Written In Ink

Tag: stencil

  • Crafting a Unique Christmas Card with Non-Traditional Colors

    Crafting a Unique Christmas Card with Non-Traditional Colors

    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

    Pink Border Layer: 5 ⅜ x 4 1/8

    Card Face:  5.25 x 4

    As this is a 6 x 9 stencil,  it was too big to use on my Grip Mat.

    Card Face:

    I laid the card face on my work surface, positioned the stencil and applied pink ink across all exposed areas.  

    Grabbing a smaller brush and a darker pink,  I added deeper colour to the center of the roses and randomly to the swirls.

    Using a shading brush, I added purple ink to the dots in the pattern.

    I cut the paper in half, creating two card fronts,  and selected one for this card.

    I added Fairy Wings Nuvo drops to the purple dots,  and set the card face aside to dry.

    Other:

    I looked through my sentiment binder and found this large Merry Christmas, perfect for this design.

    I cut a small strip of pink card stock (the same colour as that used for the border layer)  4 x .5

    Assembly

    I glued the pink border layer to the card base,  and the (now dry) card face on top of this, centering it on all sides.

    I glued the sentiment strip to the pink cardstock strip, then glued these to the card face approximately ⅔ of the way down.

    I added three small, translucent white gems to the sentiment strip, as shown.

    Final Thoughts:

    The shading and Nuvo drops add so much to this card design: the additional depth and visual interest make a huge difference.

    I enjoy using non-traditional colours in Christmas card design,  and I’m happy with this one!

    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: Rose Swirl, 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

    Nuvo Drops: Fairy Wings, Embellish Away

    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 notified when I release new work.

    Rose Swirl by A Colorful Life Designs

  • Crafting Beautiful Cards: Foiling with Stencils

    Crafting Beautiful Cards: Foiling with Stencils

    make a card that makes them say “WOW!”

    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:  5.25 x 4

    When I work with Duo Gel or embossing pastes I don’t use my Grip Mat –  purely a personal preference in the interest of protecting the surface of the mat.

    Card Face:

    • I put my card face on a sheet of scrap paper, positioned the stencil and fastened it in place with Mint Tape.  
    • I spread Duo Gel over the entire surface and then carefully removed the stencil.  The stencil is immediately immersed in water to prevent the gel from drying on the surface.
    • I put the card face aside to dry.  Duo Gel is dry when it is completely clear –  I usually leave it for two or three hours before coming back to it.
    • I don’t have running water near my craft room, so when working with this gel or pastes I have a container of water on the floor beside me so I can immerse the stencils immediately.  I usually do several of these at a time when I settle down to work with either gel or paste.
    • Once the card face had dried I laid a piece of transfer foil on top and ran it through the Big Shot.
    • The pressure from the machine caused the pretty part of the foil to stick to the Duo Gel,  so when I removed the sheet,  the silver stayed behind on the stencilled pattern.

    Other:

    • I used a scrap of heavy white cardstock to cut out the snowflake.
    • I looked through my sentiment binder and selected one that would work for this card.

    Assembly

    • I put dimensional foam on the back of my card face,  and then centered it on the card base.
    • I glued the snowflake to the card face as shown. (I allowed a little extra time for the liquid glue to grab on the foiled surface.)
    • I glued the sentiment across the center of the snowflake.
    • I added rhinestones to the top and bottom of the snowflake.

    Final Thoughts:

    If you’ve never tried foiling with stencils and duo gel,  I recommend it!  It’s a lot of fun  with gorgeous results –  just be certain to buy transfer foil for this purpose and you’re good to go.

    This was a really fast card to make,  but it was time consuming to figure out how to use the panel.  The foiling is gorgeous, and really packs a punch.  I tried several ideas, put it aside for a while, tried a few more …. And finally decided on the design that you see in the photo.

