Written In Ink

Tag: writteninink

  • Step-by-Step Card Making: Unique Design Ideas

    Step-by-Step Card Making: Unique Design Ideas

    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: 4.25 x 11, scored and folded at 5.5

    Card Face:  4 x 5.5

    Card Face:

    I laid the card face on my Grip Mat and positioned the ornament stencil.

    I masked off the metal hanger at the top.

    I applied light blue ink with a soft hand, deepening the colour towards the edges, and maintaining a lighter section towards the top right.

    Leaving the ornament stencil in place,  I positioned the snowflake stencil towards the right, allowing it to extend into the ornament slightly.   

    I applied the same blue ink over this, again using a light hand.

    I moved the snowflake stencil to the bottom right of the opening, and created the pattern there as well.

    I added a  silver to the ornament hanger (although I wanted a pure silver I grabbed the wrong brush and ended up with an unplanned mixture of colour).

    I used a corner rounder punch on the top two corners of the card face and then placed it in an embossing folder  and ran it through the Big Shot.

    Other:

    I used the same corner rounder on the top corners of the card base.

    I looked through my sentiment binder and selected a beautiful sentiment created with my Glimmer machine.

    Assembly

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

    I added the sentiment towards the upper right, as shown.

    I added a white bow to the hanger, securing it to the card face with a glue dot.

    Final Thoughts:

    I always love texturizing my card faces, or a portion of them.  In this instance however the stencilled pattern became harder to distinguish.   I like this card,  but it would have been beeter without the embossing.

    I do love the combination of the two stencils.

    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: 

    Split Snowflake, A Colorful Life Designs

    Marvellous Masks Ornaments, A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Sentiment: Christmas & Glimmer Sentiments,  Spellbinders, Amazon

    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.

    Split Snowflake by A Colorful Life Desig

  • 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

  • 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

  • Is “Fast & Easy” your cardmaking jam? Stencils for the win!

    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

  • 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

  • Autumn Card Design Tips with A Colorful Life Stencils

    Autumn Card Design Tips with A Colorful Life Stencils

    Snuggling up and getting cozy when autumn bring chilly winds … bliss!

    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 this piece on the Grip Mat and then positioned the stencil. 
    •  Using a soft hand, I applied a mixture of brown, yellow and green inks across the open areas.  
    •    Tip: Adding just a touch of extra colour to the edges created the look of a shadow and provided additional dimension.
    • I decided to add the Windy Day stencil to represent the chilly winds of autumn: I positioned this stencil so that it would extend from the left-hand side of the focal image, and applied light blue ink to create the pattern.
    • I selected a different portion of the stencil and added the pattern after positioning it to be added to the bottom right-hand corner of the card.
    • I added spatter to the card face using both plain water and metallic copper watercolour paint.

    Other:

    • I stamped the image using Memento ink, and coloured it with alcohol markers.
    • Once the colouring was complete, I fussy cut the image with my snips.
    • I stamped the sentiment using brown ink, and cut it out with a small oblong die.

    Assembly

    • I glued the card face to the card base.
    • I glued the focal image into the center of the card face.
    • I added the sentiment as shown.

    Final Thoughts:

    I love House Mouse stamps –  they are so deliciously whimsical.   I loved spending time colouring this one and then using it on a card. I decided to colour the leaf in the bright colours of autumn, despite the fact that this  kind of leaf would not actually have those colours in real life.  Artistic licence!

    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:

        Windy Day,  A Colorful Life Designs

        Fall Leaves, A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Stamps:   Snuggle Up- House Mouse, Spellbinders, Frantic Stamper

    Dies: Ornate Labels, Sizzix, Amazon

    Metallic Watercolour:  Amazon

    Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up! 

    Memento Ink: Stampin’ Up!

    Alcohol Markers:

         Stampin’ Blends: Stampin’ Up!

         Copics:  Wallacks

    Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels

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

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

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

    Fall Leaves by A Colorful Life Designs

    Windy Day by A Colorful Life Designs

  • Easy Steps to Craft a Santa Card

    Easy Steps to Craft a Santa Card

    Even the Big Guy needs a break and some fresh air every now and then!

