Tag: stencils

Create a Card that will Provide a Smile AND Inspiration
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 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

Border Layer: 5.5 x 4.25

Card Face: 5 3/8 x 4 1/8

Card Face:
- I placed the card face down in my stamp positioner and stamped the artist and the three ink pads with Memento Black ink. I coloured these with alcohol markers.
- After removing the card face from the stamp positioner, I placed it on the Grip Mat and positioned the Mid Century Tower stencil. I applied yellow ink with a soft hand, avoiding the coloured images.
- Leaving the first stencil in place, I layered the Airy Swirls stencil directly on top and used the same yellow ink with a firmer hand to create the pattern.
Leaving the first stencil in place meant the ink was confined to those openings, resulting in a pattern within a pattern.
- I used small stamps to add spatter around each ink pad and a bit on the apron.
- I used markers to add spatter to the artist’s face.
- Using a fineliner, I added a messy border around the piece, and then used a punch to round all corners.
- I also used a fineliner to add lines around each ink pad, creating a sense of movement.
- I put the card face back into the stamp positioner to add the sentiment with Versafine Onyx.
Assembly
- I glued the black border layer to the card base and added the card face on top.
Final Thoughts:

I love this wacky artist, and had such fun creating this scene. (Part of the reason I love her is that I too am a very messy maker!)

Supplies: (and links where possible)

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

Stencil:

Mid Century Tower: A Colorful Life Designs

Airy Swirls, A Colorful Life Designs

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

Stamps:

Artist/InkPads: AALL & Creat, Craftaholic Dee, Ecstasy Crafts

Sentiment: Paint Your World, Spellbinders, Scrapbooking Fairies

Fineliners: Amazon

Ink: Stampin’ Up!

Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up!

Versafine Onyx, Simon Says Stamp

Memento Ink: Stampin’ Up!

Alcohol Markers:

     Stampin’ Blends: Stampin’ Up!

     Copics: Wallacks

Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels

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

Do you have any comments or thoughts on this design? Drop me a line in the Comments Section below – I’d love to hear from you!

You can also use the Comments Section to be notified when I release new work.

Airy Swirls

Mid Century Tower
03/05/2026
DIY Card Making: Blend Colors with Stencils for Great Results
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 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

Border Layer: 5.⅜ x 4 1/8

Card Face: 5.25 x 4

Card Face:
- I got started on this card by placing the card face on the Grip Mat.
- Using the Daisy Trio stencil, I added pink, orange, and yellow flowers to the background, moving the stencil and placing flowers in all three sizes randomly across the blank surface.
- Setting that stencil aside, I positioned the bee stencil on the card face and pressed my Versamark embossing ink pad firmly through the openings to create the bee. I removed the stencil and sprinkled gold embossing powder on it. I set it with my heat gun.
- I repositioned the stencil to allow the heart trail on the same stencil to be part of the design, then pressed embossing ink through the openings and added gold embossing powder.
- I placed the card face in my stamp positioner and added the sentiment using Versafine Onyx. I sprinkled on clear embossing powder, and set this with my heat gun, which made the sentiment “pop”.
Assembly
- I glued the card face onto the black border layer, and then added these to the card base, centering both layers.
- I scattered card bling randomly across the card face.
Supplies: (and links where possible)

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

Stencils:

Buzzing Bee, A Colorful Life Designs

Daisy Trio, A Colorful Life Designs

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

Versamark Embossing Ink: Simon Says Stamp

Clear Embossing Powder, Wow, Simon Says Stamp

Gold Embossing Powder: Wow, R&R Scrapbooking

Stamps: Technique Junkies (no longer in business)

Ink: Stampin’ Up!

Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up!

Card Bling, A Colorful Life Designs

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.

Buzzing Bee

Buzzing Path

Daisy Trio
02/20/2026
Create an Adorable Baby 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 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:
- I placed my card face on the Grip Mat and positioned the Dotted Trellis stencil. I applied a mixture of yellow and pink ink randomly across the exposed areas.
- I switched out the stencils, putting the Circles Galore stencil in place, and added turquoise ink over the first layer of stencilling.
- I placed the card face in the stamp positioner and added the pink ribbon to the top-left corner of the card face.
- I stamped the sentiment directly onto the card face, as shown, using Versafine Onyx. I sprinkled this with clear embossing powder and set it with my heat gun.
- I ran the edges of the card face across the pink ink pad.
Other:
- I looked through my Ready To Go binder and decided to use the wee chick, which was pre-coloured with alcohol markers and fussy cut.
Assembly
- I glued the card face to the card base, centering on all sides.
- I glued the wee chick onto the card face and drew legs and feet so she is standing on the bottom of the ribbon.
- I added card bling randomly to the card face.
Final Thoughts:

I really like the shapes and colours in the two layers of stencilling: with that in place turning this into a baby card seemed natural. (I almost always decide what direction a card will go in once the first steps are complete …. And often not until the card is finished.)