    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: Snowflake Net, 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

    Duo Gel: Deco Foil,  R& R Scrapbooking

    Transfer Foil: Shattered Glass, Deco Foil, R&R Scrapbooking

    Die: Recollections, Michaels  (retired)

    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 notified when I release new work.

    Snowflake Net by A Colorful Life Designs

  • How to Make a Gorgeous Card with Dotted Wreath Stencil

    How to Make a Gorgeous Card with Dotted Wreath 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

    Cranberry Card Face: 5.25 x 5.25

    Card Face:

    • I laid my card face on a piece of scrap paper and positioned the stencil.  I applied green embossing paste through the stencil, then removed the stencil very carefully so I didn’t smudge the paste.
    • The stencil went into water immediately,  and the card face was put aside to dry.
    • Once dry the card face was cut in half, and became 5.25 x 2.75.
    • I also cut ⅛” off the top and bottom of this piece.

    Other:

    • I glued the card face (or rather, half of it!)  to the kraft border layer on the left, ensuring equal spacing on the top, bottom and left-hand sides.
    • I placed this newly created combination into my stamp positioner and stamped the reindeer image with Versamark embossing ink.  I stamped several times to get a good impression.
    • I removed this from the stamp positioner, added copper embossing powder, and set it with my heat gun.
    • I drew a narrow line snugly against the right-hand edge of the cranberry cardstock,  added copper embossing powder and set it with my heat gun.  

    This was necessary because of the raised cranberry layer:  no ink transferred immediately beside it,  so I used the embossing pen to draw a line and fill in the narrow gap.

    • I stamped the sentiment on a scrap of cardstock in cranberry ink and cut it with a die.
    • I die cut a tiny bow out of the same cardstock.

    Assembly:

    • I glued the sentiment to the card face, allowing part of it to hang off the left-hand edge.  I cut this off flush.
    • I glued the card face to the card base.
    • I added the tiny bow to the reindeer as shown.

    Final Thoughts:

    I wasn’t at all sure about this design when I tried it,  but I quite like it in the end.

    This is such a great stencil to play with –  and I still  have half of it to work into a 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: Dotted Wreath : A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Versamark Embossing Ink:  Ecstasy Crafts

    Embossing Pen: Versamark, Ecstasy Crafts

    Copper Embossing Powder: Wow,  R&R Scrapbooking

    Embossing Paste: Later Gater, Simon Hurley,  R&R Scrapbooking

    Stamps:  Cheerful Prancing, Unity Stamps  (retired,  but there are still similar stamps     available!)

    Dies: 

         Sentiment: Stampin’ Up! (retired)

         Bow Topper:  Scrapbook.com

    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 notified when I release new work.

    Dotted Wreath 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

  • Make a Christmas card with a masculine twist

    Make a Christmas card with a masculine twist

    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

    Black Border Layer: 5.5 x  4.25

    Card Face:  5.5 x 4

    Scrap of Kraft Cardstock 3 x 2

    Small Black border layer: 3 x 2 3/16

    Black Strips:  4 x 3/19  (three of them)

    This stencil has long strands which are unsecured between the top and bottom – a recipe for unwanted movement while applying ink. Before starting I sprayed the back of the stencil with Pixie Spray, and waited about 30 seconds before proceeding.

    Card Face:

    • I laid the card face on my Grip Mat and positioned the stencil.  I applied metallic gold ink across the exposed areas.

    Other:

    • I placed the scrap of kraft cardstock into my stamp positioner and added the tree with Versafine Onyx.  I stamped a couple of times to ensure a very bold image.
    • Once the ink had dried,  I placed this in an embossing folder and ran it through the Big Shot.

    Assembly

    • I glued the black border to the card base.
    • I glued the card face to the border layer, centering vertically.
    • I glued the three narrow strips to the card face, evenly spaced.
    • I glued the embossed/stamped layer to the smaller black border, centering vertically.
    • I put dimensional foam on the back of this smaller piece,  and positioned it in the center of the card face.

