Category Archives: Kathi Rerek

Let’s Make an Autumn-Themed Encouragement Card

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By Kathi Rerek

Here’s an Autumn-themed card created with Memento and VersaMagic inks using a lovely stencil and a meaningful quote. This card is meant to encourage a friend who had an accident who is a bit patient for nature to take its course.

Skill Level: Intermediate
Time: 1.5 hours

Directions:

Step 1:
Use magnets and low-tack tape to secure a piece of mixed media cardstock to a magnetic page. Add a curvy piece of low-tack tape along the bottom as shown. Use a Sponge dauber to apply Danube Blue Memento Ink horizontally across the cardstock.

Step 2:
Use another Sponge Dauber to apply Summer Sky Memento ink horizontally across the cardstock, filling in open spaces.

Step 3:
Use another Sponge Dauber to add Angel Pink Memento Ink to add some warmth to the sky.

Step 4:
Place the other side of the curvy low-tack tape over the bottom part of the sky area. Use a Sponge Dauber to apply Bamboo Leaves Memento ink over the tape horizontally to begin to create a grassy area.

Step 5:
Tear a piece of cardstock and use the Sponge Dauber to continue applying Bamboo Leaves Memento ink. Use another Sponge Dauber to apply New Sprout Memento Ink to fill in the grassy area.

Step 6:
Use low-tack tape and magnets to secure the Tree Stencil over the sponged paper and the magnetic page. Place low-tack tape over the leaves around the tree trunk and branches. Use a Sponge Dauber to apply Jumbo Java VersaMagic over the stencil onto the paper. Remove the tape to reveal the tree’s leaves. Use a paper towel to wipe the brown ink off of the stencil.

Steps 7A, 7B, 7C, and 7D:
Use a Sponge Dauber to Apply Mango Madness VersaMagic Ink over some of the stencil’s leaves (7A). Use a dry paper towel to wipe the ink off the stencil. Use separate Sponge Daubers to apply Aloe Vera, Tea Leaves, Pink Grapefruit, Pumpkin Spice, Red Magic, and Perfect Plumeria VersaMagic Inks over the stencil’s leaves (7B, 7C). 7D shows the completed tree. Heat set.

Step 8:
Use magnets to secure the image panel onto the base of the a stamping platform. Place the sentiment facedown where desired. Press the platform’s lid onto the back of the stamp, lift the lid, ink the stamp with Shady Lane VersaFine Clair Ink, and stamp. Re-ink and stamp again if necessary to attain a good impression. Remove the card front from the stamping platform. Heat set the sentiment.

Step 9:
Cut a piece of white textured cardstock to 10” x 7”. Score at 5” and fold to form a 5” x 7” card. Place a piece of scrap paper inside the card to protect it. Use a Sponge Dauber to apply Shady Lane VersaFine Clair around the outer .5” perimeter of the card. Heat set.

Step 10:
Use Tear It! Tape to adhere the card front to the inked 5” x 7” card.

Imagine Supplies:

Other Supplies:

  • Bristol Paper by Strathmore
  • Avalanche White Textured Cardstock by Bazzill Basics
  • Kay Carley Stencil PS215 by  PaperArtsy
  • Alison Bomber Eclectica Nature Edition EAB21 Cling Rubber Stamp Set by PaperArtsy
  • Low-Tack Tape
  • Magnet Packaging from the Postage Collage Die Cut Set by Waffle Flowers
  • Misti  Stamping Platform by My Sweet Petunia

Grumpy Cat Coffee Card with Memento Inks on Patterned Paper

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By Kathi Rerek

I’m a heavily caffeinated cat lady who has an enormous collection of cat and/or coffee themed crafting products. Stenciling or stamping on patterned paper is a great way to extend the papers versatility.

Skill Level: Intermediate
Time: 1.5 hours

Instructions:

Step 1:
Use Tuxedo Black Memento Ink to stamp the Coffee Cat Clear Set twice — once onto a 3” x 5” panel of Classic Crest cardstock and once onto repositionable sticker paper. Use Copic markers to color the cat. Fussy-cut the repositionable sticker paper version of the cat and place it over its counterpart on the image panel.

