Playing with Stencils, Gilding Flakes and Tacky When Dry Gel Medium

I had the opportunity to play with a new (to me) gel medium from Crafter's Workshop called Tacky When Dry recently and now my very own jar is on it's way to me:) I loved how easy it was to apply through a stencil and then add gilding flakes or glitter when it was dry and clear as I did on the first card above. There are Cosmic Shimmer Gilding Flakes on the Crafter's Workshop fern and Nuvo fine detail glitter on the round leaf on the bottom (stencil from A Colorful Life. The stencil  background was created with several colors of distress ink through a Prima stencil and the sentiment die is from Karen Burniston. Here is a close-up to see the gilding flakes and glitter- although both are more gorgeous in real life:

I love how this card turned out too! I used my friend's gilding flakes and a peacock feather stencil from Stencil Girl. The background stencil is from Gina Marie Designs and "hello" is a die from Tonic Studios. The dragonflies were created with dies from Penny Black and the napkin technique I learned about in this video and from my friend. I am going to be playing and designing more with that very fun technique using napkins and will share in an upcoming video. 

I am entering the second card in the Anything Goes challenge at Simon Says Stamp Wednesday.

Three More IO Deer Frame Cards From My Newest Video

I am loving the five cards I made with Impression Obsession's Deer Frame Die for my newest video in my Stretch Your Supplies YouTube Series. I especially love the background on this card created with Altenew's Layered Classic Pine Stencils! I die cut the Deer Frame and brushed on a little light brown ink, layered it on the gorgeous stencil pine cones background and added a "thankful" die cut from Sue Wilson and Creative Expressions. 

I made this Christmas card with one of my favorite foil techniques. I die cut the IO Deer Frame out of a Deco Foil Toner Sheet, then totally crinkled up a piece of Amber Watercolor Deco Foil before covering the Deer Frame and running them through my MINC Mini Machine. That left creases where the foil was wrinkled so I laid a piece of  Brutus Monroe Sunset foil on it and ran it through again and that is how the red distress lines are created. I simply attached that piece to a seasonal designer paper card front and gave the deer a holly collar with  a die from Penny Black and some red gems from Gina Marie Designs.

On the 5th card I made for this video, I created a mask from the Deer Frame die and masking paper, then sponged the designer paper with words with brown ink. After removing the mask I added some yellow ink to the deer itself so it stands out. I added another of the beautiful words from a set from Sue Wilson and Creative Expressions to this card and layered on green and gold. 

I hope this video and my cards encourage you to stretch your cardmaking supplies and dollars by trying out many different ways to use your dies.

Video - Stretch Your Supplies Series - 5 Unique Cards With One Die

Cover size dies can be expensive and so in my newest video I show how to stretch your crafty dollars by creating 5 very unique cards with the same cover die. I could not resist this Deer Frame Die from Impression Obsession - it is perfect for guys cards and Christmas cards and cards for any reason or season! 

I remember seeing a scene inside of a deer frame years ago and always wanted to find a die that would work for that idea. I show how to make this card in the video - the key is to save all the pieces when the Deer Frame was cut for this card:

On the first card I stamped some scenery images from Northwoods and Kitchen Sink Stamps and brushed on the sunset colors. On the second card the background was created with something we all have- boxes from all those crafty purchases with the top cardboard layer torn off. I also brushed on some Distress Ink for a little color. 

For more details on these cards and to see 3 more cards with the same Impression Obsession Deer Frame die cut, watch the video here. Thanks for your visit here today and for watching, subscribing and sharing my videos too!

Ktichen Sink Stamps Ice Skates Times Three in the Holidays 2019 Rubber Stamp Madness Issue

A few years ago when there were many card making magazines being published in the United States I never blogged about my published cards because there were dozens and dozens each year as well as full length articles in many issues. Now, however, we are down to maybe two stamping/card making magazines in the U.S. and the competition to be published in them is fierce. So now when a card of mine is chosen, I am thrilled and want to share it with you and encourage you to find the issue. The Rubber Stamp Madness Holidays 2019 issue is available on their website here and also in bookstores. My friend Pat Schulz also has two of her cards published in this issue and I encourage you to check out her blog here.