    Final Thoughts:

    This is clearly a masculine card:  this is determined by the shapes and colours used.  There is nothing in the design or the focal image that indicates that this has to be for a male… and yet that is the only real choice.

    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: Drizzled Lines,  A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Stamps:  Christmas Tree of Hope, Joy and Love, Unity Stamps (retired)

    Lisa Horton Metallic Gold Ink: Glitter & Ink

    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 notified when I release new work.

    Drizzled Lines by A Colorful Life Designs

  • All I need for Christmas is endless coffee, and a great card design

    All I need for Christmas is endless coffee, and a great card design

    Alternate title: A guide to surviving errors and still ending up with a card!

    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

    Card Face:  5.25 x 4

    Card Face:

    • Using Memento black ink, I stamped the image in the upper right of the card face, and then coloured it with alcohol markers.
    • I placed the card face down on the Grip Mat and positioned the coffee cup portion of the stencil in the lower-left corner.  I masked off open areas on the stencil near the mug, then used red ink over the exposed area.
    • When I removed the stencil, I was dismayed to see that I had been too energetic with my brush between the mug and the handle—and I had ink between the two, instead of a lovely, clean page.  What to do?
    • I cut very carefully along the outline of the mug, removing it completely from the card face.  Then I laid it on a scrap piece of cardstock and traced it.  I carefully cut this piece out and then tested it in the opening on the card face.  Once I saw that I had a good fit, I glued the card face to a piece of scrap copy paper (cut down to 5.25 x 4”)  and glued the blank “mug” into the opening.
    • I used my snips to remove the paper between the mug and the handle, cutting carefully along the lines.   Once that was done, I was able to glue that piece back in place directly over the blank.
    •  I repositioned the stencil and placed the sentiment I wanted to use in the upper-left corner, then applied black ink to the open areas.
    • I put the other stencil in place:  I used yellow ink and a light hand to create the pattern around the mouse.

    Rather than grab my yellow ink pad,  I simply used the residual ink on the yellow brush.  Because I only wanted a subtle background, this worked well.  I learned this tip from my friend on YouTube – check out Amy’s Wares for some great tips.

    • I outlined the mug with silver gel pen:  while I was outlining the handle, the pen slipped and suddenly I had an unplanned streak of silver ink …. I dealt with that by adding additional lines to the handle, creating stripes.   I decided to add dots to the rest of the mug just for fun.
    • I ran the edges of the card face over my red ink pad., creating definition.

    Assembly

    • I glued the card face to the card base, centering all sides.

    Final Thoughts:

    I had coloured the mouse and lights (so adorable!) and didn’t know what I wanted to do next. A random hunt through my stencil binder resulted in my tripping over the Christmas Coffee stencil and a plan was born.  Serendipity is a wonderful thing!

    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:

    Christmas Coffee Stencil:  A Colorful Life Designs

    Connect the Dots,  A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Stamps: Merry and Bright, House Mouse,  Spellbinders (retired)

    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.

    Connect the Dots by A Colorful Life Designs

    Christmas Coffee by A Colorful Life Designs

  • Create Your Own Snowman Card with Easy Techniques

    Create Your Own Snowman Card with Easy Techniques

    There is nothing this wee fella loves more than a good snowfall.

    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 (before die cutting)

    White Cardstock for die cutting:  4 x 4

    Card Face:

    • I laid the card face on my Grip Mat and positioned the stencil.
    • I used ink that matched the cardstock across all open areas,  using a heavy hand to get a saturated result.
    • I removed the stencil and sprinkled clear embossing powder over the wet ink, immediately setting this with my heat gun.
    • I used a deckled rectangle die to cut the card face down to approximately 5.25 x 4”.

    Other:

    • I positioned the square die on the smaller piece of white cardstock and ran it through my Big Shot.
    • I looked through my Ready to Go binder and selected the wee snowman, which had already been coloured and cut out.
    • I checked my sentiment binder and selected one that worked with the design.

