Written In Ink

Tag: written in ink

  • From Busy Backgrounds to Remarkable Results in Card Design

    From Busy Backgrounds to Remarkable Results in Card Design

    Got a busy, chaotic print to use? Tame it, and create beauty in the process.

    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: 5.5 x 4

    Card Face:  Gel Print: 5.5 x 4.25 (before trimming down)

    Narrow Black Border:  5.5 x 2.5

    Card Face:

    • I laid the Gel Print in my stamp positioner and stamped the image with Versamark embossing ink.
    • After removing it from the positioner,I added gold embossing powder and set it with my heat gun.
    • I used a microliner to trace around the negative image of the tree on the inside of the embossed area,  and then outlined outer edges as well.
    • I trimmed the gel print down to 5.5 x 2.25.
    • Other:
    • I spattered the Kraft cardstock with black and gold ink.
    • I looked through my sentiment binder and found one that was a great size and “feel”  for this card.
    • From the remaining pieces of the gel print I trimmed two 5.5 x ⅛” strips.

    Assembly

    • I centered and glued the kraft layer on the card base.
    • I glued the narrow strips on either side of the kraft layer, filling in the remaining space on the card base.
    • I centered and glued the card face to the narrow black border.
    • I added dimensional foam tape to the back of this and centered it on the kraft border layer.
    • I glued the sentiment towards the bottom of the card face, as shown.
    • I used a micro liner to add a fine black border to each side of the kraft layer.

    Final Thoughts:

    • This started as a gel print that I really didn’t care for,  but ended up as a card that I quite like –  yay!
    • I did not initially plan to outline the embossed areas,  but the image needed additional definition against that busy background.  

    Supplies: (and links where possible)

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

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

    Versamark Embossing Ink: Simon Says Stamp

    Gold Embossing Powder: Wow, R&R Scrapbooking

    Stamps:  Amazing Silhouettes, Stampin’ Up! (retired)

    Microliners:  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

  • Craft Unique Kiddie Cards with *A Colorful Life* Stencils

    Craft Unique Kiddie Cards with *A Colorful Life* Stencils

    Would you like to experiment with a design like this? You’ll find a supply list below, including a link to the stencils I used from A Colorful Life Designs.  Follow the link and use discount code ChrisFan10 to save 10% on your entire order! (Master Creator Bundles are excluded as they already have a 20% discount built in.)

    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 cutting down

    Card Face:

    • I laid my cardface on the Grip Mat and then centered the largest of the Squeezed Rectangle stencils on top.  
    • Over this, I laid the Grunge Dots Stencil.
    • I used blue ink on the top of this stencil and green on the bottom, creating the basics for a scene.  (having the Squeezed Rectangle stencil on the bottom meant that the ink was kept within it’s borders.
    • I removed the stencils and trimmed the card face along the border created by the ink.
    • I ran my ink pads along the newly cut edges,  matching the colours already used.

    Other:

    • I laid the Mid Century Banner stencil on the front half of the card base and applied blue ink with a light hand.
    • I brushed green ink in from the edges of this piece, again using a light hand.
    • I looked through my Ready to Go binder and found the wee elephants, the sun and the sentiment – all just waiting for a chance to shine.

    Assembly

    • I put dimensional tape on the back of the card face and centered it on the card base.
    • I glued the elephants and the sun in place as shown.
    • After experimenting a bit I decided that the sentiment would be best about halfway down on the right, and put it in place.

    Final Thoughts:

    I’ve had all of the components for this card for quite a while – except for the inked up card base.  I was delighted to put them into use, and to discover that they were willing to play nicely together.

    I initially intended this to be a flat cardface,  with the stencilled pattern inked directly onto the card base, however an inky glitch required the card face to be cut out – and after that dimensional tape seemed like a good idea to make it really stand out.