Step 2:
Place a magnet sheet between folded paper. Use magnets to secure the image panel to the paper-covered magnet. Place low-tack tape horizontally .75” from the base of the image panel.

Use a Sponge Dauber to brush Lulu Lavender Memento ink over the tape onto the image panel to ground the cat image.

Step 3:
Use low-tack tape to secure the Floor Perspective Stencil over the magnet onto the paper-covered magnet. Use a Sponge Dauber to brush Tuxedo Black Memento ink over the stencil onto the image panel. Remove the tape and the stencil.

Step 4:
Use low-tack tape to secure the Bubbles Stencil to the image panel. Use Sponge Daubers to apply Angel Pink and Summer Sky Memento Inks over the stencil onto the image panel. Remove the tape and stencil. Set the image panel aside.

Step 5:
Place low-tack tape vertically 3.5” from the left edge of a 7” x 5” piece of paw-print patterned paper. Use magnets and tape to secure the Tea Party Stencil over the left side of the image panel.

Use Sponge Daubers to apply Angel Pink, Summer Sky, and Lulu Lavender Memento ink over the stencil’s teacups onto the patterned paper. Wipe the stencil.

Step 6:
Use a Sponge Dauber to New Sprout and Dandelion Memento Ink over the stencil’s dots onto the patterned paper.

Clean and dry the stencil, then repeat Steps #5 and 6 to stencil the right side of the patterned paper.

Step 7:
Use Tear It! Tape to adhere the layers of the card.

Here’s the finished card!

Step 8:
Place the finished card onto the base of the stamping platform. Position the sentiment from the Coffee Cat Stamp Set towards the top of the image panel. Use VersaFine Nocturne Ink stamp the sentiment.

Finished Card:

Imagine Crafts Supplies:

Other Supplies:

  • Solar White Classic Crest Cardstock by Neenah Papers
  • GreyWhite Textured Cardstock by Bazzill Basics
  • Coffee Cat Clear Stamp Set by Funky Fossil Designs
  • Alice in Wonderland Tea Party Stencil by Visible Image Stamps
  • Floor Perspective Stencil by A Colorful Life Designs
  • Bubble Layering Stencils by Tim Holtz for Stampers Anonymous
  • Paw Print Patterned Paper from the Kitten Smitten 12×12 Collection by Doodlebug Designs
  • Copic Markers — C00, C0, C1, C2, C3, YG01, YG03, YG05, RV93, R81, B21, B23, E74, E77
  • Low-Tack Tape
  • Post-It Notes by 3M
  • Misti  Stamping Platform by My Sweet Petunia

Let’s Make a Rose Postage Card

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By Kathi Rerek

It’s summer and the roses are in full bloom. Let’s make a Rose Postage Card with VersaMagic and Delicata Inks!

Skill Level: Intermediate
Time: 1.5 hours

Directions:

Step 1:
Use the Postage Collage die to cut Desert Storm cardstock.

Steps 2A and 2B:
Place a magnetic panel onto the cardstock panel. Use temporary adhesive to secure the Rose Postage Collage die-cut to a piece of scrap paper. Use magnets and low-tack tape to secure the first Rose Postage Collage Stencil to the die-cut. Use a Sponge Dauber to apply Pink Grapefruit VersaMagic Ink over the stencil onto the die-cut (2A). Use another Sponge Dauber to apply Mango Madness VersaMagic Ink over the stencil onto the die-cut, blending the ink as you go (2B).

Keep the Postage-Collage Die-cut panel in place. Remove the stencil and clean. Heat set the collage panel.

Steps 3A and 3B:
Use magnets and low-tack tape to secure the second Rose Postage Collage Stencil to the Postage Collage die-cut. Use a Sponge Dauber to apply Tea Leaves VersaMagic Ink over the stencil onto the die-cut (3A). Use another Sponge Dauber to apply Aloe Vera VersaMagic Ink over the stencil onto the die-cut, blending the ink as you go (3B). Keep the Postage-Collage Die-cut panel in place. Remove the stencil and clean. Heat set the collage panel.

