Stamp Layering with VersaMagic Ink Pads

By Jessica Lin

VersaMagic is one of my all time favorite ink pads. The pastel, muted tones create a nice range of colors, and some look great together for stamp layering. Today I’ll be sharing some ink combos I used for stamping the layered floral images from the All Things Fabulous set.

Skill Level: Intermediate

Time: 45 minutes

Step 1
Stamp the flower images with VersaMagic Pink Petunia, Perfect Plumeria, and Eggplant ink pads. I start with stamping the base layer with the lightest shade (Pink Petunia in this case), and work towards the darker tones. When layering the stamps, I find that aligning the center white spots is the easiest. After stamping, die cut the images with Fabulous Florals dies.

Step 2
Stamp leafy images onto the white card panel. I created 2 versions with different colored leaves. The version shown here is stamped with Aloe Vera (an all time favorite color of mine) but I decided to break out of my comfort zone and opted for the version using Aquatic Splash instead.

Step 3
Stamp the sentiment using Brilliance Starlite Silver ink pad. The shimmery effect is stunning against the dark cardstock! If you are looking for a silver ink pad, I highly recommend Starlite Silver.

Step 4
It’s time to embellish the card. This delicate lace die is to die for! It adds a feminine touch to the card and can be very versatile in my opinion. This die fits in the Mini Stampin’ Cut and Emboss machine as well! I’ve been enjoying the mini machine for die cutting flowers and smaller elements. Then I cut the lace die cut in half and adhere them on the top and bottom behind the white card panel.

I hope you like this floral card! The muted colors from the VersaMagic ink pads are just so pretty together. I hope you’ll try them out with layering stamps.

Craft Supplies

Imagine Supplies:

Other Supplies:

Let’s Stamp on Vellum with VersaMagic Ink

By Jessica Lin

Let’s create a simple Easter card using some pretty patterned paper! The pastel colors and floral designs are too pretty to cover up! So I decided to stamp the sentiment on a piece of vellum. Stamping on vellum is tricky; but the VersaMagic ink pads work wonderfully. They don’t bead up and dry beautifully without fuzzy edges. Keep reading to see the final result! 

Skill: Intermediate 
Time: 30 minutes 

Directions: 

Step 1:
Trim a piece of patterned paper to 3 3/16’’ x 1 15/16’’ and a piece of matching cardstock to 3 6/16’’ x 2 2/16’’. I used Flight & Airy paper pack which coordinates with Misty Moonlight cardstock. Adhere the two pieces together with Tear It! Tape. 

Step 2:
Use stamps or, in my case, patterned paper to create a focal image. Fussy cut around the image with a pair of paper snips. These scissors are sharp and my favorite for fussy cutting! 

Step 3:
Die cut a piece of vellum with a circular die of your choice. I used Spellbinders Lacey Circle dies with the Stampin’ Up! Mini Cut and Emboss Machine. 

Step 4:
Stamp a small sentiment using VersaMagic Night Sky ink pad. The image is crisp and clear after stamping, so I didn’t need to restamp with the We R Precision Press. 

Step 5:
Emboss the card front with any embossing folder to add interest to the background. The Distressed Tile embossing folder is simply gorgeous! 

Step 6:
To add a wow factor, lightly spray the whole panel with Sheer Shimmer in Sparkle. It adds just the right amount of glitter mist to elevate your project. 

Step 7:
It’s time to assemble everything together! Apply Tear It! Tape and foam tape to the back and adhere them to the embossed card front. When adhering vellum pieces to your project, remember to only apply tape and/or glue in areas where it would be hidden. Otherwise the adhesive will show through the translucent vellum paper. 

Craft Supplies:
Imagine Supplies: 

Other Supplies: 

White Wash Technique Using Delicata Reinkers

By Jessica Lin

– Have you ever tried coloring on colored cardstock? The white washing technique is great for
creating a blank canvas for your coloring, making the colors pop against navy, kraft, or even black cardstock.

There are many white reinkers to choose from for this technique. I picked Delicata White Shimmer reinker and was surprised with how luscious the pearl shimmer looks!

Skill Level: Intermediate
Time: 45 minutes

Directions:

Step 1:
The white wash technique works well with large stamps containing big, open areas. I chose this floral image from Stampin’ Up!’s Good Morning Magnolia set and stamped it with VersaFine Clair Nocturne ink. You may use any waterproof black ink pad in your stash, but the VersaFine Clair Nocturne has been my go-to. Look at how crisp the lines are!

Step 2:
Using a waterbrush, color the center flower with Delicata White Shimmer ink from the reinker. I used the Craft Mat as my watercolor palette. Repeat this step a few times until you achieve a good coverage. Don’t worry if the black lines are covered by the white pigment ink; we will restamp the image at the end. 