The theme for the article my card is in is "Repeat Yourself", and we were supposed to use a stamp three times on the card. I chose to use the Kitchen Sink Stamps Figure Skates Multi Step Layered Stamps in three different colors hanging up ready to be grabbed for a fun afternoon of skating. I did that as a child, but as noted in the Rubber Stamp Madness article, nowadays my favorite cold weather activity is playing with my stamps, dies and cardstock.

Sweetened Condensed Milk On a "Have a Good Day" Card

I recently saw someone brush sweetened condensed milk on cardstock and then heat it with a heat gun to create a textured and sweet smelling addition to her card. I can't find that card to link it, but did give the idea a try and this card is the result. The bottom part and some of the steam on the coffee cup were created that way and IRL it is very textured and fun! I made the coffee cup with a new die from Tutti Designs and some patterned paper. 

I am entering this card in the Fall Colors challenge at Simon Says Stamp Wednesday.

Spellbinders Small Die of the Month Thanksgiving Card

The challenge for this month's meeting of our local stamp club was to use the paper and leaves given to us to make a card. I thought the paper would be perfect for a Thanksgiving card featuring the October Small Die of the Month from Spellbinders called "Home for the Holidays". This lovely lady can hold a present or a Christmas tree or a pie, and my favorite part of our Thanksgiving dinner is the pumpkin pie, so I chose the pie. "Thankful" is a die from a set by Creative Expressions and Sue Wilson.

The set is called the "Small Die of the Month" but has 12 pieces and is not very small and is only $15! You do have to join the club to get this set, but each month you can check out the new set and if you don't want it, you can stop that month's shipment. I think this club is a great bargain and I look forward to each month's set of dies. If you like this die set, it is available until the end of the month as long as supplies last.

Video - Stargazer Set of Cards in an A2 Sized Gift Box

In an earlier blog post here, I showed a box of cards I had designed and promised to make a video showing how I created the gift box perfect for A2 sized cards. In today's video, I share how I made the box and cards for this gift for a special friend.

The link above did not have a tutorial for the box, so I searched for some more help and found this helpful tutorial. However, that one was not for my favorite size of cards which is A2 (or 5 1/2" x 4 1/4") so I played around with the measurements and created my own box as I show step by step in my newest video here.

I show the template and step by step how to make the box, but if you want a picture you can pin, here are pictures of my template:

The box I create in the video and all the cards feature Stargazer Foil patterned paper from The Paper Studio and a beautiful butterfly die from Tim Holtz for Sizzix. The "for you" die on the box is from Tonic Studios and all the stamped sentiments on the cards are from a set called Brushed Wishes by Stampendous. I also added some of the gorgeous foiled Stargazer paper to the envelopes for a lovely gift set.

I love to give sets of cards for gifts and these were easy to make and fit perfectly into the matching box. To see exactly how to make the box for A2 cards, watch the video here. 

Thanks for your visit here and for your support of my YouTube channel, and thanks, too, for helping me share the #joy of creativity!

Stepping Up My Stenciled Holiday Cards with Glitz Glitter Gel

All week long here on my blog I am featuring cards I made with new holiday stencils from A Colorful Life Designs as part of a video hop where you could win one of TEN $15 gift certificates from our generous sponsor! To see all 8 cards I made and earn a chance at winning, watch my video here and comment with my secret word  before October 22, 2019. 

When I want to step up my stenciled cards I add Gina K Designs/Therm O Web Glitz Glitter Gel through the stencil after sponging on some inks. I am usually a traditionalist when it comes to Christmas card colors, but for this one I stepped outside my box and used pastels through the Striped Baubles ACLD stencil before adding white Glitz Glitter Gel for some awesome sparkle. I die cut JOY using Kat Scrappiness Condensed Alpha Dies and popped the letters back in for the eclipse look. "Wishing You" is a die from Memory Box. 

This peppermint joy card was created with two new stencils from A Colorful Life Designs called Heartflakes and Big Swirl and red inks as well as red Glitz Glitter Gel. I also sponged green ink through the Heartflakes stencil onto the JOY cut with a new die from Bright Rosa. 

I had so much fun making all the cards I show in the video with the new stencils from A Colorful Life Designs. I thank them for the stencils they sent me as well as for sponsoring this video hop. Please check out their website for unique and very reasonably priced stencils and hop along on the video hop for great ideas and many chances to win.