The large stamped ribbon is a nice contrast to the wee chick.

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:

      Dotted Trellis, A Colorful Life Designs

      Circles Galore, 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:

Ribbon: Technique Junkies (no longer in business)

Chick: I am Chickie, Nellies Choice, Ecstasy Crafts

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.

Dotted Trellis by A Colorful Life Designs

Circles Galore by A Colorful Life Designs
01/29/2026
A new YOU in a new year!
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: 4.5 x 3.25

Transfer Foil: 5.5 x 4.25

Card Face:
- I laid the green border layer onto a piece of scrap paper, positioned the stencil and secured it all with Mint Tape.
- I applied Duo Gel across the exposed areas, removed the stencil carefully (to avoid smudges) and put it immediately into water.
- Duo Gel dries into a very strong adhesive; if left to dry, it can ruin your stencil. When I’m working with this product, I have a container of water beside me to put the stencils in until I take a break and wash them.
- I put the border layer aside to dry. (Duo Gel is white when applied, and dries clear – the length of time depends on the thickness of the application.)
- Once dry I placed the transfer foil onto the surface and ran it through my Big Shot. The pressure of the machine created a bond between the foil and the adhesive: when I removed the larger piece of foil, the adhesive caused the foiled pattern remain.
Other:
- I stamped the sentiment with Versafine Onyx and cut it out with a stitched rectangle die.
- I placed a heart shaped die on an angle on the card face and ran it through my big shot.
- I spattered green and gold metallic watercolour onto the card face.
- I trimmed the green border layer down to 4.75 x 3.5.
- I cut a ¼” x 4.25 strip from the discarded piece.
Assembly
- I glued the narrow strip of foiled border across the card base, approximately ½” from the bottom.
- I centered the card face to the slightly larger border layer, and then glued these to the card base on an angle, allowing the bottom left edge to overlap the narrow srip.
- I glued the sentiment in place as shown.
- I added three small green embellishments to finish the card off.
Final Thoughts:

After the card was complete, I found myself thinking that I should have added a subtle texture to the card face with an embossing folder. However, it was too late at that point! The card is fine as is, but that would be a possible modification.

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: Circles Galore A Colorful Life Designs

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

Metallic Watercolour, Amazon

Stamps: Be Gentle With Yourself, Unity Stamps

Dies:

Stitched Rectangles , Stampin’ Up! (retired)

Heart Shaped Die, Stampin’ Up! (retired)

Duo Gel: Deco Foil, R&R Scrapbooking

Transfer Foil: Deco Foil, Emerald Watercolor, R&R Scrapbooking

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.

Circles Galore by A Colorful Life Designs
01/01/2026
How to Use Duo Gel for Stunning Card Effects
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

Focal Piece: 2.5 x 1 (after being trimmed down)

Sentiment: 1.5 x 1.5 (after die cutting)

Strips: .25 x 5.25 ( x 2)

Card Face:
- I laid the card face onto the grip mat and positioned the Mod Rectangles stencil.
- I applied red ink over all exposed areas, deepening the colour at the edges to create a border.
- After removing the first stencil, I placed the Airy Swirls stencil.
- I covered all exposed areas with Duo Gel, removed the stencil carefully (to avoid smudges), and put the card face down to dry.
- Once the gel was dry (it goes on white but becomes clear when dry), I laid a piece of transfer foil on top and ran it through the Big Shot. When I removed the piece of foil, the sticky gel had left those areas of the foil in place, creating the stencilled pattern.
When I use Duo Gel, the stencils go immediately into water once removed as the gel will be almost impossible to get off when dry.

Other:
- I placed the cardstock for the focal image into my stamp positioner and added the image of the woman with brown ink. I used my trimmer to cut this to size along the dotted border, finishing with a corner punch to round the edges.
- I replaced this with the smaller piece of cardstock for the sentiment, stamped it with the same brown ink, then cut it down to size with a die.
Assembly
- I centered the card face on the card base, and then added the focal piece towards the left as shown.I glued the two narrow strips to the right of this image.
- I added dimensional foam to the back of the sentiment and placed it as shown, allowing it to slightly overlap the focal image. I added three small gold pearls at the bottom of this piece.
Final Thoughts:

Purple and red are a fabulous colour combination, and they work well with this pair of stencils: one so structured and the other so loose and flowing.

This created a fun backdrop for the tongue-in-cheek, vintage focal image.