Steps 4A & 4B:
Move the Postage Collage Die-cut panel to the base of a stamping platform. Secure with magnets. Position the postmark, cancellation, cost, and “forever” stamps from the Postage Collage Stamp Set facedown on the panel. Press the platform’s lid onto the back of the stamp, lift, ink the stamps with Morning Mist VersaFine Clair Ink, and stamp (4A). I re-inked and stamped some of the stamps with Nocturne VersaFine Clair Ink to add visual weight.

I decided that I wanted to add the words “With Love” from the second Postage Collage Stencil and that I wanted to add more stamped postage items to the collage.

Step 5:
Move the Rose Postage Collage Die-cut back onto the magnet panel and secure the second Postage Collage Stencil with magnets and low-tack tape overtop. Re-use the Sponge Dauber from Step 2A to apply Pink Grapefruit VersaMagic Ink over the “With Love” words on the stencil onto the Postage Collage Die-cut panel. When done, lift the stencil, clean it, then heat set the Postage Collage Die-cut panel.

Step 6:
Place the Postage Collage Die-cut Panel again onto the base of a stamping platform and secure it with magnets. Place additional postage stamps from Postage Collage Stamp set facedown on the image panel. Press the platform’s lid onto the back of the stamp, lift, ink the stamps with Morning Mist VersaFine Clair Ink, and stamp. When done, remove the Postage Collage Die-cut Panel and heat set.

Step 7:
Move the Rose Postage Collage Die-cut panel back to the large magnet panel. Use magnets and low-tack tape to secure the third Postage Collage Stencil to the Postage Collage Die-cut panel. Use a Sponge Dauber to apply Golden Glitz Delicata Ink over the stencil onto the Postage Collage Die-cut panel.

Step 8:
Use the pouncy tool to apply Golden Glitz Delicata Ink randomly over the Postage Collage Die-cut panel. Heat set the panel and set it aside.

Steps 9A and 9B:
Cut a piece of Desert Storm cardstock to 5.5” x 4.25”. Use temporary adhesive to secure this panel to a piece of scrap paper. Use magnets and low-tack tape to secure the first Postage Collage Stencil to the die-cut. Use a Sponge Dauber to apply Pink Grapefruit VersaMagic Ink over the stencil onto the die-cut (9A). Remove the first stencil and heat set the panel.

Use magnets and low-tack tape to secure the second Postage Collage Stencil to the panel. Use a Sponge Dauber to apply Mango Madness VersaMagic Ink over the stencil onto the die-cut (9B). Remove the stencil and heat set the panel.

Step 10:
Use the pouncy tool to apply Golden Glitz Delicata Ink all over the panel. Heat set.

Step 11:
Use Tear-It! Tape to adhere the Postage Collage Die-cut panel to the 5.5” x 4.25” panel, then use to adhere the panel to an A2 card cut from the same cardstock.

Finished Card

Supplies Used:

Imagine:

Other Supplies:

  • Desert Storm Classic Crest Cardstock by Neenah Papers
  • Postage Collage Clear Stamp Set by Waffle Flower
  • Postage Collage Cutting Die Set by Waffle Flower
  • Postage Collage Stencil Set by Waffle Flower
  • Rose Postage Collage Stencil Set by Waffle Flower
  • Pouncy Tool – Source unknown
  • Low-Tack Tape
  • Magnet Packaging from the Postage Collage Die Cut Set by Waffle Flowers
  • Misti  Stamping Platform by My Sweet Petunia

Let’s Make A Mermaid Card

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By Kathi Rerek

It’s summer, which makes me want to go to the beach to cool off in the ocean and pretend I’m a mermaid. Let’s make a card that fulfills those dreams using inks, stencils, and stamps!