More Stenciled Holiday Cards with A Colorful Life Designs Video Hop

An easy and classic way to use stencils on our cards for any occasion is to simply brush inks through the stencil brighter on one side letting the color fade out through the stencil. Then stamp a pretty sentiment and/or image, add a few gems and you have an easy and beautiful card. I used the new Christmas Flowers stencil from A Colorful Life Designs on this card as well as stamps from Penny Black and some gems from Gina Marie Designs. 

I am participating this week in a video hop sponsored by A Colorful Life Designs and show 8 cards in my video as well as how easy this technique is with this gorgeous stencils. If you watch my video and leave a comment with the secret word before October 22, 2019, you could win one of TEN $15 gift certificates to A Colorful Life Designs! 

I love all the new stencils in the October release at ACLD, but I think this Striped Baubles and the Snowflake Net below are my favorites. I simply brushed on green ink through the stencil fading out as I moved left, then overstamped with a reindeer from Penny Black and believe from Tim Holtz and Stampers Anonymous. 

Do you like making easy, quick and beautiful holiday cards? You can't make it any easier than to simply brush on ink through a gorgeous ACLD stencil and add a sentiment (Gina K Designs) and a few gems (Gina Marie Designs.) 

Want a chance at winning some of these stencils? Watch my video here, leave a comment with my secret word and then hop along for more inspiration and chances to win.

Happy Holiday With Stencils Video Hop

I am so happy to be participating in the Happy Holidays With Stencils Craft Collabs Video Hop sponsored by A Colorful Life Designs! I am a huge fan of their stencils and each stop along the video hop is showcasing their new holiday stencils. If you watch my video here and leave a comment with my secret word in the comment before October 22, 2019 you have a chance at winning one of TEN $15 gift certificates from A Colorful Life Designs! 

I had so much fun designing with the new holiday release of stencils from A Colorful Life Designs I made 8 different cards with them! One of my favorite techniques with stencils is to use Deco Foil Transfer Gel through the stencil and then after it is dry, run the piece through my MINC with beautiful foils such as the new Brutus Monroe Red and Gold Static foils. I used the new Striped Baubles stencil from ACLD on the two ornaments shown here and it was also used to emboss the background for some subtle texture.

Here is another card made with a favorite new ACLD stencil called Snowflake Net, Deco Foil Transfer Gel and Brutus Monroe Silver Sketch Deco Foil. I also sponged blue ink through the stencil and added a pretty snowflake from Poppy Stamps and Happy Holidays from Your Next Die. 

You are going to want to check out all the stencils and especially the new October release at A Colorful Life Designs. For a chance to win a gift certificate from them, watch my video here and leave a comment with the secret word before October 22, 2019. Then click the link in the description box for the next video and chance to win.

I am entering the first card in the Christmas challenge at Simon Says Stamp Wednesday.

Sneak Peak of Christmas Cards with Stencils You Can Win Starting Tomorrow!

I normally post a new video and cards from it every Monday but this week I am participating in a video hop starting tomorrow which is sponsored by A Colorful Life Designs. Each stop will showcase new ideas on how to use stencils in our Christmas cards and projects. If you are one of the lucky winners (must leave a comment using each channel's secret word before October 22, 2019), you could win one of TEN $15 gift certificates to ACLD! And international guests are welcome to enter!

I had so much fun designing with the brand new October 2019 release of stencils at A Colorful Life Designs, I made 8 different cards with different techniques and ways to use stencils! Be sure to stop  back tomorrow and all week as I share all the stenciled cards and for a link to the video where you can see how the cards were made and leave a comment to maybe win!

Stencils are perfect for mixed media projects and cards, and using different mediums to layer on them. The first layer on this mixed media card was created with the Faded Poinsettia stencil from A Colorful Life Designs and scarlet and yellow Brushos spritzed with water through the stencil. Layer two on the top left was done with Deco Foil Champagne Metallix Gel through the new Diamond Strands stencil from ACLD. Layer three features Gold Glitz Glitter Gel from Therm O Web through the Poinsettia Bling stencil from ACLD and then I used my heat gun on the glitter gel to puff it up. Layer four was created with Black Ice Metallix gel through the Reindeer Names ACLD stencil. While working on this last layer, I made a happy mistake as Rudoph's name was smudged, so I covered up the mistake with a red Glitz Glitter Gel Rudolph which was perfect:) 

This card is so much prettier IRL with the many layers of stenciled beauty. I finished the card with a pretty sentiment from Creative Expressions on a Karen Burniston circle die. I do believe in the magic! And love to share the magic of Christmas with handmade cards which are so easy to make with great stencils like these!!