    I feel that the green ink applied to the card base is a bit too dominant:  if I were to recreate this card I would not apply it,  or I would use an even lighter 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:

         Marvellous Masks,  Squeezed Rectangle: A Colorful Life Designs

         Grunge Dots:  a Colorful Life Designs

         Mid Century Banners:  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:

         Elephants:  Studio Light (retired)

         Sun:  Here Comes the Sun, Tayored Expressions

    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

    Mid Century Banners by A Colorful Life Designs

  • Unique Card Design: Get out there and Just Breathe

    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

  • Send your love: Create Stunning Cards with Bloom Mandala Stencil

    Send your love: Create Stunning Cards with Bloom Mandala Stencil

    The delicacy of the Bloom Mandala stencil creates a (quick!) gorgeous card.

    Would you like to experiment with a design like this? You’ll find a supply list below, including a link to the stencil I used from A Colorful Life Designs.  Follow the link and use discount code ChrisFan10 to save 10% on your entire order! (Master Creator Bundles are excluded as they already have a 20% discount built in.)

    Let’s get Started:

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

    Card Face:  5.5 x 3.75

    Gold Cardstock:  5.5 x .25”

    The strands in this stencil are very fine – to ensure crisp results I sprayed the back with Pixie Spray and allowed it to sit for about 30 seconds before putting it onto the card face.

    Card Face:

    • I laid the card face on my Grip Mat and positioned the stencil.  I rolled a brayer over it to ensure good adhesion.
    • I started applying ink in the center and worked towards to the outer edges of the stencil.  I built up layers of ink in the middle and allowed the intensity to fade as it moved to the edge.
    • I spattered the card face with gold metallic watercolour and waited a few minutes for this to dry completely.
    • I placed the card face into the stamp positioner and stamped the sentiment with Versafine Onyx.
    • I sprinkled this with clear embossing powder and set it with my heat gun. 

    Assembly

    • I glued the card face to the card base, aligning snugly on the left.  
    • I glued the gold strip against the right-hand edge of the card face.

    Final Thoughts:

    I had the gold strip in my “in case I need it” stash of metallics,  and it was already embossed.  It’s amazing how much visual interest that texture adds.

    This is such a beautiful stencil – it’s fun to use, and easy to create beautiful results.

    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: Bloom Mandala,  A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Clear Embossing Powder,  Wow,  Simon Says Stamp

    Stamps: Life is Grand, Stampin’ Up!  (retired)

    Metallic Watercolour: Amazon

    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

  • Create a beautiful card – celebrate with balloons

    Create a beautiful card – celebrate with balloons

    a fast, easy & impressive card

    Would you like to experiment with a design like this? You’ll find a supply list below, including a link to the stencil I used from A Colorful Life Designs.  Follow the link and use discount code ChrisFan10 to save 10% on your entire order! (Master Creator Bundles are excluded as they already have a 20% discount built in.)

    Let’s get Started:

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

    Card Face: 5.5 x 4.25

    White Cardstock: 5 x 3.75  (before die cutting the frame)

    Scraps of White Cardstock for the word

    I used the Marvellous Masks – Balloons for this card, which include four different sizes of both stencils and masks and offers infinite variety.

    Card Face:

    I selected two of the balloon stencils, one quite a bit larger than the other.

    I laid the card face on my Grip Mat and positioned the larger balloon stencil. I applied yellow ink across the exposed area.

    I repeated this 3X, creating four large balloons randomly on the card face using purple, pink and red inks in addition to the yellow.

    I added smaller balloons in the colours mentioned above as well as adding blue and green to the mix,  allowing the balloons to overlap to create depth.

    I outlined each balloon with a black micro liner (I put the stencils back in place to do this, making the process fast and easy).  

    I drew strings on the balloons using the same micro liner.

    I added white spatter to the card face using diluted acrylic.

    Other:

    I die cut  “celebrate” 3X from the scrap cardstock.

    I positioned two stitched rectangle dies on the larger piece of white cardstock, taping them to ensure even spacing all the way around.  I ran this through the Big Shot to create the white frame.

    Assembly

    I stacked and glued the three words on top of each other.

    I glued the card face to the card base, and centered the white frame on these.

    I added the Celebrate on an angle, slightly above the center.

    I added white Nuvo drops as a finishing touch.

