Category Archives: Jessica Lin

Stencil-Layering Thanksgiving Card Using VersaFine Clair Inks

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By Jessica Lin

Skill: Beginner
Time: 30 minutes
Hi everyone! It’s Jessica here. Have you tried blending inks on kraft colored cardstock before? It’s an easy way to create a new look and I love using this trick for fall and Thanksgiving cards. I’ll be using several VersaFine Clair ink pads for today’s project. Let’s see how these color changes on kraft colored cardstock!

Directions:

Step 1:
Cut a piece of Neenah Desert Storm cardstock to 4’’ x 5 ¼’’. Then ink blend VersaFine Clair Cheerful ink onto Layer 1. The layering stencil set I’m using today is called Abundant Beauty from Stampin’ Up.

Step 2:
Using the same layer of stencil, ink blend the center of the sunflowers with VersaFine Clair Tulip Red ink pad. This is an orangey-red shade on white cardstock, but on kraft cardstock, it has a golden brown undertone.

Step 3:
Then I ink blended VersaFine Clair Sand Dune on Layer 4 of the Abundant Beauty stencils.

Step 4:
For Layer 3, I used VersaFine Clair Acorn. This is a darker brown shade so I ink blended very lightly. You could also use Sand Dune for Layer 3 and Acorn for Layer 4 instead.

Step 5:
The leaves images are on Layer 2. I ink blended with VersaFine Clair Verdant and Rain Forest. Usually I would pick Green Oasis to pair with Verdant. However, the kraft cardbase mutes the color saturation of the ink pad, so Rain Forest brings out the dark green contrast better than Green Oasis on kraft cardstock.

Step 6:
To add a little more texture to this simple card, I embossed the stenciled panel with Stampin’ Up’s Timeworn Type embossing folder. Then I embellished the card with Doodlebug Design’s Sprinkles enamel dots and some gold thread and the card is complete!

Craft Supplies

Imagine Supplies:
● VersaFine Clair – Cheerful, Tulip Red, Sand Dune, Acorn, Verdant, Rain Forest
● StazOn Cleaner
● Tear-It! Tape
● Craft Mat

Other Supplies:
● Stampin’ Up! – Stencils – Abundant Beauty
● Stampin’ Up! – Embossing Folder – Timeworn Type
● Doodlebug Design – Glitter Enamel Dots – Limeade, Bumblebee

Make a Father’s Day Card for Your Home Improvement Hero

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By Jessica Lin

Skill Level: Medium
Time: 30 min

Hi everyone! It’s Jessica here. Today I would like to share a Father’s Day card that showcases different tools to thank my dad for all the home improvement projects he has done in the past year. I also ink blended Memento inks on the die cut pieces to create more depth. If you’d like to learn some tips and tricks on ink blending small paper elements, just keep reading!

Step 1:
First, I die cut several tools from a silver cardstock. I’ve had this paper for a long time since my scrapbooking days, and I am glad to finally use it again. I also adhered Stick It sheets to the back of the silver cardstock before die cutting, so that all of the elements are adhesive backed. This will make adhering to the small tool pieces easier and mess-free.

Step 2:
Die cut again with colored cardstock to create the handles on the tools. I used So Saffron cardstock for the wrench and Cajun Craze cardstock for the hammer.

Step 3:
For the power drill, I used Misty Moonlight and Blueberry Bushel cardstock. I also die cut a bolt from the silver cardstock to decorate this power drill.

Step 4:
One of the things I love about this die set is that it includes this pegboard die. You can extend the size of this die by matching up the holes on the die with a row of die cut holes and die cut again. They will fit like a puzzle and it almost feels like it is “locked” once the fitting is matched up.

Step 5:
I decided to dress up the die cuts further by ink blending the edges with Memento Inks. Since the die cut pieces are small, I opted for the small sponge daubers instead of my regular blending brushes. These small daubers are great for precise ink blending. I also lay the die cuts on Altenew’s Grip Mat, which conveniently secures the paper pieces and ink pads so they don’t shift around when ink blending.

Step 6:
The Jumbo Dauber is also a great blending tool. I used Desert Sand Memento Ink to add some shadows to the bottom edges of the pegboard piece.

Step 7:
Finally, I adhered the pieces with Tear It Tape and stamped the sentiment from Stampin Up’s Heartfelt Hello set. This card was fun to put together and I hope you enjoyed it.

Craft Supplies

Imagine Supplies:

Other Supplies:

  • Stampin’ Up! – Stamps – Heartfelt Hellos
  • Stampin’ Up! – Dies – Trusty Tools
  • Foam Tape
  • Colored cardstock

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