    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

    Stamped Layer: 5.25 x 4

    Card Face:  5.25 x 4 

    Card Face:

    • I brushed blue ink onto the top two-thirds of the the card face, allowing variations in depth to create the look of clouds.
    • I placed the card face onto the grip mat,  and positioned the stencil about ¾ of the way down the card face.  I used green ink to create the tree line.
    • I shifted the stencil up and over (to allow the trees to fall in between those in the first row) and created a second row, overlapping where necessary.
    • I put the card face into the stamp positioner and added the sentiment in the upper left, using Versafine Onyx.

    Other:

    • I stamped  Santa on the second piece of cardstock, placing him towards the bottom right.
    • I coloured this with alcohol markers, adding a shadow under him and the ski track behind him in the snow as well.
    • I drew a curved hillside behind Santa,  and then cut along that line and also carefully cut around the upper half of Santa.

    Assembly

    • I glued the card face to the card base,  and the layer with the cut out Santa on top of these.

    Final Thoughts:

    This is such a cute combination –  the style of the tree stencil works with Santa so very well.  I really like 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: Christmas Tree Edger #1,  A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Stamps: Jolly Santas, Colorado Craft Co., (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

  • Touch his heart with a card he is sure to treasure

    Touch his heart with a card he is sure to treasure

    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:  5.5 x 4.25

    Black Border:  5.25 x 4

    Kraft Card Face:  5 ⅛ x 3 7/8

    Card Face:

    • I laid the card face onto my grip mat and positioned the stencil at an angle, extending off  the right-hand side.
    • I went over the exposed areas with red ink and then added another layer of ink to the outer edges, using a darker cranberry red.  
    • I placed the card face into my stamp positioner and added the sentiment with Versafine Onyx, stamping it two or three times to achieve a dark, clear image.

    Other:

    • I used a separate scrap of kraft cardstock for the tree. After placing it in the stamp positioner, I stamped the green leaves on the tree, carefully masking off the trunk.  I stamped twice to get the depth of colour I wanted,  masking both times to protect the trunk.
    • I repeated these steps to stamp the trunk, using brown ink,  stamping twice for the desired saturation and protecting the leaves both times by masking.
    • I used the matching die to cut this out.

    Assembly

    • I glued the kraft border to the card base.
    • I added the black border and the card face on top of these, centering both times.
    • I glued the tree in place.

    Final Thoughts:

    I really like this combination:  kraft cardstock produces such a different “feel”,  and the elements in this card work well with that.

    This masculine card would work for birthdays, a graduation, a new job – almost any occasion.

    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:  Leafy Heart Frame, A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Stamps & Die:  Rooted in Nature, 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

    Leafy Heart Frame by A Colorful Life Designs

  • Create Stunning Autumn Themed Cards Full of Nostalgia

    Create Stunning Autumn Themed Cards Full of Nostalgia

    memories of long, lazy summer days

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

    Let’s get Started:

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

    Card Face:  5.5 x 4.25

    Card Face:

    • I sponged blue and blue-green ink across the surface of the card face.
    • I put the card face into the stamp positioner and added the image with Versafine Onyx, stamping twice to get a dark image.
    • I sprinkled clear embossing powder over the ink,  and set it with my heat gun.
    • I intensified the blue-green ink around the stamped image to create shadows and depth.
    • I used my anti-static bag liberally across the entire card face and thenI placed the card face onto my Grip Mat and positioned the stencil.  I pressed a Versamark embossing pad firmly through the openings,  repeating each area several times to ensure full coverage.
    • After removing the stencil I sprinkled the card face with gold embossing powder,  and set it with my heat gun.
    • With all of this complete,  I was able to decide on the sentiment:  I put the card face back into the stamp positioner and added the sentiment with Versafine Onyx,  again sprinkling this with clear embossing powder and setting it with the heat gun.   
    • I brushed additional blue ink around the edges of the card face to add a finishing touch.

    Assembly

    • I glued the card face to the card base.

    Final Thoughts:

    There is something about this combination that I find quite magical.  The image is beautiful,  and the gold leaves add just the right touch to this nostalgic moment.

    The sentiment is tiny,   which allows the scene to take center stage:  that works for this card IMO.

    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: Falling Leaves,  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&RScrapbooking

    Stamps: Best Day Includes You,  Unity Stamps

    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

    Falling Leaves by A Colorful Life Designs