Skill Level: Intermediate
Time: 1.5 hours

Instructions:

Step 1:
Use a craft knife to cut a piece of Low-tack tape in a curved pattern. Place the tape at the bottom of a 5.5” x 8.5” piece of white cardstock (no photo).

Lightly apply Bahama Blue Memento Ink to the white area of the cardstock.

Steps 2A & B:
Place a magnetic page onto the craft mat. Use low-tack tape to secure the cardstock panel to the magnetic page. Use magnets and low-tack tape to secure the Currents Stencil to the cardstock panel. Use a Sponge Dauber to apply the lightest blue ink from the Kaleidacolor Blue Breeze Ink pad over the stencil onto the cardstock panel (2A). Randomly apply Teal Zeal Memento Ink over the stencil onto the cardstock to deepen the colors.

Step 3:
Remove the stencil, then spritz the panel with 91% Isopropyl Alcohol to blend the inks and add white splatters and splotches.

Step 4:
Remove the low-tack tape and replace with the negative part of the tape cut in Step 1. Sponge Desert Sand Memento Ink over the tape onto the image panel to create the sea floor. Remove the tape.

Step 5:
Place the panel onto the base of a stamping platform and secure with magnets. Position the mermaid stamp from the Guinevere Clear Polymer Stamp Set so that it’s face down along the lower right side of the image panel. Press the platform’s lid onto the back of the stamp, lift, and ink the stamp with Nocturne VersaFine Clair Ink. Stamp. Re-ink and stamp again if necessary to attain a good impression.

Remove the panel and thoroughly heat set the ink.

Step 6:
Use Copic markers to color the mermaid’s rocky throne. Usually I don’t use Copic markers with any ink other than Memento, but since I had duplicate markers, I gave it a shot and it worked!  Sorry! No photos!

Step 7:
Use Triplus pens to color the mermaid’s hair. Use Marine and Black Stardust Glitter Gel Pens to add detail the mermaid’s scales. The ink of both pens work well with most inks. Sorry! No photos again!

Steps 8A & B:
Place the image panel back onto the base of the stamping platform and secure with magnets. Use low-tack tape to cover the top of the ocean floor to the left of the mermaid.

Position the mid-sized Skeleton Tree stamp from the Skeleton Tree Clear Stamp Set facedown on the top left. Press the lid of the platform onto the back of the stamp and lift. Ink the stamp with Summertime VersaFine Clair Ink and stamp (8A). Remove the tape.

Remove, clean and dry the stamp. Reposition the mid-sized Skeleton Tree stamp so that it’s facedown on the bottom left of the image panel. Position the smallest Skeleton Tree Stamp from the facedown on the bottom right of the image panel

Press the lid into the back of the stamps and lift. Ink both stamps with Summertime VersaFine Clair Ink and stamp (8B). Remove the stamps from the platform.

Step 9:
Position the bubbles stamp from the Faerie Clear Polymer Stamp Set facedown on the image panel slightly above the mermaid’s outstretched hand. Press the lid into the back of the stamps and lift. Ink the stamp with Morning Mist VersaFine Clair Ink and stamp. Remove the panel from the platform. Heat set the panel.

Step 10:
Place the image panel back onto the magnetic page. Use magnets and low-tack tape to secure the Sunshine Small Stencil over the image panel as shown. Sponge White Shimmer Delicata Ink over the stencil onto the image panel. Remove the panel and heat set.

Step 11:
Use Tear-It! Tape to adhere the image panel to a black A2 card.

Finished Card

Imagine Supplies:

Other Supplies:

  • Guinevere Clear Polymer Stamp by Lavinia Stamps
  • Skeleton Trees Clear Polymer Stamp Set by Lavinia Stamps
  • Faerie Clear Polymer Stamp Set by Visible Image
  • Small Sunshine Stencil by Darkroom Door
  • Currents Stencil by A Colorful Life Designs
  • W3, W4, W6, BG45, BG57, E93, E95 by Copic Markers
  • Ultramarine, Orange, Yellow Orange, Rusty Orange Triplus Pens by Staedtler
  • Marine and Black Stardust Gelly Roll Gel Pens by Sakura of America
  • Low-Tack Tape
  • Magnet Page used for die-cut storage
  • Misti  Stamping Platform by My Sweet Petunia

Let’s Make A Summer Wedding Card

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By Kathi Rerek

Let’s make a summer wedding card with Memento and Golden Glitz Delicata Inks!