    Final Thoughts:

    I’m really happy with this fun, colourful card.  I hadn’t initially planned to outline the balloons,  but I am glad I did: the extra definition made a huge difference in this card.

    I only used two of the four sizes of balloons in the set –  you could easily alter the sizes and number of balloons in the design to create a new look each 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: Marvellous Masks, Balloons, A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Dies: Amazing You, Stampin’ Up! (retired)

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up! 

    Micro Liners: Amazon

    Acrylic: Dr Ph Martin, Taylored Expressions

    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

  • Unlock Your Creativity: Stenciled Card Ideas and Supplies

    Unlock Your Creativity: Stenciled Card Ideas and 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

    Card Face:  5.5 x 4.25 before cutting down

    Card Face:

    • I laid my cardface on the Grip Mat and then centered the largest of the Squeezed Rectangle stencils on top.  
    • Over this, I laid the Grunge Dots Stencil.
    • I used blue ink on the top of this stencil and green on the bottom, creating the basics for a scene.  (having the Squeezed Rectangle stencil on the bottom meant that the ink was kept within it’s borders.
    • I removed the stencils and trimmed the card face along the border created by the ink.
    • I ran my ink pads along the newly cut edges,  matching the colours already used.

    Other:

    • I laid the Mid Century Banner stencil on the front half of the card base and applied blue ink with a light hand.
    • I brushed green ink in from the edges of this piece, again using a light hand.
    • I looked through my Ready to Go binder and found the wee elephants, the sun and the sentiment – all just waiting for a chance to shine.

    Assembly

    • I put dimensional tape on the back of the card face and centered it on the card base.
    • I glued the elephants and the sun in place as shown.
    • After experimenting a bit I decided that the sentiment would be best about halfway down on the right, and put it in place.

    Final Thoughts:

    I’ve had all of the components for this card for quite a while – except for the inked up card base.  I was delighted to put them into use, and to discover that they were willing to play nicely together.

    I initially intended this to be a flat cardface,  with the stencilled pattern inked directly onto the card base, however an inky glitch required the card face to be cut out – and after that dimensional tape seemed like a good idea to make it really stand out.

    I feel that the green ink applied to the card base is a bit too dominant:  if I were to recreate this card I would not apply it,  or I would use an even lighter 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:

         Marvellous Masks,  Squeezed Rectangle: A Colorful Life Designs

         Grunge Dots:  a Colorful Life Designs

         Mid Century Banners:  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:

         Elephants:  Studio Light (retired)

         Sun:  Here Comes the Sun, Tayored Expressions

    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.

    Mid Century Banner by a Colorful Life Designs

  • 3 out of 4: make a fun DIY card

    3 out of 4: make a fun DIY 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

    Stencilled Border Layer: 5.5 x 4.25

    Several pieces of white cardstock scrap for focal images

    Stencilled Border Layer

    • I used an old piece from my “someday” pile for the base of this layer.  I had created a marbled piece a long time ago, and put it aside to be used when inspiration struck; and finally (!) I used it up.    I laid this on the grip mat,  and then positioned the stencil on top.  After applying orange ink across all exposed areas I had a fun, very dimensional piece.
    • I put this into my stamp positioner and stamped the sentiment towards the lower right of the card, as shown.  I used Versafine Onyx for this,  sprinkling the wet ink with clear embossing powder and setting it with my heat gun.

    Other:

    • Taking the white card stock scrap pieces,  I created four matching white squares with floral insets.   
    • I glued three of them in place as shown.
    • I used a craft knife to cut the center out of the fourth piece, carefully leaving a smooth white outline.
    • I cut two border pieces (5.5 x ⅛”) from white card stock.

    Assembly

    • I glued the border layer to the card base.
    • I assembled the focal image shown in the picture by gluing the four squares together, placing the outline on the bottom right, around the sentiment.
    • I glued tiny rhinestones into the center of the blossoms.
    • I glued the  border pieces to either side.
    • I added Nuvo Drops to the bottom left and top right, as shown in the image.

    Final Thoughts:

    The  busy background is somewhat muted by the plain white focal image created by the diecuts –  I like that effect.

