Written In Ink

Tag: writtenininkcards

  • You Can Create Stunning Cards with this Stencil

    You Can Create Stunning Cards with this Stencil

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

    Let’s get Started:

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

    Card Face:  5.5 x 4

    Holographic Cardstock:  5.5 x .25

    Transfer Foil:  6 x 4.25

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

    Card Face:

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

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

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

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

    Other:

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

    Assembly

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

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

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

    Final Thoughts:

    This design is simple, but nevertheless “enough”.   The foiled image has a lovely sheen with card in hand, and the texture provided just enough additional visual interest.

    Supplies: (and links where possible)

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

    Stencil: Snow Drops, A Colorful Life Design

    Duo Gel: Deco, Amazon

    Transfer Foil,  Prism by Spellbinders, Amazon

    Versafine Onyx, Simon Says Stamp

    Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels

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

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

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

    Snow Drops stencil by a Colorful Life Designs

  • Make a Striking Impression with Card Crafting

    Make a Striking Impression with Card Crafting

    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:  5.25 x 4

    I wanted to have a play with ink smooshing – I hadn’t even remembered that technique in a long time.   I loved the result I got from the blue and brown mix, then I had to figure out how to use it.

    Card Face:

    • I pressed an acrylic block firmly into a brown ink pad and spritzed it with water.  I pressed the watery result onto the card face in several areas.
    • I repeated this process with blue ink.
    • I put the card face aside to dry.
    • Once dry, the paper was warped (caused by the watery ink smooshing).  I lightly spritzed the back of the card face with water and placed it under a weight overnight, which flattened it again.
    • I placed the card face in my stamp positioner and added the image with Versafine Onyx.
    • Moving the card face to the Grip Mat, I positioned the Chaos Squares stencil and applied brown ink randomly across the image.
    • I switched the stencils, positioned the Falling Dots over the card face, and filled in some areas with the same brown ink.
    • I returned the card face back to the stamp positioner and stamped the sentiment with Versafine Onyx.
    • I sprinkled clear embossing powder over the sentiment and used my heat gun to set it. 

     This treatment makes the sentiment more intense, and it stands out more against a busy background.

    Assembly

    • I glued the black border layer to the card base,  and then added the card face on top.

    Final Thoughts:

    I love Andy Skinner stamps,  and I’m so happy with this card.  The combination of ink smooshing and randomized stencilling works very well with this 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:

    Chaos Squares:  A Colorful Life Designs

    Falling Dots: 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:  Best Friends,  Andy Skinner, Scrapbook.com

    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 Dots By A Colorful Life Designs

    Chaos Squares by A Colorful Life Designs

  • Create Rustic Holiday Cards the Fast & Easy Way

    Create Rustic Holiday Cards the Fast & Easy Way

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

    Let’s get Started:

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

    Card Face:  5.25 x 4

    I am trying to make a few Christmas cards as I go along this year,  to avoid the rush in November.  We’ll see if I am successful as the year goes on.

    Card Face:

    • I placed the card face in my stamp positioner and positioned the stamp at the bottom of the paper.
    • I stamped in soft blue ink,  moved the card face down ½” and stamped again. 
    •  I repeated this process until I reached the top of the page.

    One advantage of a stamp positioner is its ability to create a background pattern or feature with a single stamp.

    • Other:
    • I had previously created both the snowflake and the sentiment; it was fast and easy to retrieve them from my binders.  (I have two:  one for sentiments and one for shapes and precut /coloured images.They are great time savers!)

    Assembly

    • I put dimensional foam on the back of the card face, and then centered it on the card base.
    • I glued the snowflake into the center of the card face.  I added tiny, iridescent rhinestones around the snowflake,  and a larger one in the center.
    • I put a strip of dimensional foam on the back of the sentiment and positioned it under the snowflake, as shown.

    Final Thoughts:

    This card is very simple and has a delightfully rustic feel, created by that background. It almost takes on the look of lined paper.  Varying the background would change the style of the card entirely:  elegant, contemporary or grunge could all be easily achieved.

    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.

    Stamps:  Background lace:  Stampin’ Up! (retired)

    Dies:  Sizzix Switchlets, Winter Snowflakes,  Amazon

    Ink: Catherine Pooler, Glitter & Ink

    Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels

    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.