Step 3:
Color the leaves with Memento ink pads in Bamboo Leaves and the branch with Desert Sand.

Step 4:
Use a sponge dauber to quickly apply color to the flower image. I dabbed on Memento Rose Bud and used Memento Rhubarb Stalk scarcely to create some shadows.

Step 5:
Restamp the floral image with VersaFine Clair Nocturne ink once again to darken the outline. Die cut the floral image and some leaves using the Magnolia Memories dies from Stampin’ Up!. 

Step 6:
Emboss the front of your A2 card with Painted Textures embossing folder to create a textured background. Mount the floral piece with foam tape to add even more dimension. I also decided to add some gold thread as a finishing touch.

Step 7:
Apply On-Point Glue partially on the bottom of the leaves die cuts, and tuck them behind the center floral image. Press down and hold for 30 seconds to create a tight bond.

Step 8:
Embellish the card with some white enamel dots and sentiment strip stickers and that’s the finished card!

I hope you enjoy this creation and give the whitewashing technique a try. It’s so simple to paint with the Delicata White Shimmer reinker, and I just love the pearly shine.

Imagine Supplies:

Other Supplies:

https://www.stampinup.com/products/water-painters?demoid=2164794

  • Gold thread
  • Foam Tape
  • Embellishment

Presenting Imagine’s 2024 Design Team 

We’re thrilled to unveil our 2024 Artists In Residence Design Team!

Get ready to be inspired by the remarkable creativity of our group of skilled designers.

Let’s get to know them a bit…

LV Handcrafted

Hi! I’m Linh – or LV Handcrafted on social media. I live in Seattle, WA with my husband and our two dogs. I’ve been crafting since I was in high school but took a long break as I started my career. Now (many years later) I am my own boss working as a business consultant, so I can balance my time and do more of what I love – papercrafting! There’s always so much to learn in papercrafting, and I find great joy in adding my own twist and sharing what I’ve learned. I love Imagine products. There’s such a wide range of media supplies. It’s so fun to experiment, have a bit of a play and create something exciting.  I’m honored to be a part of this amazing team.

YouTube – https://youtube.com/@LVHandcrafted
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/lvhandcrafted/
Facebook – https://facebook.com/lvhandcrafted 
Pinterest – https://www.pinterest.com/lvhandcrafted/

Alison Heikkila

Hello! My name is Alison Heikkila and I have been a crafter my entire life. My mom started me off with coloring and stringing beads from a very young age, and I never stopped. I have an art degree with a specialization in jewelry and sculpture, but I love working in many mediums and styles. Getting inky is absolutely one of my favorite things!  

I have an amazing husband who loves to see what I create each day (and even crafts along with me sometimes!) and two very creative kids. Sometimes the four of us craft together, which is so much fun. We’ve also got two dogs, and we reside in New York. 

I love to create, as I feel it truly feeds my soul. Getting  a little “playtime” in my craft room each day is really important to me. I look forward to sharing projects with you. 

Blog – alisonheikkila.com
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/alisonheikkila/
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/AlisonHeikkila
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/alisonheikkiladesigns/

Amalia Montano 

Hi, I am Amalia from Cool Cakes and Crafts with Amalia on YouTube. I am new to the team but a longtime paper crafter. I started my crafty adventures as a Wilton Method of Cake Decorating instructor for 17 years, (that’s where the “Cool  Cakes” comes from) then a fellow instructor invited me to a SU! Party and I was hooked!  I live and work in New York City and while it certainly is a big city you would be surprised how far outside of the city I have to travel to find paper crafting resources! Thank goodness for online shopping and Imagine! Aside from baking and card making, I also make beaded jewelry and create projects with polymer clay.  As you can tell, I love all the creative things and I love sharing it with others and showing everyone how fun and easy it is to be creative.

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/cool_cakes_and_crafts/ 
You Tube –  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwPB-Whs1LPs0nrxb0uif-w
Facebook Group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/coolcakesandcrafts
Blog – https://coolcakesandcraftswithamalia.blogspot.com/

Nancy May 

Hi, I’m Nancy May, mother, sister, friend, licensed clinical social worker, creative, but you might know me as Handi Scandi. I have been crafting for many years – since my adult children were littles. It started as an inexpensive way to decorate my home to make it cozy for my family, and when my children loved to get messy with me in the process it became so much more. All of my children are creatives and creativity manifests itself differently in each of us. Stamping became my safe space, if you will, shortly after my youngest daughter passed away. I needed something to focus on rather than grief, and I remembered how much I loved stamping and card making. This crafty life has taken on a life of its own and I have been introduced to the wonderful world of card making on a much grander scale. As I learn more and more about art and the creative process I find myself drawn to mixed media, art journaling, grunge, stencils, sprays, pastes, and inks…glorious inks! I am an intuitive crafter who rarely has a plan, loves to get messy and inky and shows myself grace throughout the process. I reframe mistakes as opportunities and almost never throw things away. Through all of this I am developing my own style that I have coined grungy elegance. I am so excited to be a part of the Imagine Crafts team as it opens another door of exploration, creativity and discovery.