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

Mod Rectangles, A Colorful Life Designs

Airy Swirls: A Colorful Life Designs:

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

Stamps: Motherhood is a Verb, Unity Stamps (retired)

Ink: Stampin’ Up!

Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up!

Duo Gel: Decofoil, R&R Scrapbooking

Transfer Foil: Decofoil, R&R Scrapbooking

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.

Mod Rectangles by A Colorful Life Designs

Airy Swirls by A Colorful Life Designs
12/07/2025
Step-by-Step Guide to Create a Beautiful Winter 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

Red Border Layer: 5.25 x 4

White border Layer: 3 ⅝ x 2 3/8

Card Face: 3.5 x 2.25

Card Face:
- Using black Memento ink, I stamped the card face with the image of the woman and then coloured her with alcohol markers.
- I placed the card face on my Grip Mat and then positioned the Dot Mat stencil. I added red ink across the open areas, allowing it to fade as it approached the image.
Other:
- I removed the card face from the Grip Mat, and replaced it with the red border layer. I positioned the Eddies stencil and applied red ink with a heavy hand.
- After removing the stencil, I placed this piece in an embossing folder and ran it through my Big Shot.
- I looked through my sentiments binder and selected one that worked perfectly with the image.
Assembly
- I glued the red border layer to the card base, centering on all sides.
- I glued the card face to the white border layer, centering on all sides.
- I glued these two pieces together.
- I added the sentiment as shown.
Final Thoughts:

This image from Unity is awesome, and that sentiment from Spellbindersk created the perfect collaboration.

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:

Dot Mat: A Colorful Life Designs

Eddies, 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

Stamp/Die: Christmas Glimmer Sentiments, Spellbinders, Amazon

Stamp: Freaking Cold, Unity Stamps

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 notified when I release new work.

Dot Mat by A Colorful Life Designs
11/20/2025
Is “Fast & Easy” your cardmaking jam? Stencils for the win!
Two stencils and a couple of pre-coloured & cut elements … easy peasy.

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:
- I laid the card face onto my Grip Mat and then positioned the Fine Snowflakes stencil: I applied white pigment ink on all exposed areas, using a heavy hand to ensure good saturation.
- After removing this stencil, I replaced it with the Tree Edger #1 stencil, positioning this approximately half way down the page (horizonally).
- I used the same white pigment ink to create a tree line, with a lighter hand than I had used for the snowflakes.
- I moved the stencil down and repeated this step, to create a second tree line directly below the first.
- I used a white gel pen to add dots of snow to the night sky.
Other:
- The wee house and tree were already stamped, coloured and cut out, waiting in my Ready to Go binder, as was the sentiment. I pulled all three out for use on this card.
Assembly
- I glued the card face to the card base, centering on all sides.
- I glued the house in the middle of the card, just a bit up from the bottom.
- I added the tree as shown, overlapping the house slightly.
- I added the sentiment to the upper left.
- I added rhinestones to the center of each snowflake.
Final Thoughts:

This is a very outside-the-box card for me: both design wise and as a Christmas card. None the less, I like 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.

Stencil:

Fine Snowflakes: A Colorful Life Designs

Christmas Tree Edger #1, A Colorful Life Designs

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

Versamark Embossing Ink: Simon Says Stamp

White Gel Pen: Arteza, Amazon

Clear Embossing Powder, Wow, Simon Says Stamp

Stamps & Coordinating Dies: Stampin’ Up! (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.

Fine Snowflakes by A Colorful Life Designs

Christmas Tree Edger #1, by A Colorful Life Designs
10/26/2025
Step-by-Step Guide to Gingerbread Card Design
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

“Snow” layer: 5.5 x 4.25

Card Face:
- I laid the card face down on the Grip Mat, then positioned the stencil to use the house’s outline.
- I applied light brown ink with a very soft hand to this portion of the stencil, adding a little extra pressure around the edges to add depth and visual interest.
- I repositioned the stencil to add the details to the house. Masking off portions of the stencil as necessary, I grabbed my small blending brushes and added the door, windows, and trim to the house, adding additional colour saturation where shown to create visual interest.
- I added “snow” to the house by colouring in each portion with an embossing pen, adding white embossing powder and setting it with my heat gun.
- There is also a small detail inside the smoke coming out of the chimney – I coloured this with my embossing pen, added holographic embossing powder and set it with my heat gun.
- I added definition by using a black fine liner to outline the house and around each of the detail areas: I also added “bricks” to the chimney.
- I used a soft hand and light blue ink around the house to remove the harsh contrast between the house and the stark white paper.
- I positioned the die on the card face and ran it through the Big Shot to create the sentiment.
Other:
- I pulled out my “someday” binder and grabbed a gingerbread girl who had been coloured and fussy cut, and was just waiting for a chance to shine on a card.
- I tore one edge of the snow layer, creating hills and valleys on that edge; I tore this piece in two, creating additional hills and valleys in the second tear.
Assembly:
- I glued the card face to the card base.
- I glued the upper layer of the snow in place, and then added the lower one, overlapping the two.
- Before the second layer was fully dry I added the gingerbread girl, tucking one lower edge in behind the snow just slightly.
- I trimmed all layers evenly at the bottom.
Final Thoughts:

I love the look of that debossed sentiment on this card.

