Category Archives: Jessica Lin

Comparing VersaFine Clair Inks – Brown & Earthy Shades 

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By Jessica Lin

Skill: Beginner
Time: 30 minutes

Hi everyone! It’s Jessica here. Today’s project is inspired by the Pantone color of this year – Mocha Mousse. It is such a warm, rich shade that is perfect for a coffee card! I decided to compare the different brown and earthy tones in the VersaFine Clair ink line as well. There are many options to choose from, and each is special on its own.

Step 1:
Today I will be using an acrylic stamp set from iCrafter. It is called Latte Coffee and has several sets of coffee cup images. Since the image outlines are superfine, I chose VersaFine Clair inks to stamp with to ensure crisp, clean images. I typically stamp the outline images with Nocturne (the black color of this ink line). However, when I was experimenting with the colors, I found that Fallen Leaves is a great alternative. The dark brown color adds more warmth than black and complements the other earthy tones well. I love VersaFine Clair inks and use them very regularly, but Fallen Leaves was probably the one I reach for the least. I think I will start using it to stamp outline images from now on!

Step 2:
I used Sand Dune to stamp the first latte art image. This is one of the newer VersaFine Clair colors. I am really happy that they added a lighter earth shade to this collection.

Step 3:
For the second latte art stamp, I used Pinecone. This is also a rich, dark brown color. It is just a bit lighter than Fallen Leaves.

Step 4:
I used Acorn for the bottom coffee image with the swirl. It is a great middle-tone that completes the brown color gradient.

Step 5:
Today’s card is simple and beginner-friendly with easy layered stamping. However, you could also add a little flair by embossing the front panel of the card base. Embossing folders are easy to use and add such a great wow factor to your project. The one I am using today is called Brick & Mortar. I think it reminds me of the walls of a cute coffee shop!

Step 6:
Finally, I stamped this super cute sentiment with Sand Dune, and that completes today’s coffee card!

Imagine Supplies:

Other Supplies:

  • iCrafter – Stamps – Latte Coffee
  • Stampin’ Up! – Embossing Folder – Brick & Mortar
  • Foam Tape

Create Ink Swatches for New VersaFine Clair Inks 

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By Jessica Lin

Skill: Beginner 
Time: 30 minutes 

Hi everyone, it’s Jessica here. I am loving the new VersaFine Clair inks and I hope you are enjoying the creations from the Imagine team! Today I decided to create new ink swatches so I can have a quick on-hand reference for the colors. 

Step 1:
Print the labels onto your go-to white cardstock. For me, that is Neenah Solar White Cover in 80lbs. I used Word to create the labels template and it takes a bit of trial and error to align everything perfectly. I found that checking the “show grid lines” box was helpful during the process. 

Step 2:
Trim the labels to 2 x 2’’ squares. I used a standard 8.5 x 11’’ cardstock to print so each page equals to 20 labels at the end. 

Step 3:
Then stamp each label with the corresponding ink pad. I used a stamp positioning tool but it is completely optional. As for the stamp used for ink swatching, I would recommend an image that is solid so that there is enough area to truly showcase the ink color. I like to pick something that also has some fine lines; some inks have great coverage but are not the best at showing fine details. I recently bought a coffee-themed stamp set called Latte Love from Stampin’ Up!, and this coffee swirl stamp is perfect. 

Below are all the new VersaFine Clair colors. As you can see, they are great inks that offer great ink coverage and retain super-fine details of the stamps. I double stamped most of them as I 

typically double stamp my images when I am creating. I tried to minimize the amount of editing on these images so the colors are kept as true as possible. Hopefully they can provide a visual for you as well if you are interested in these inks. 

I hope today’s tutorial inspires you to create new ink swatches! They are handy tools and the ink swatching process is so cathartic. I can’t wait to create more projects with these inks! 