Instagram – Nancy May https://www.instagram.com/handi_scandi/
Pinterest – Nancy May https://www.pinterest.com/nancymay1965/
YouTube – Handi Scandi’s Crafty Ventures: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_4SMddMdKd37YsMYDC2fMw
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/nancy.may.904

Helen Gullett

Hi! I am Helen. I am a stay-at-home wife and a mom of 2 daughters. I grew up in Indonesia and now live in Ohio with my family. I am working at home part time as a translator. I love paper crafting, Bible Journaling, working on mixed media and DIY projects. I love coffee, tea, and dark chocolate.

Blog –  https://www.helengullett.com
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/helengdesigns
Facebook –  https://www.facebook.com/helengullett
Pinterest –  https://pinterest.com/helengdesigns213
You Tube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz-gVkOO8hxCzSNWOoa_q8A

Monica Edwards

Hi, it’s me Simply Monica mother of two.  I have an amazing grandson Jace and another one coming soon to join the bunch.  I have been crafting over 20 yrs and love it.  It’s my happy place and I hope to inspire others with my journey at Imagine

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/Monicascrapstreasure/ 
YouTube –  https://youtu.be/iPTruDVbVaU?feature=shared

Kathi F. Rerek

I’m a cat-loving card maker who also creates tags, art journals, and home décor pieces. I love stamping, mixed media, and experimenting with different supplies and techniques. I love to paper craft because there’s something so oddly calming about focusing on a project. My favorite part is when a project comes out the way I had envisioned it in my mind’s eye. I also like to share my creations online and always include full supply lists and detailed instructions on my blog posts.

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/kathi_r13/?hl=en
Blog – https://kathstales.blogspot.com
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/kathi.rerek
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/Kaths-Tales-2316828635206019/

Jessica Lin 

Hello crafty friends! My name is Jessica Lin. You may have recognized me or seen some of my previous projects, and I am so excited to be back on Imagine’s design team! I am a crafty gal in my late twenties, but my passion for cardmaking started a long time ago when I was 9. I was introduced to wooden stamps and I haven’t stopped stamping since. Some of my other hobbies include sewing, washi tape collaging, and I hope one day I’ll learn how to crochet, too. 

I grew up in Taiwan and speak Mandarin as my mother tongue, so my YouTube channel is mostly filmed in Chinese. This year, I decided to create a bilingual Instagram account. If you are inspired by bold, vibrant colors and enjoy detailed projects with lots of layers, come have a visit! I look forward to meeting and crafting with all of you! 

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jessicard2424/
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJDX4PHaBRYKcnSO8kWCmXw
Facebook –  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553280188439

Ceal Pritchett

I am Ceal Pritchett and I reside in the mountains of western North Carolina with my husband and our little fur baby Shih Tzu. I have been a crafter in some form since childhood. I fell in love with cardmaking around 15 years ago. I am a clean and simple cardmaker who sometimes dabbles in other things like art journals, bible journaling, and painting. 

Blog – https://simplybeautifulcreations.blogspot.com/
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/cealp/
Splitcoaststampers – https://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=170503
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100053614696193
Pinterest – https://www.pinterest.com/cealp/

Anna Escalada York

Anna Escalada York grew up on a farm outside of Phoenix, Arizona and moved to Portland, Oregon to go to college, where she met her husband. They have two children (one in high school and the other in middle school), a cat and two guinea pigs. She is also a proud teacher at her local high school for almost 20 years in SE Portland, Oregon (go Lightning)! Her other hobbies are reading, riding her bike, nerding out to Star Wars, and reading. 

Anna has been crafting (almost exclusively card making) since 2004, but stepped away for a while when it was too hard to juggle the demands of being a mom of little children and working full time. She returned to her craft room in 2019 and started blogging consistently in 2020. One of her recent crafty achievements has been creating 700 cards in 2021. Her favorite craft supplies include heat embossing, using splatter, and coloring with markers. Her favorite style is sparkle!

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/sparklywallflower
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/sparklywallflower/
Blog – https://sparklywallflower.blogspot.com/