When I added the micro liner around the chimney, I somehow managed to smudge the ink slightly – that detail grabs my eye and frustrates me so much!

Over all I like the card, and was delighted to create a home for my gingerbread girl.

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: Gingerbread House, A Colorful Life Designs

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

Embossing Pen: Ranger, Amazon

Hollographic Embossing Powder: Ranger, R&R Scrapbooking

White Embossing Powder: Wow, R& R Scrapbooking

Stamps: Gingerbread girl: Your Next Stamp (no longer in business)

Dies: Impression Obsession (no longer in business)

Ink: Stampin’ Up!

Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up!

Detail Blending Brushes: Waffle Flower, Glitter & Ink

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.

Gingerbread House by A Colorful Life Designs
10/15/2025
Unique Card Design: Get out there and Just Breathe
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 laid the card face onto my grip mat and positioned the Aztec Pattern stencil.
- Masking between rows, I used yellow, rust and brown inks in a repeating pattern.
- After removing the first stencil, I centered the second largest oval stencil on the card face and applied white pigment ink liberally. I repeated this step 4 or 5 times, allowing time for the ink to dry between layers . This muted the Aztec pattern in the center of the card face.
- I put the card face info my stamp positioner and once again put the oval stencil in place and stamped the mountains, birds and trees. (Having the stencil in place allowed me to only stamp onto the muted section of ink as the rest was covered.)
- Returning the card face to my work surface, I put the corresponding oval mask into the opening, and then removed the stencil.. I traced around the oval with a brown marker.
- I used an embossing pen to create an oval just outside of the brown one, sprinkled it with copper embossing powder and set it with my heat gun.
- Using a ruler and the same embossing pen, I drew a line on both sides of the card face, sprinkled on copper embossing powder and set it with my heat gun.
Other:
- I die cut a tree from green cardstock.
- I looked through my sentiment binder, and found the perfect sentiment for this card.
Assembly
- I glued the card face to the card base.
- I added the die cut tree, allowing it to extend outside of the oval.
- I put foam tape on the back of the sentiment, and put it in place.
Final Thoughts:

This card was far more time consuming than I anticipated, due to the number of layers of white ink required, and the necessary dry time between layers. In fact at one point I put it aside for months before finally picking it up again. Luckily, I’m happy with the 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:

Marvellous Masks, Ovals, A Colorful Life Designs

Aztec Pattern, A Colorful Life Designs

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

Versamark Embossing Ink: Simon Says Stamp

Embossing Pen: Ranger, Amazon

Copper Embossing Powder, Wow, R&R Scrapbooking

Stamps: Mountain Air, Stampin’ Up! (retired)

Dies: Mountain Air, Stampin’ Up! (retired)

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
08/27/2025
A retro Christmas card is easy to create with these supplies
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: 5.5 x 4

Card Face:
- I laid the card face on the Grip Mat and positioned the Atomic Strands stencil. I used light green ink across the entire surface.
- After removing this stencil, I positioned the wreath on the card face: I applied dark green ink across all exposed areas
- I repositioned the stencil to place the berries where they belonged on the wreath and applied red ink across all exposed areas.
- Using a white gel pen, I added accents to both the leaves and the berries.
- I put the card face into an embossing folder and ran it through the Big Shot, creating depth and visual interest.
Other:
- I used a scrap piece of red cardstock to create the bow, securing a die to the paper and running it through the Big Shot.
Assembly
- I glued the red border layer to the card base, and centered the card face on top of these.
- I glued the bow in place, and then added a small metallic gem to the center as a finishing touch.
Final Thoughts:

I love the retro feel of the Mid Century Atomic Strands stencil, and I think it creates a wonderful vintage feel for 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.

Stencils:

     Mid Century Atomic Strands, A Colorful Life Designs

     Layered Holly Berry Wreath, A Colorful Life Designs

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

Dies: Bow Toppers, Scrapbook.com

Ink: Stampin’ Up!

White Gel Pens, Arteza, Amazon

Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up!

Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels

Cream Card Base & Card Face: Recollections 100 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

Mid Century Atomic Strands from A Colorful Life Designs
08/11/2025

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