Category Archives: Kathi Rerek

Catnapping by UFO Fun Creation

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By Kathi Rerek

– Here’s a rare project from me that with no stamping at all. I’ve used inks, stencils, and cutting dies to create what will either be a wall hanging or a journal page.

Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate

Time: 1.5 hours

Step 1.

Secure the UFO stencil to a piece of cardstock with removable tape on both sides of the paper, creating a hinge. Apply Platinum Planet Brilliance over the stencil onto the cardstock. Open the hinged stencil and heat set the image panel.

Step 2:

Put the UFO stencil back in place. Use a sponge dauber to apply Silver Shimmer Delicata over the stencil onto the image panel. Open the hinged stencil and heat set the image panel.

Step 3:

Use a brush-tipped Fantastix to apply Dandelion Memento ink through the UFO’s windows onto the image panel. Remove and clean the stencil.

Step 4:

Touch up the windows with the Fantastix. Use a grey watercolor marker to color the window frames and the bottom aperture of the UFO.

Step 5:

Fussy-cut the UFO, edge with a dark marker, and set aside.

Step 6:

Use a sponge dauber to apply Danube Blue onto a 4.75” x 6.75” piece of Bristol Paper. Use a sponge dauber to blend Paris Dusk onto the Bristol Paper to create a mottled background.

Step 7:

Tape the Time Tunnel Stencil over the inked background panel. Use a sponge dauber to apply Paris Dusk Memento ink over the stencil onto the paper.

Step 8:

Squeeze a few drops of Moonlight White Brilliance re-inker onto a craft mat. Spray with 91% Isopropyl Alcohol. Use a paintbrush to mix the ink. Load the paintbrush with the diluted Moonlight Brilliance ink and splatter the background panel. Let air dry or heat set.

Step 9:

Use the Mini Cats die to cut Raven cardstock. Set the cat dies aside.

Step 10:

Use a sponge dauber to apply Bamboo Leaves Memento ink onto a white cardstock panel. Repeat Cottage Ivy Memento ink until the panel is covered.

Step 11:

Use the Grassy Hills Die set to cut the inked panels. Use a green Copic marker to edge the grass and to add details. Using Memento Ink to create backgrounds allows you to use Copic markers overtop!

Step 12:

Cut a piece of vellum to 6” square. Score on the diagonal from one point to the opposite point. Fold.

Repeat with both sides until it looks like the above photo.

Step 13:

Place one edge of the scored, folded square along the cutting edge of a guillotine trimmer. Cut.

Step 14:

Use On Point Glue to adhere the die-cut cats to the interior of the folded vellum triangle. Sorry that I forgot to take a photo.

Step 15:

Back a piece of vellum with two-sided tape. Use the Oval Shadows Die-namics to cut the vellum.

Step 16:

Use Tear It! Tape to adhere the three layers of grass to the background panel as shown. Edge the panel with VersaFine Clair Nocturne .

Adhere the vellum cone and the vellum oval as shown. Use On Point Glue to adhere escaping and/or partially beamed-up cats atop the vellum oval and cone.

Use dimensional foam adhesive to adhere the UFO as shown.

Step 17:

Adhere the image panel to a 5” x 7” piece of Black Mixed Media paper. Add the sentiment sticker to finish the piece.

Imagine Crafts Supplies:

Other Supplies:

  • Solar White Classic Crest Cardstock by Neenah Papers
  • Bristol Paper by Strathmore
  • Raven Cardstock by Bazzill Basics
  • 140 lb. Black Mixed Media Paper by Strathmore
  • Vellum: Source Unknown
  • UFO Stencil by Funky Fossil
  • Time Tunnel Stencil by Visible Image
  • Grey Stone Zig Photo Twin Marker by Kuretake
  • YG 45 Copic Marker
  • Grassy Hills Die-namics Set by My Favorite Things
  • Ovals Shadows Die-namics Die Set by My Favorite Things
  • Mini Cats Die Cut Set by Impression Obsession
  • Small Talk Idea-ology Stickers by Tim Holtz for Adventus
  • 91% Isopropyl Alcohol
  • Heat Gun by EK Success
  • Mini Guillotine Trimmer by Tim Holtz for Tonic
  • Big Shot

Pandamonium With Kaleidacolor Inks

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By Kathi Rerek

– I’ve been experimenting with 91° Isopropyl Alcohol to blend inks and decided to see what would happen with Kaleidacolor Ink. I’m totally thrilled with the results!

Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate

Time: 1.5 hours

Step 1.

Keeping the Kaleidacolor’s ink pads separate, apply ink to the brayer.

Step 2:

Use the brayer to roll the ink onto one side of a 4.25” x 5” panel of white cardstock. Re-ink the brayer if necessary. Notice that the lightest green is in the center of the paper.

Flip the paper 180° and repeat. It’s always a good idea to create more than one panel of inked cardstock!

Step 3:

Spray the inked cardstock with Isopropyl Alcohol until the paper is completely saturated. Tilt the paper so that the alcohol moves the ink around. Note that whereas the paper is wet, it is not pilling!

Safety Warning: Be sure to have good ventilation when using any kind of solvent!

Pro Tip:

Place a piece of white seam binding or ribbon into the puddle of ink to create perfectly matching trim!

Step 4:

Mist the cardstock with water to add white speckles and blotches. Heat set.

Step 5:

Tape the inked cardstock to t he back of the bamboo stencil.

Sponge Rainforest and Green Oasis VersaFine Clair Inks over the stencil onto the inked cardstock. Heat set.

Step 6:

Use Nocturne VersaFine Clair Ink to stamp two of the pandas from the Pandamonium Clear Stamp Set. Heat set.

Step 7:

Fussy-cut both pandas.

Step 8:

Smoosh Rose Bud, Angel Pink, Summer Sky, and Dandelion Dew Drop Inkpads onto a craft mat. Mist with water. Use a fine paintbrush to color the pandas.

Step 9:

Use a plain rectangle and a postage edged rectangle dies to cut inked panels.

Step 10:

Place a piece of paper tape across the bottom of the stenciled cardstock.

Heavily sponge Rain Forest VersaFine Clair Ink below the tape to cover the stenciling. Use the ink to edge the piece as well.

Step 11:

Use Green Oasis VersaFine Clair Ink to stamp the sentiment.

Step 12:

Use a Postage Edged die to cut the sentiment.

Step 13:

Create an A2 card from Avalanche cardstock. Apply Verdant VersaFine Clair Ink around the edges of the white cardstock. VersaFine Clair Ink works really well with textured cardstock!

Step 14:

Use Tear It! Tape to attach the postage edged die-cut to the card.

Adhere the pandas and the sentiment die-cut to the stenciled panel, then adhere the stenciled panel to finish the card.

Imagine Crafts Supplies:

Other Supplies:

  • Solar White Classic Crest Cardstock by Neenah Papers
  • Avalanche Textured Cardstock by Bazzill Basics
  • Pandamonium Clear Stamp Set by Time for Tea Designs
  • Bamboo Stencil by The Crafters Workshop
  • Nesting Postage Stamps Infinity Die Set by Hero Arts
  • Nesting Rectangles Infinity Die Set by Hero Arts
  • 91% Isopropyl Alcohol
  • Stamping Platform
  • Heat Gun by EK Success

Pawsome Card with VersaColor and Memento Inks

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By Kathi Rerek

Cats rule the internet and my heart. Here’s a quick card created with inks, stencils, and white paper.

Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate

Time: 1.5 hours

Directions:

Step 1.

Roll a 4” Brayer onto a Pink VersaColor inkpad, then apply the ink onto a 5” x 7” Gel Press. Place a 5” x 7” panel of Bristol Paper onto the Gel Press, press the back of the paper to pull the print. Heat set the ink.

Step 2:

Position the quote on the Life with Cats stencil along the bottom of the inked paper panel. Use tape to secure the stencil to the back of the panel.

Use a Sponge Dauber to apply London Fog Memento Ink over the stencil onto the inked panel. Remove the stencil.

Step 3:

Position the Pawsome Hearts stencil to the center of the inked panel. Use tape to secure the stencil to the back of the panel.

Use a Sponge Dauber to apply Pink VersaColor Ink over the stencil onto the inked panel.

Remove the stencil and heat set the inked panel.

Step 4:

Use the Sponge Dauber to edge the stenciled panel with Pink VersaColor Ink. Heat set.