    Assembly

    • I glued the card face to the card base.
    • I centered the die-cut square on the card face and glued it down.
    • I added the snowman towards the bottom right.
    • I added the sentiment across the snowman.

    Final Thoughts:

    This is a fun and festive card to celebrate the season.

    When I cut out the snowman  I cut tight along the outer lines and cut off the arms  (they are so thin and delicate that  cutting them out would be very time-consuming.)   I rectified this by using a fineliner to draw them back on once I had the snowman glued to the die cut square.  I got this tip from a Jennifer McGuire video, and use it often.

    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: Christmas Words, 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

    Stamps: A Colorful Life Designs (retired)

    Dies: Your Next Stamp  (no longer in business)

    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

    Christmas Words by A Colorful Life Designs

  • Making Cards or Making Mischief ? sometimes you can have both!

    Making Cards or Making Mischief ? sometimes you can have both!

    Peaceful & calm outside, but inside? Mischief and mayhem!

    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

    Card Face: 5.5 x 4.25

    Card Face:

    • I stamped the trees roughly in the center of the paper using Memento black ink. I coloured the trees with alcohol markers.
    • I placed the card face onto the grip mat, and then added one of the Arches stencils,  centering the opening around the trees.  
    • Using a light hand, I added blue ink in the open areas.
    • I added snow to the scene by spattering white metallic watercolour into the opening, directly over the image.
    • I removed the Arches stencil and placed the Floor Perspective stencil towards the bottom of the card face, immediately under the window.   I used brown ink across the open areas.   I wanted to continue the floor pattern across the entire width of the card face, so I moved the stencil to the right and tried to line up the pattern before applying ink again. (you can see that I was not entirely successful!)  I repeated this on the left side of the card face, extending the tiled floor there as well.
    • I protected the window image created earlier by adding the corresponding mask to cover the inked area completely.  I used a loop of low-tack tape on the back of the mask to keep it in place.  
    • Using a strip of low tack tape to mask the edge of the floor,  I added yellow ink to the top of the card face around the window.
    • I put the Sparkles stencil in place and added the same yellow ink across the exposed areas, creating a tone on tone pattern.
    • I added light grey ink to the border area between the floor and wall to create shadow.
    • I put the mask back in place over the window and traced around this with a black marker.   I used a ruler and the same black marker to create the window panes within this border.

    Other:

    • I had previously stamped and coloured the image of the dog with the string of lights:  I fussy cut around the image.  To give this just a bit more “pop”  I used a clear medium over the Christmas bulbs –  this added a bit of depth and a lot of shine.
    • I looked through my sentiment binder and found one that worked perfectly with the scene.

    Assembly

    • I glued the card face to the card base.
    • I glued the dog in place.
    • I added the sentiment across the center of the trees.

    Final Thoughts:

    Supplies: (and links where possible)

    This card involved a lot of design on the fly …. I started the process with the idea of using the Arches stencil, and no real plan. It created itself as I went along (something that happens often in my craftroom), and once I had added the floor, wallpaper and outlined the window I thought the card was done.

    When I went back and had another look the following week, I realized it still needed “something”. So I looked through my pre-coloured images and discovered the perfect final touch.

    I love it when serendipity strikes!

    Supplies:

       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:

    Marvellous Masks Arches,  A Colorful Life Designs

    Floor Perspective, A Colorful Life Designs

    Sparkles, 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

    Stamps: 

    Dog:  Christmas Fun,  Penny Black,  Amazon

    Trees: Impression Obsession (no longer in business)

    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

    Marvellous Masks Arches by A Colorful Life Designs

    Sparkles by A Colorful Life Designs

    Floor Perspective by A Colorful Life Designs

  • Create a one of a kind, elegant Thanksgiving card

    Create a one of a kind, elegant Thanksgiving 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

    Border Layer: 5.5 x 4.25

    Card Face:  5.5 x 4.25  (before cutting)

    Card Face:

    • I used a background stamp and black ink to provide additional texture on this layer.