Skill Level: Intermediate
Time: 1.5 hours

Instructions:

Step 1:
Use a stamping platform and VersaFine Clair Nocturne Ink to stamp the Arty Hearts Collage Cling Stamp onto white cardstock.

Step 2:
Use a stamping platform and VersaFine Clair Nocturne Ink to stamp the wedding rings from the Accessorize Clear Stamp Set twice — once onto 140 lb. Mixed Media Cardstock and once onto repositionable label paper.

Step 3:
Apply Clear MBoss Powder to the stamped image, dump the excess back into the packet, and heat set the image.

Step 4:
Add a few drops of Golden Glitz Delicata Ink to a small container. Dilute with a few drops of water.

Step 5:
Use a brush to paint the wedding rings with diluted Golden Glitz Delicata ink. Set aside.

Step 6:
Place the Arty Hearts Stencil over the image stamped in Step 1. Use Sponge Daubers to apply Angel Pink, Rose Bud, Summer Sky, Danube Blue, Lulu Lavender, Lilac Posies, Dandelion, and Tangelo Memento through the stencil onto the stamped hearts on the image panel. Set aside.

Steps 7A and 7B:
Smoosh Summer Sky Memento Ink onto a piece of acetate packaging. Mist the acetate with 91% Isopropyl Alcohol, then smoosh onto the right side of a piece of white cardstock.

Clean the acetate, then repeat this process using Angel Pink, Rose Bud, Danube Blue, and Dandelion Memento Inks until you’re happy with the ink coverage on the panel.

Safety Note: Please be sure to have good ventilation via an open window to minimize your exposure to alcohol fumes.

Step 8:
Fussy-cut the sticker paper version of the Wedding Rings from Step 2. Place atop the image. Use low-tack tape to secure the small rectangle die from the Specimen Thinlits Die Set onto the image panel. Run the die through your cutting machine.

Step 9:
Keeping the image panel in the die, use a Sponge Dauber to apply Angel Pink Memento Ink over the die onto the die-cut, which will leave a thin white border around the pink

Step 10:
Place the die-cut onto the base of a stamping platform. Ink the “Congratulations” stamp from the More Classic Sentiments Clear Stamp Set with Nocturne VersaFine Clair and stamp. Re-ink and stamp again if necessary to attain a good impression.

Step 11:
Adhere the heart-stamped and stenciled panel (Steps 1 and 6) onto the left side of the smooshed ink panel (Step 7). Add a foil border sticker to cover the seam.

Use a Sponge Dauber to edge the heart image panel and the rings/sentiment die-cut with Golden Glitz Delicata Ink.

Step 12:
Use Tear It! Tape to adhere the card front to a white A2 card.

Imagine Supplies:

Imagine Supplies:

Other Supplies:

  • 140 lb. Mixed Media Paper by Strathmore
  • Solar White Classic Crest Cardstock by Neenah Papers
  • Artsy Hearts Collage Cling Stamp by Darkroom Door
  • Accessorize Clear Stamp Set by Visible Image
  • Artsy Hearts Stencil by Darkroom Door
  • More Classic Sentiments Clear Stamp Set by Hefty Doodle
  • Specimen Thinlits Die Set by Tim Holtz for Sizzix
  • Repositionable Sticker Paper by Avery
  • Low-Tack Tape
  • Acetate from packaging
  • 91% Isopropyl Alcohol
  • Mister
  • Misty Stamping Platform by My Sweet Petunia
  • Stamping Platform by Tonic Studios

Let’s Make a Steampunk Father’s Day Card with Metallic Brilliance Inks

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By Kathi Rerek

I’m continuing my experimentation with Metallic Brilliance Inks with this Father’s Day card using two of my favorite themes – cats and Steampunk!