  • Create Stunning Cards with Love Waterfall Stencil

    Create Stunning Cards with Love Waterfall Stencil

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

    Let’s get Started:

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

    Card Face:  5.25 x 4

    Card Face:

    • I placed the card face down on my Grip Mat and positioned the stencil. 
      I added soft yellow ink across all open areas.
    • After removing the stencil I placed the card face into my stamp positioner and added the crib, mobile and the shelf with teddy and blocks using Versafine Onyx.
    • I ran the edges of the card face over the versafine ink pad.

    Other:

    • I used a scrap of cardstock to stamp the sentiment with Versafine Onyx,  and cut it out with a die.

    Assembly

    • I glued the card face onto the card base, centering on all sides.
    • I glued the sentiment in place at the top of the mobile, created the illusion that the mobile was hanging from the sentiment.

    Final Thoughts:

    I love the contrast between the soft yellow and the dramatic black:  they work very well for this design.

    Looking at the card now,  I wish I had added a bit of shadow under the crib to ground it:  I didn’t think of it at the time,  but it would have been a good touch.

    Supplies: (and links where possible)

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

    Stencil: Love Waterfall,  A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Stamps & Die: Stampin’ Up!  (retired)

    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.

    Love Waterfall by A Colorful Life Designs

  • Creative Techniques for Unique Designs using Gel Prints

    Creative Techniques for Unique Designs using Gel Prints

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

    Let’s get Started:

    Card Base:  5.25 x 10.5, scored and folded at 5.25

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

    White Border Layer: 4  x 4  

    Card Face: 4 x 4 (before cutting)

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

    Card Face:

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

    Assembly

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

    Final Thoughts:

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

    Supplies: (and links where possible)

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

    Stencil: Chrysanthemum Set,  A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Cosmic Shimmer Antique Sand Paste,  Ecstasy Crafts

    Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels

    Card Base & Card Face: Accent 100 lb., Amazon  or  Recollections 110 lb., Michaels

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

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

    Chrysanthemum Set by A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Create a Unique, Masculine Valentine’s Card Using Stencils

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

    Let’s get Started:

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

    Kraft Border Layer: 5.25 x 4

    Card Face:  5 ⅛ x 3 ⅞

    Scraps of Kraft cardstock for die cuts

    Card Face:

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

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

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

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

    Other:

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

    Assembly

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

    Final Thoughts:

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

    Supplies: (and links where possible)

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

    Stencil: Love Waterfall,  A Colorful Life Designs

    Versamark Embossing Ink: Simon Says Stamp

    Vintage Pearl Embossing Powder,  Ranger, Amazon

    Stamps/Dies: Stampin’ Up! (retired)

    Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels

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

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

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

    Love Waterfall by A Colorful Life Designs

  • A new YOU in a new year!

    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

  • Creat Stunning Masculine Cards with a Cool Stencil

    Creat Stunning Masculine Cards with a Cool Stencil

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

    Let’s get Started:

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

    Border Layer: 5.5 x 4.25

    Card Face:  5 ⅜ x 4 ⅛

    Scraps of kraft and black cardstock for the “happy”

    Scrap of kraft approximately   1.25 x .25 for the “birthday”.

    Scrap of black approximately  1.5 x .33” for the shadow layer

    Before starting I sprayed the back of the stencil with Pixie Spray, allowed a lapse of about 30 seconds and then placed it on the card face.  The strands of this stencil are very fine,  and this temporary adhesive made sure that they stayed put!

    Card Face:

    • I laid the card face on a piece of scrap paper, positioned the stencil and secured it with Mint Tape.
    • I applied two different colours of DIY embossing paste randomly across the stencil. (Blue and a soft peach.)
    • I removed the stencil carefully and put it into water immediately. (this makes cleanup a lot faster!) and put the card face aside to dry.

    I prefer not to use paste on my Grip Mat,  so in these cases I secure the card face and stencil directly to scrap paper

    Other:

    • I cut the large “happy”  from both kraft and black cardstock.
    • I stamped “birthday”  on kraft using Versafine Onyx.

    Assembly

    • I glued the black border layer to the card base.
    • I glued the two  “happy” layers together, kraft on top and offset slightly to allow the black to peek out.
    • I glued the kraft “birthday” layer on top of the black shadow layer, centering on all sides.
    • I added matt black card bling randomly to the card face.