    Initially I was going to use three squares and leave the sentiment to stand on it’s own,  but decided that the card needed the fourth square for balance.

    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: Bauhaus Circle Mask,  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: All Squared Away, Stampin’ Up! (retired)

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up! 

    Versafine Onyx, Simon Says Stamp

    Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels

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

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

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

    Bauhaus Circle Mask by A Colorful Life Designs

  • Make a card that will “let the good times roll!”

    Make a card that will “let the good times roll!”

    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:8.5 x 7, scored and folded at 3.5

    Border Layer:8.5 x 3.25

    Card Face: 8.5 x 3

    Card Face:

    • I put the card face into the stamp positioner and added the image to the left side with Memento black ink: I added colour with alcohol markers.
    • I positioned the stencil on the right half of the card and used silver and green metallic gel pens to create the image.
    • I used light blue ink and a soft hand to add subtle colour around the image.
    • I put the card face back into the stamp positioner and stamped the sentiment with Versafine Onyx:  I sprinkled this with clear embossing powder and set it with my heat gun.

    Assembly

    • I centered the blue border layer on the card base,  and added the card face on top of these, using liquid glue to secure both layers.

    Final Thoughts:

    I’ve been wanting to use this 50’s car for a while,  and finally found a great combination with this blowing leaves stencil.  I love this combination.

    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:  Windy Day, 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: 

          Hello Gorgeous, Penny Black, Amazon

          Sentiment: Stampin’ Up! (retired)

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up! 

    Versafine Onyx, Simon Says Stamp

    Memento Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Metallic Gel Pens: Sakura, Amazon

    Alcohol Markers:

         Stampin’ Blends: Stampin’ Up!

         Copics:  Wallacks

    Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels

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

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

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

    Windy Day by A Colorful Life Designs

  • Sunny Days and Dragonflies are Excellent Reasons to Smile

    Sunny Days and Dragonflies are Excellent Reasons to Smile

    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 before cutting down

    Scrap of black cardstock for the sentiment

    Card Face:

    • I laid the card face onto the grip mat,  and positioned the oval stencil in the center of the paper.  On top of that I positioned the banners stencil and used pink ink across the exposed areas.  By putting the oval stencil down first I controlled the area that the pattern could cover on the card face.
    • I removed both stencils and (after ensuring that the ink was completely dry)  placed the card face into my stamp positioner and used Versafine Onyx to stamp the silhouette images.  The ink needed to be dry so that the embossing powder wouldn’t stick to the background pattern.  An easy way to check is to sprinkle the embossing powder over the piece and then tip it off: if any sticks it needs more dry time.
    • I sprinkled clear embossing powder over the wet black ink and set it with my heat gun.

    Other:

    • I centered the matching oval mask on the card base and brushed pink ink on, radiating out from the borders of the mask.
    • Using a die, I cut “smile” out 3X from black cardstock, and glued them together.  I pressed this into Versamark embossing ink, sprinkled it with clear powder, and set it with my heat gun.
    • I cut four photo corners from black cardstock using a die.
    • I carefully cut around the oval image on  the card face.

    Assembly

    • I glued the oval cutout to the card base,  placing it into the oval “blank” created with the ink.
    • I used a black marker to create a border around the oval.
    • I glued the photo corners into the corners of the card base.
    • I glued the “Smile” onto the card face as shown.

    Final Thoughts:

    My original plan for this design was to have a flat card face, with the oval inked into the center: I ended up with a blob of ink in the outer edges,  and had to reimagine the card mid-design, fussy cutting the oval and creating a brand new card base. (haste makes waste – and  “grrr” moments!)

    I wish I had used a lighter hand on the background pattern in the oval: of course by the time I realized what I wanted, it was too late.

    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 Banners, A Colorful Life Designs

          Marvellous Masks Ovals, 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:  Stampin’ Up (retired)

    Dies: Diagonal Stripe, Frantic Stamper

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up! 

    Versafine Onyx, Simon Says Stamp

    Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels

    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.

    Mid Century Banners by A Colorful Life Designs

  • A retro Christmas card is easy to create with these supplies

    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