Be sure to stop back Tuesday for the start of the video hop and many more ACLD stenciled cards here on my blog and in my video.

I am entering this card in the Christmas challenge at Simon Says Stamp Wednesday.

Double Inside Shadow Box Card With Crealies XXL Double Dotted Square Dies

I made this card for a stamp club challenge to use the die cuts given and make a double inside shadow box card. The front is simple and pretty with a dotted XXL die from Crealies, and a "hello" and floral corner die cuts from Tonic Studios. 

I followed Jennifer  McGuire's shadow box instructions from this tutorial to make the shadow box on this card. But since we were supposed to have another layer on the shadow box I added a second layer cut at 5 1/2" square and scored at 3/4" so it is a bit out in front of the back shadow box layer. All the squares on this card were cut with Crealies Double Dotted XXL dies so each of them have dots all around for extra interest. I was given the floral die cuts to use on my layers. Here is a look at the shadow box with the top layer back:

More Triple Time Cards with Patterned Paper and Designer Toner Sheets

In my newest video I share how to update the older Triple Time technique with newer products like XXL layered dies from Crealies and stencils. The two cards I am sharing today also show lovely layered cards with designer paper and Designer Toner Sheets. My first card above features double dotted rectangle dies from Crealies, designer paper from Crafter's Companion and the peace die is from Suzanne Cannon for Quietfire Designs. I used a bit leftover stitched patterned paper and a sentiment die from Creative Expressions on the inside of the card:

The Peppermint Twist in the background of this card and that continues into the square die cut pieces was created with the new Peppermint Twist Brutus Monroe/Therm O Web Designer Toner Sheets and his new Red Static foil. I die cut three squares out of the background with square double dotted dies from Crealies and layered them on the next size up square double dotted die. The center square was raised on pop dots with the wish for "sweet Christmas Wishes." The sweet die is from Karen Burniston and Christmas Wishes is from Creative Expressions. To make that part easier to read, I attached it to vellum on the raised square. 

I love taking an older technique and updating it with newer cardmaking tools and supplies to make it easier and fresh. To see how I made these Triple Time cards, watch the video here.

Video - Updated Triple Time Cards with XXL Layered Dies and Stencils

Do you remember the older technique called Triple Time Stamping? I loved the look and made many cards with it 7 years ago when it was all over Pinterest and blogs, but all the measuring of each layer could be tedious. I have updated the technique for my newest video using XXL Layering dies from Crealies and stencils, and made many cards for holidays as well as other occasions.

This is the card I demo in the video using both square and rectangle Double Dotted XXL Layered Dies from Crealies as well as the lantern and sentiment dies also from Crealies. As I show in the video, in each set of XXL layered dies from Crealies, you get about 12 different sizes of layered dies for around $23-that is a great bargain! With that many sizes to choose from, it is easy to choose the right size square or rectangle and a slightly bigger one for the frame and each one in these sets has the dotted edge which really adds a nice touch. Using dies from Crealies makes this technique so much easier! I also updated the technique to use stencils on the layers instead of only stamping as we did years ago. I chose the beautiful Snowflake Net stencil from A Colorful Life Designs for my Merry Christmas Snowflake Triple Time card above.

I made this "thankful" fall colored card with many double dotted square dies from Crealies as well as a favorite stencil from Gina Marie Designs. I brushed on red, yellow and orange inks with blending brushes from Taylored Expressions. The "I'm Thankful" dies are from Creative Expressions and continues the thought inside:

The leaf die is also from Gina Marie Designs. The third card I am sharing from the new video shows combining stamping and stencils with layers of Crealies 8 point star:

All the stamps I used as well as the pretty stencil are by Gina K Designs. To find out how easy it is to achieve layers of stenciling and stamping with borders as shown on these cards as well as many others, watch my newest video here. 

Thanks for your visit here today and for your support of my YouTube channel.