Step 5:

Use a stamping platform and Nocturne VersaFine Clair Ink to stamp two cats from the Cat Capers Clear Stamp Set onto a panel of Bristol Paper. Heat set.

Step 6:

Fussy-cut both cats.

Step 7:

Smoosh London Fog Memento Ink onto a craft mat. Mist with water. Use a fine paintbrush to color the cats’ fur. Clean the ink off of the craft mat and the paint brush.

Repeat the above steps with Rose Bud Memento Ink to color the cheeks, nose, and ears. Bamboo Leaves Memento Ink for their eyes and the fish body, and Bahama Blue Memento Ink for the bird and the fish head and tail.

Step 8:

Position the corner flourish of the stencil on the upper right corner of the background panel. Secure with tape on the reverse.

Use a Sponge Dauber to apply London Fog Memento Ink over the stencil onto the panel.

Remove the stencil. Clean and dry it thoroughly.

Flip the stencil, position the corner flourish of the stencil on the upper left of the background panel. Secure with tape on the reverse.

Use a Sponge Dauber to apply London Fog Memento Ink over the stencil onto the panel.

Remove the stencil. Use a Sponge Dauber to edge the panel with London Fog Memento ink.

Step 9:

Use On Point Glue to secure the cats to the background panel as shown.

Step 10:

Create a 7” x 5” card from white cardstock. Apply London Fog Memento Ink around the edges of the white cardstock.

Step 11:

Use Tear It! Tape to adhere the panel to the inked card.

Craft Supplies:

Imagine Crafts :

Other Supplies:

  • Bristol Paper by Strathmore
  • Solar White Classic Crest Cardstock by Neenah Papers
  • Cat Capers Clear Stamp Set by Funky Fossil Designs
  • Pawsome Hearts Stencil by Funky Fossil Designs
  • Life Is Better With Cats Stencil by Stamperia
  • PS190 Stencil by ScrapCozy for PaperArtsy
  • Stamping Platform
  • Heat Gun by EK Success

Let’s Make a Gel Print Cat Card

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By Kathi F. Rerek 

Using a Gel Press with VersaFine Clair inks is a great way to create a quick background.

Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate

Time: 1 hour

Directions:

Step 1.

Use a 2” brayer to apply Paradise VersaFine Clair ink to the top part of a 4” round gel press. Clean the brayer, then use to apply Green Oasis VersaFine Clair Ink to the bottom  of the gel press.

Press a 6” x 4.25” piece of mixed media paper onto the gel press and pull the print. I actually used a leftover panel from a previous gel print session that was not successful.

Step 2:

Mist the print with with 91% Isopropyl Alcohol.

Use Fantastix to apply Verdant VersaFine Clair Ink to even out the green area of the print and then apply Rain Forest VersaFine Clair Ink to add dimension.

Step 3:

Use paper towel to gently dab the sky and grassy areas of the print with Purell to further blend the ink.

Heat set.

Step 4:

Use magnets to secure the image panel to the base of a stamping platform.

Position the stretching cat stamp from the The Furieux/Caffeinated Cats Unmounted Stamp Set facedown so that its paws are on the grass.

Ink the stamp with Nocturne VersaFine Clair Ink and stamp. Re-ink and stamp again if needed. Remove the stamp and heat set the panel.

Step 5:

The left paws were stamped slightly above the grass, so I used Fantastix and Green Oasis VersaFine Clair Ink to add a tuft of grass under his floating paws and to add detail to the lawn.

Step 6:

Use a Sponge Dauber to apply Pearlescent Sky Blue Brilliance Ink around the image circle, leaving a bit of a halo effect around the circle.

Step 7:

Tape the image panel to the back of the Pawprint Stencil so that the smallest paw prints run horizontally across the top of the image panel.

Use Sponge Daubers to apply Pearlescent Sky Blue and Mediterranean Blue Brilliance Inks over the stencil onto the image panel.

Remove and clean the stencil, then repeat the steps above to stencil the small paw prints across the bottom of the image panel.

Lift the stencil and use the Sponge Dauber to edge the panel with Mediterranean Blue Brilliance Ink. Heat set the panel.

Step 8:

Use a Sponge Dauber to apply Pearlescent Sky Blue Brilliance Ink to a strip of white cardstock. Heat set.