    My standard practice with background stamps is to lay the stamp on my work surface, ink it, and then carefully lay the cardstock on top.  I cover this with a piece of scrap paper and rub the surface gently with my fingers to transfer the ink, always holding the paper absolutely still with my other hand. (The scrap paper serves to keep any excess ink off of my hands, and it is sure to transfer to the card face!)

    • I placed the card face down on the Grip Mat and positioned the stencil.  I applied a variety of embossing pastes through this, mixing the colours randomly.  
    • I removed the stencil and immediately put it in water,  and put the card face aside to dry.
    • Once the paste had dried completely, I trimmed it into three equal pieces measuring 1” x 4.75” each.
    • I put dimensional foam on the back of each of these strips.

    Other:

    • I put the border layer into an embossing folder and ran it through the Big Shot.
    • I stamped the sentiment with Versamark embossing ink, added gold embossing powder and set it with the heat gun.  I used a die to create the final size and shape.
    • Then I ran each side of this die cut lightly over the Versamark pad,  added gold embossing powder and set it with my heat gun.  This added a very fine gold edging to the die cut.

    Assembly

    • I glued the border layer to the card base,
    • I removed the backing from each strip and put them in place as shown.
    • I glued the die-cut sentiment into the middle of the card.

    Final Thoughts:

    The border layer for this actually started with a stamped image that I wasn’t happy with:  it was a new stamp, and the image hadn’t transferred as well as hoped.  Rather than waste this,  I made use of that paper and ink to create a background for this card.

    The card is so beautiful in real life – that embossing paste dries with a lovely sheen which is gorgeous with all that mixed colour.

    The use of the embossing folder on this card makes a subtle but massive difference to the end result – the additional depth and texture really elevated the 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: Blowing Leaves,  A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Versamark Embossing Ink: Simon Says Stamp

    Gold Embossing Powder,  Wow,  R&R Scrapbooking

    Stamps:   Impression Obsession (no longer in business)

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Blending Brushes: 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.

    Blowing Leaves by A Colorful Life Designs

  • Easy Steps for Beautiful Handcrafted Cards

    Easy Steps for Beautiful Handcrafted Cards

    My wish for you this year, next year and always.

    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

    Copper Border Layer: 5.5 x 4.25

    Card Face: 5.25 x 4

    Card Face:

    • I laid the card face on the Grip Mat and then positioned the stencil.
    • I applied light green ink with a soft hand over all exposed areas.
    • I allowed the ink to dry ( this only took minutes, but is a critical step when working with embossing powder).
    • I put the card face into my stamp positioner and added the sentiment and the spatters using Versamark embossing ink.
    • I sprinkled copper embossing powder over the surface, and set it with my heat gun.

    Other:

    • I positioned a rounded-corner rectangular die in the center of the card face.  I added the next largest die around this. 
    • After ensuring that there was equal spacing all the way between the two dies,  I ran it through the Big Shot.   This created that copper  outline in the center of the card.

    Assembly

    • I glued the copper border layer to the card base.
    • I glued the card face on top of these, centering on all sides.
    • I put the center piece in place, carefully centering on all sides.
    • I added three small gold embellishments to finish the card.

    Final Thoughts:

    I’m a sucker for the unexpected in design,  so I love negative images.  This is an old, long retired stamp set,  but I pull it out every year to make Christmas cards.

    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: Christmas Montage,  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,  R&R Scrapbooking

    Stamps: Stampin’ Up! (retired)

    Dies:  Rounded Corner Rectangle Infinity Dies,  Hero Arts

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up! 

    Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels

    Card Bling:  A Colorful Life Designs

    Cream Card Base & Card Face: 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.

    Christmas Montage by A Colorful Life Designs