    Final Thoughts:

    This is such a cool stencil,  and I love the effect of the embossing paste on it:  I didn’t expect the peach embossing paste to dry to be so close to the colour of the kraft cardstock,  but it’s a cool effect.

    Supplies: (and links where possible)

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

    Stencil: Wavy Ladders, A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Die: Hero Arts, Happy, Amazon

    Card Bling:  A Colorful Life Designs

    Versafine Onyx, Simon Says Stamp

    Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels

    Card Base & Card Face: Accent 100 lb., Amazon  or  Recollections 110 lb., Michaels

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

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

    Wavy Ladder by A Colorful Life Designs

  • Unlock Amazing Texture in Card Making

    Unlock Amazing Texture in Card Making

    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 x 3.75

    Vellum:  7 x 2.5

    Card Face:

    • I laid the card face on the grip mat and applied blue, yellow and red ink randomly , covering the entire surface.
    • I spattered water generously over the surface, creating texture and depth.
    • Once this had dried, I positioned the stencil and applied black ink with a heavy hand:  the pattern was created by the areas which had been protected by the stencil, allowing the multicoloured base layer to show through.

    Other:

    • I dusted the vellum liberally with anti-static powder.
    • I stamped the image with Versamark embossing ink, sprinkled silver embossing powder, and set it with my heat gun.  

    I turned the heat gun on for approximately 1 minute before use to be certain that it was good and hot.  While embossing the vellum, I moved the heat gun constantly to prevent warping.

    Assembly

    • I wrapped the vellum around the card face and secured it with scotch tape, centering vertically.
    • I put dimensional foam on the back of the card face, and put it in place in the center of  the card base.
    • I added a silver pearl to each corner of the card face,  and a triangular metallic embellishment to each corner of the card base.

    Final Thoughts:

    I love the bits of texture created by the water spatter,  and the interest provided by the use of different colours in the background.

    The use of vellum softened the contrast and bold colours of the 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.

    Stencil: Scribble Mask,  A Colorful Life Designs

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

    Versamark Embossing Ink: Simon Says Stamp

    Silver Embossing Powder,  Wow,  R&R Scrapbooking

    Stamps: Candles, Stars & Birthday Wishes , Unity Stamps (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  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.

    Scribble Mask by A Colorful Life Designs

  • Using Foil and Ink Techniques for Cards for beautiful results

    Using Foil and Ink Techniques for Cards for beautiful results

    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

    Gold Foil Border Layer: 5.5 x 4.25

    Card Face:  5.25 x 4

    Transfer Foil:  5.5 x 4.25

    Card Face:

    • I laid my card face down on the Grip Mat and positioned the stencil.
    • I used medium-brown ink randomly across the exposed areas, varying pressure to control depth and skipping some areas completely.
    • Leaving the stencil in place,  I spread Duo Gel over some of the inked areas, allowing partial coverage even within some of the openings.
    • I removed the stencil and placed it in water immediately.   I set the card face down to dry (the gel is dry when it becomes transparent).
    • When the gel was dry, I placed the transfer foil on top and ran it through the Big Shot.
    • I removed the foil, and the dried gel (which had become an adhesive) left the foil on the card face.
    • I placed the card face in my stamp positioner and used brown ink to stamp the trees on the left of the card face.
    • I used a darker brown ink and stamped the deer in front of the trees.  I stamped a couple of times to ensure that it was intense enough to grab attention.
    • I used a corner chomper punch on each corner of the card face.

    Other:

    • I grabbed the sentiment you see from my binder.

    Assembly

    • I glued the foil border layer to the card base,  and then centered the card face on top of that.
    • I applied dimensional foam to the back of the sentiment and added it as shown.

    Final Thoughts:

    I couldn’t decide if I liked this for a few days:  it sat on my desk as I considered it.  It bothered me that I had lost part of the deer’s face due to the foiling,  and I needed to decide if it was “too much”.  In the end, I decided that I still liked this card –  I like the play between foil and inked surfaces,  and between coloured and uncoloured parts of the surface.

    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: Triangle Fade,  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: Natures Beauty & Winter Wood, both Stampin’ Up  (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  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.

    Triangle Fade by A Colorful Life Designs