Imagine Supplies: 

● VersaFine Clair -Baby Pink, Hawthorn Rose, Lilac Bloom, Arctic, Bali Blue, Very Peri, Grass Green, Avocado, Spruce, Sand Dune, Portobello, Strawberry 
● StazOn Cleaner 
● Craft Mat 

Other Supplies: 

● Stampin’ Up! – Stamps – Latte Love 
● Paper Trimmer 
● Neenah Solar White Cardstock 

Easy Stamped Backgrounds with Small Valentine’s Stamps

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By Jessica Lin

Skill: Beginner
Time: 30 minutes

Hi everyone, it’s Jessica here. Have you tried using small stamps to create a card background? Today I am sharing this technique I discovered using the We R Precision Press stamping tool. It takes stamping these small images to the next level, and you can get really creative results!

Step 1:
I decided to create a stamped background for this year’s Valentine’s card. These adorable love bird images are from Mama Elephant’s Oh Happy Birds set. I placed 4 little birds onto the We R Stamping Pattern Block plate and made sure the images are within the 1’’ grid lines. This made pattern stamping the background so easy; simply use the pegs on the We R Precision Press to stamp on the 1’’, 3’’, 5’’ marks. Then rotate your 5’’ cardstock and stamped on the 2’’ and 4’’ marks using the opposite orientation of the stamps. The VersaFine Clair inks are my go-to for stamping fine line images like these. The lines are so clear and crisp, I’m totally in love with the result!

Step 2:
Die cut a piece of red cardstock with Cross Stitched Hearts dies. Then stamp the sentiment with VersaMark ink pad and emboss with white embossing powder. The cross stitched details on the die really adds a fine touch to this simple project.

Step 3:
Finally, adhere rhinestones with On Point Glue and this quick and simple Valentine’s card is complete!

I hope you enjoyed today’s quick tutorial. I have a lot of small critter stamp sets and I can’t wait to create more stamped backgrounds like this. It’s super easy and fun; I hope you’ll give it a try, too!

Imagine Supplies:

Other Supplies:

  • Mama Elephant – Stamps – Oh Happy Birds
  • We R – Tool – Precision Press and Stamping Pattern Block
  • White and red cardstock

 Create a Dog Pun Valentine’s Card 

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By Jessica Lin

Skill: Beginner
Time: 30 minutes

Hi everyone, it’s Jessica here. Today I have a special Valentine’s card to share with you. If you are a dog person, the background stamp we are using today is for you. It’s really unique and you could highlight any of the dogs to create personalized cards for the recipient.

Step 1:
Ink up Stampin’ Up!’s Doggone Friendly background stamp with Sand Dune VersaFine Clair ink, then stamp on a piece of watercolor cardstock. I recently got a photopolymer sticky mat from Altenew and have enjoyed using it so far. It ensures the cardstock stays in place when you are stamping, which is a handy feature when you are stamping large images like background stamps.

Step 2:
I wanted to highlight the Shiba Inu in the middle by creating a spotlight effect around him. I laid down the Spotlight Heart stencil in the center and ink blended the edges lightly with Rhubarb Stalk Memento ink. Memento inks are perfect for ink blending and since they are dye inks, the blended areas will not cover up the background stamp details.

Step 3:
This step is completely optional, but I decided to add some simple watercoloring. I chose Potter’s Clay for his face and used Rhubarb Stalk to color his tongue. For his scarf, I used Bamboo Leaves (not pictured here).

Step 4:
Lastly, I stamped a “punny” sentiment using Bamboo Leaves Memento ink. I have used the Labeler Alphabet stamp set many times before to create custom sentiments. I thought this phrase compliments the blended heart shape nicely. Finally, I added some green enamel dots to decorate and the card is completed!

Imagine Supplies:

Other Supplies:

  • Stampin’ Up! – Stamp – Doggone Friendly
  • Waffle Flower – Stencil – Spotlight Heart
  • Stampin’ Up! – Stamp – Labeler Alphabet
  • Waterbrush
  • Blending brushes
  • Neenah – Cardstock – Desert Storm
  • Watercolor cardstock

Stunning Monochromic Winter Snowflake Card

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By Jessica Lin

Skill: Advanced
Time: 45 minutes

Hi everyone, it’s Jessica here. Have you seen the latest addition of colors for the VersaFine Clair ink line? I am a big fan of the VCF inks and am swooning over the new pastel colors. There are some really gorgeous shades of purples and blues, which are perfect for today’s wintery themed card. Let’s get started!