Secure the cardstock strip to the base of a stamping platform. Position the “You talking’ to me?” sentiment from the Whatchamacallit Unmounted Stamp Set facedown on the strip.

Ink the stamp with Nocturne VersaFine Clair Ink and stamp. Heat set.

Use scissors or a die-cut to cut the sentiment and edge it with Mediterranean Blue Brilliance Ink. Heat set.

Step 9:

Cut a piece of white cardstock to 9” x 6.25”, score at 4.5”, and fold to form a 4.5” x 6.25” card.

Use a Sponge Dauber to apply Mediterranean Blue Brilliance Ink around the the edges of the card. Heat Set.

Step 10:

Use Tear It! Tape to secure the image panel to the card front.

Step 11:

After looking at the finished card,I decided that the card needed a larger sentiment up at the top left.

Secure the entire card with magnets to the base of a stamping platform. Position the “Hello” stamp from the Holiday Quotes. Unmounted Stamp Set facedown on the upper left. Use Nocturne VersaMark Ink to stamp the sentiment. Heat set.

Supplies used:

Imagine:

Other Supplies:

  • 140 lb. Mixed Media Paper by Strathmore
  • Solar White Classic Crest Cardstock by Neenah Papers
  • The Furieux/Caffeinated Cats Unmounted Stamp Set 127 by Katzelkraft
  • Whatchamacallit Unmounted Stamp Set 276 by Katzelkraft
  • Holiday Quotes Unmounted Stamp Set 207 by Katzelkraft
  • 4” Circle Gel Press
  • Paw Prints 6×6 Stencil by KaiserCraft
  • Lemon Yellow Zig Clear Color Real Brush Marker by Kuretake
  • 91% Isopropyl Alcohol
  • Purell
  • Stamping Platform
  • Heat Gun by EK Success

Create a Magical Card with Brilliance Inks

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By Kathi Rerek 

Intro: Brilliance inks blend beautifully and the pearlescent ones create a beautiful shimmer that enhances magical scenes like this one.

Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate

Time: 1 hour

Directions:

Step 1.

Use a Sponge Dauber to apply Mediterranean Blue Brilliance ink horizontally across the top of a 4” x 5.25” panel of white cardstock. Use a Sponge Dauber to apply Pearlescent Sky Blue Brilliance ink below the darker blue. Use both daubers to create a blended shimmery sky.

Use a Sponge Dauber to apply the Pearlescent Coral Brilliance ink from the Aurora 3-Color Brilliance Ink Pad. Sorry that there’s no photo!

Step 2:

Tape the image panel to the back of the Clouds Stencil.

Using a Sponge Dauber, apply Moonlight White Brilliance ink over the stencil onto the image panel.

Remove the stencil and heat set the ink.

Step 3:

Use magnets to secure the ink-sponged panel approximately .5” from the right edge and 1” from the bottom of the stamping platform.

Position the Cityscape Reflections Stamp facedown along the bottom of the stamping platform.

Ink the stamp with Nocturne VersaFine Clair Ink and stamp. Re-ink and stamp again if needed. Remove the stamp and heat set the panel.

Step 4:

Move the image panel so that it’s flush the right and bottom edges of the stamping platform. Secure with magnets.

Position the Silhouette Lady with Umbrella Stamp facedown along the right edge above the cityscape.

Ink the stamp with Nocturne VersaFine Clair Ink and stamp. Re-ink and stamp again if needed. Remove the stamp and heat set the panel.

Step 5:

Trim the image panel to 3 7/8” x 5 1/8”.

Use a Sponge Dauber and Mediterranean Blue Brilliance Ink to edge the image panel.

Step 6:

Cut a piece of Raven cardstock to 4” x 5.25”.

Use Tear It! Tape to adhere the image panel to the black cardstock.

Step 7:

Create an A2 Card from White cardstock.

Use a Sponge Dauber to apply Mediterranean Blue Brilliance Ink to the outer .5” of the folded card. Heat set.

Step 8:

Use Tear It! Tape to adhere the image panel to the card.

Adhere the sentiment sticker to finish the card.

