glue than was needed, as vellum warps very easily with moisture.

    Final Thoughts:

    The gleam of the embossing paste is so pretty, but the panel was very busy as a whole:  the vellum is such a great tool in this instance,  as it dampens that down, while providing another layer of interest because it is translucent.

    Sadly, the stamps here are retired: but this design is easily replicated with others that you have on hand.

    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: Chaos Squares, A Colorful Life Designs

    Clear Embossing Powder,  Wow,  Simon Says Stamp

    Stamp & Die:  Stampin’ Up!  (retired)

    Versafine Onyx, Simon Says Stamp

    Vellum: 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 notified when I release new work.

    Chaos Squares by A Colorful Life Designs

  • You Can Create Stunning Cards with this Stencil

    You Can Create Stunning Cards with this 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

    Card Face:  5.5 x 4

    Holographic Cardstock:  5.5 x .25

    Transfer Foil:  6 x 4.25

    We’ve just had a big snowfall and are still digging out.  It’s safe to say that there won’t be any snowdrops peeking through for a couple of months!

    Card Face:

    • I positioned the card face down on a piece of scrap paper, placed the stencil, and secured both with Mint Tape.
    • I spread Duo Gel over all exposed areas.
    • After carefully removing the stencil,  I put it immediately into water and put the card face aside to dry.

    Duo Gel dries to be a super sticky adhesive and can ruin a stencil – mine go into a basin of water beside me until I am done the session, and can scrub them.

    Duo Gel goes on white and dries clear: the drying time depends on the thickness of the application.

    • Once the card face was dry, I laid the transfer foil over top  (pretty side up) and ran it through the Big Shot.
    • I removed the foil:  the dried Duo Gel caused the foil to stay behind, creating the pattern.
    • I placed the card face in a texturizing embossing folder and ran it through the Big Shot.

    Other:

    • Although this card could be used for any occasion, I felt it particularly suited a sympathy card and pulled the appropriate sentiment from my binder.

    Assembly

    I glued the card face to the card base, leaving a ⅛” border on the left.

    I glued the strip of holographic card stock on the right, butting it snugly up against the card face.

    I added dimensional foam to the back of the sentiment and positioned it on the card face as shown.

    Final Thoughts:

    This design is simple, but nevertheless “enough”.   The foiled image has a lovely sheen with card in hand, and the texture provided just enough additional visual 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, and in most instances, there are multiple sources and many alternatives to choose from.

    Stencil: Snow Drops, A Colorful Life Design

    Duo Gel: Deco, Amazon

    Transfer Foil,  Prism by Spellbinders, Amazon

    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 notified when I release new work.

    Snow Drops stencil by a Colorful Life Designs

  • Creative Techniques for Unique Designs using Gel Prints

    Creative Techniques for Unique Designs using Gel Prints

    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 and folded at 5.25

    Kraft Border Layer: 4 1/8 x 4 1/8

    White Border Layer: 4  x 4  

    Card Face: 4 x 4 (before cutting)

    I have quite a supply of gel prints in my stash, each just waiting for a chance to shine.  I pulled one out for this card.

    Card Face:

    • I laid the card face (gel print) on a piece of scrap paper and positioned the stencil.  I applied embossing paste to all open areas on the stencil. 
    • I carefully removed the stencil and placed it in water immediately, as cleanup is much easier when the paste is moist.
    •  I put the card face aside to dry.
    • Once dry,  I trimmed the card face down to 3 x 3,  and then cut it into three pieces, each 3 x 1” wide. 
    • I tore the top and bottom of each piece, deliberately making the tears uneven.
    •  I applied dimensional foam to the back of each piece.

    Assembly

    • I glued the kraft border layer to the card base, and the white border layer on top of that, centering both carefully.
    • I removed the backing from the foam tape and put each piece in place taking care to leave space between each piece and on the edges as well.  
    • I also made sure that the image lined up correctly to “work” visually as I was putting the pieces in place.

    Final Thoughts:

    I had such a time with this gel print:   I loved the combination of the Sand Paste with that print, but then (as is often the case)  I couldn’t decide how to use it.  After putting it aside, looking at it again, putting it aside …. for a couple of weeks  (!)  I finally decided on the design you see here,  and I’m so happy with it.  This is one of my absolute favourite creations in a long time.

    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: Chrysanthemum Set,  A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Cosmic Shimmer Antique Sand Paste,  Ecstasy Crafts

    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.

    Chrysanthemum Set by A Colorful Life Designs

  • Create a Unique, Masculine Valentine’s Card Using Stencils

    Create a Unique, Masculine Valentine’s Card Using Stencils

    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

    Kraft Border Layer: 5.25 x 4

    Card Face:  5 ⅛ x 3 ⅞

    Scraps of Kraft cardstock for die cuts

    Card Face:

    • I laid the card face down onto a piece of scrap paper and positioned the stencil.  
    • After securing these with Mint Tape, I applied DIY embossing paste across the open areas of the stencil.
    • I carefully removed the stencil and placed it in water immediately.
    • I put the card face aside to dry.

    When working with embossing paste, I prefer use a piece of scrap paper under my work,  and not risk getting the paste on my Gel Plate.

    Also, when working with embossing paste, I keep a container of water by my side to put my stencils in immediately –  these pastes are difficult to impossible to remove once dry.

    • Once the paste was dry, I put the card face into my stamp positioner and added the sentiment with Versamark embossing ink.  I sprinkled this with embossing powder and set it with my heat gun.

    Other:

    • I stamped and die-cut a small row of hearts using kraft cardstock.
    • I die-cut the larger heart from kraft cardstock.

    Assembly

    • I glued the border layer to the card base, and the card face on top of these, centering both layers.
    • I glued the row of hearts and the larger die-cut heart in place, as shown.

    Final Thoughts:

    I love black and kraft cardstock together:  this awesome stencil allowed me to combine them in a masculine card that will become my husband’s valentine card this year.   No last-minute scrambling for me –  at least not this year, 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: Love Waterfall,  A Colorful Life Designs

    Versamark Embossing Ink: Simon Says Stamp

    Vintage Pearl Embossing Powder,  Ranger, Amazon

    Stamps/Dies: Stampin’ Up! (retired)

    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.

    Love Waterfall by A Colorful Life Designs

  • 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