Step 1:
Emboss a piece of purple cardstock with Stampin’ Up!’s Whimsical Woodland embossing folder. This is one of my favorite embossing folders to use to create any christmas or winter themed cards. It looks great on both white and colored cardstock.

Step 2:
Ink blend the edges of the embossed panel with Lilac Bloom VersaFine Clair ink. I like to dab off excess ink on my craft mat before blending onto the cardstock so that there would be no harsh lines. I also tried to ink blend in a circular motion to create a spotlight effect.

Step 3:
Then ink blend Very Peri VersaFine Clair ink to create a color gradient. This beautiful dusty blue complements Lilac Bloom nicely. I just love the blended look of these two colors.

Step 4:
I ink blended a small amount of Nocturne VersaFine Clair ink to add a dramatic feel to this forest scene.

Step 5:
Using the same VersaFine Clair inks (Lilac Bloom and Very Peri), ink blend the center of a square piece of cardstock. Then die cut a large snowflake with Hero Art’s Snowflake die. If your snowflake die does not have thin, intricate lines, you could die cut the shape before ink blending.

Step 6:
Spritz a generous layer of Sheer Shimmer Spray in Sparkle to add a shimmery look to the snowflake die cut. Make sure you shake well before spritzing! I spritzed several layers, letting one layer dry briefly before applying the next, to get a thick coat of shimmer. The photos don’t do it justice! I wish you could see the amount of sparkle in person.

Step 7:
I also splattered on some white acrylic paint droplets to the embossed background by flicking the paint brush. After that is dry, I adhered the snowflake onto a strip of white cardstock and mounted the center piece onto the background with foam tape. For some finishing touches, I adhered a couple of rhinestones as well using On Point Glue.

Step 8:
To complete the card, I stamped the sentiment using the Silvery Shimmer Delicata ink pad. This sentiment stamp is from My Favorite Things’ Hand Lettered Holiday set.

Imagine Supplies:

Other Supplies:

  • Stampin’ Up! – Embossing Folder – Whimsical Woodland
  • Hero Arts – Die – Snowflake
  • My Favorite Things – Stamps – Hand Lettered Holiday
  • Die Cutting Machine
  • Blending brushes
  • Stampin’ Up! – Cardstock – Wisteria Wonder

Upcycle Chocolate Bar Packaging into a Money Holder

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By Jessica Lin

Skill: Beginner
Time: 30 minutes

Hi everyone, it’s Jessica here. Christmas is right around the corner. Did you start preparing presents and gifts for the holidays? I recently received several Iceland chocolates and their packaging is so adorable! I decided to upcycle them into money holders which is perfect for the upcoming gift-giving season. If you like this idea, just keep reading!

Step 1:
Trim the chocolate bar packaging to size. For U.S. dollar bills, I trimmed down to 6 3/8‘’ x 2 3/4‘’. This was the largest size I could get from this packaging. If your packaging is larger, 6 1/2‘’ x 2 7/8‘’ would be a great size too.

Step 2:
Cut and score a piece of white cardstock to create the envelope base. I started with a 7’’ x 7 1/2’’ piece of cardstock and scored at 3 5/16‘’ to create a 7’’ x 3 5/16‘’ envelope. This envelope also has a small flap closure but it sticks out a little bit. If you would like a larger flap that lays flatter, you could use a 7’’ x 8’’ piece of cardstock instead.

Step 3:
Apply Tear It Tape to both ends of the envelope and adhere together to form the envelope pocket.

Step 4:
I decided to decorate the backside of the envelope as well. I ink blended a 6 3/4‘’ x 3’’ piece of cardstock with Strawberry, Summertime, Cheerful, Grass Green, Bali Blue, and Lilac Bloom VersaFine Clair inks. I love the newly released ink colors. They create such a vibrant rainbow gradient!

Step 5:
For additional shimmer and shine, generously spritz a layer of Sheer Shimmer Craft Spray (Sparkle) and let dry.

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial and would try upcycling pretty packaging in the future. Thank you so much for stopping by, and I’ll see you next time!

Imagine Supplies:

Other Supplies:

  • Paper Trimmer
  • Color packaging or patterned paper
  • White cardstock