Imagine Crafts Supplies:

Other Supplies:

  • 140 lb. Bristol Paper by Strathmore
  • Raven Black Cardstock by Bazzill Basics
  • Solar White Classic Crest Cardstock by Neenah Papers
  • Cityscape Reflections Cling Rubber Stamp by Andy Skinner for Creative Expressions
  • Silhouette Lady With Umbrella Unmounted Rubber Stamp by Lost Coast Stamps
  • Small Talk Idea-ology Stickers by Tim Holtz for Advents
  • Stamping Platform
  • Heat Gun by EK Success

Cultivate Kindness with Memento Inks

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By Kathi Rerek 

Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate

Time: 1 hour

Directions:

Step 1.

Sponge Dandelion Memento randomly over a 4” panel of Bristol paper or other hydrophilic paper. Repeat with Canteloupe, Tangelo, and Rose Bud until the panel is covered with colors and the inks are blended.

Step 2:

Spray the panel with Ink Potion No. 9. Let the solution sit for a minute. Heat set.

Step 3:

Use magnets to secure the ink-sponged panel to a stamping platform. Arrange the flower and leaf clear stamps from the Florals Set 1 facedown on the panel. Ink the stamps with Nocturne VersaFine Ink and stamp. Heat set the panel.

Step 4:

Smoosh the Cottage Ivy Memento Dew Drop Ink Pad onto the craft mat. Mist with water. Use a paint brush to apply diluted green ink to the leaves. Repeat this process with New Sprout and Bamboo Leaves Memento Ink to color the other leaves.

Smoosh the Rose Bud Memento Dew Drop Ink Pad onto the craft mat. Mist with water. Use a paint brush to apply the ink to the flowers. Repeat this process with Dandelion Memento ink pads.

Heat set the panel thoroughly.

Step 5:

Fussy-cut the flowers and the leaves. Edge with a dark marker.

Step 6:

Sponge a 4.5 x 6” panel of Bristol paper with Blue Danube and Paris Dusk Memento Ink onto the panel to create a blended blue background panel.

Step 7:

Spray the panel with Ink Potion No. 9. Let the solution sit for a minute. Heat set.

Step 8:

Use removable tape to secure the inked panel to the back of the Ornate Stencil.

Sponge Blue Danube Ink over the stencil onto the panel.

Remove the stencil and heat set the ink.

Trim the panel to 4.25”. Add the washi tapes to the bottom of the panel as shown.

Edge the entire panel with Nocturne VersaFine Clair and heat set.

Step 9:

Sponge a 2.5” strip of Bristol paper with Potters Clay and London Fog Memento Ink onto the strip until it is covered with blended ink.

Step 10:

Spray the panel with Ink Potion No. 9. Let the solution sit for a minute. Heat set.

Step 11:

Secure the strip onto the Stamping Platform. Position the Terracotta Pot Eclectic Rubber Stamp facedown on the strip. Ink the stamps with Nocturne VersaFine Ink and stamp. Heat set the panel.

Step 12:

Fussy-cut the planter.

Step 13:

Smoosh the Potter’s Clay Memento Dew Drop Ink Pad onto the craft mat. Mist with water. Use a paint brush to shade the planter.

Edge the planter with a black marker. Heat set the planter.

Step 14:

Use Tear It! Tape to adhere the Terracotta pot to the image panel.

Step 15:

Use foam adhesive to adhere the flowers to the card front. Add the sentiment sticker to the top left.

Step 16:

Cut a piece of Raven cardstock to 9” x 6.25”, score at 4”, and fold to form a card.

Use Tear It! Tape to adhere the image panel to the card.

Art Supplies:

Imagine:

Other Supplies:

  • 140 lb. Bristol Paper by Strathmore
  • Raven Black Cardstock by Bazzill Basics
  • Florals Set 1 by Melina Dahl for That’s Crafty
  • Terracotta Pot Eclectic Red Rubber Cling Stamp by Darkroom Door
  • Ornate Stencil by Lavinia Stamps
  • Yellow, Orange, Pink, Cherry, Bottle, Leaf Green, Black, and Grey Le Plume II Markers by Marvy Uchida
  • Inspire 2 Washi Tape by AALL and Create
  • Glitter Washi Tape by Tim Holtz for Adventus
  • Stamping Platform
  • Heat Gun by EK Success