Skill Level: Advanced
Time: 2.5 Hours

Directions:

Step 1:
Use a brayer to apply Starlite Silver Brilliance Ink to a 5” x 7” Gel Press. Place a piece of black mixed media paper onto the Gel Press. Smooth the back of the paper to transfer the in and pull a print.

Step 2:
Repeat Step 1 to enhance the coverage.

Step 3:
Clean the brayer, then use it to apply Starlite Black Brilliance ink to the Gel Press. Place the print back onto the Gel Press inked side down. Smooth the back of the paper, then pull the print. Heat set the inked paper, then clean the brayer and the Gel Press.

Step 4:
Place the inked black mixed media paper into the Foundry 3D Alterations Embossing Folder. Spritz the back of the paper with water. Close the folder and run it through a die-cut machine.

Step 5:
Use a Sponge Dauber to apply Cosmic Copper Brilliance Ink to the high points of the embossed paper. Heat set.

Steps 6A and 6B:
Use Fantastix to apply Turquoise Gem VersaMagic Ink randomly to the high points of the embossed paper (6A). VersaMagic Ink has a matte chalk finish which comes out when it’s heat embossed.

Use another Fantastix to Apply Mango Madness VersaMagic Ink randomly to the high points of the embossed paper (6B). Heat set the panel and set aside.

Step 7:
Use Tuxedo Black Memento Ink to stamp the cat from the Steampunk Pets Clear Stamp Set onto white cardstock.

Step 8:
Fussy-cut the image and use Copic markers to color it. Use a dark marker to edge the cut image. Set aside.

Step 9:
Use the largest die from the Sprightly Sprockets Shapeabilities Die Set to cut black mixed media cardstock two times. You will end up with two cogs and two circles.

Step 10:
Sponge Lightning Black Brilliance Ink over one of the cog die-cuts and one of the circles. Heat set both.

Step 11:
Use On-Point Glue to adhere the inked cog atop the other one.

Step 12:
Use a Sponge Dauber to apply Starlite Silver Brilliance ink to one of the circles from Step 9. Heat set.

Step 13:
Place the silver-inked circle into the Gears Alterations Folder and run it through a die-cut machine.

Step 14:
Use a Sponge Dauber to apply Cosmic Copper Brilliance Ink to the high points of the embossed circle. Heat set.

Steps 15A and 15B:
Use Fantastix to apply Turquoise Gem VersaMagic Ink randomly to the high points of the embossed paper (15A).

Use another Fantastix to Apply Mango Madness VersaMagic Ink randomly to the high points of the embossed paper (15B).

Step 16:
Use Tear It! Tape to adhere a slightly larger circle to the back of the stacked cog die-cuts.

Step 17:
Use a Sponge Dauber to apply Starlite Silver Brilliance Ink to a strip black mixed media paper. Sorry that there’s no photo. Use cog dies to cut the silver-inked black paper.

Step 18:
Use a C2 Copic marker to color a piece of white cardstock. Use magnets to secure the colored cardstock onto a stamping platform. Place the “Happy Father’s Day” sentiment stamp facedown on the colored cardstock. Ink the stamp with Turquoise Gem VersaMagic Ink and stamp. Repeat inking and stamping if necessary to attain a good impression. Remove the stamped cardstock from the stamping platform and heat set the ink.

Step 19:
Use a rectangle die to cut the sentiment. Use the matching nameplate die to cut the Lightning Black circle. Adhere the sentiment die-cut atop the nameplate die. Sorry that there’s no photo.

Step 20:
Use Tear-It! Tape to adhere the embossed circle and the Steampunk Cat onto the cog die-cut. Use the tape to adhere the sentiment as shown.

Step 21:
Use On Point Glue to adhere the gears, cogs, and screws to the sentiment die-cut.

Step 22:
Cut black cardstock to 10” x 7”. Score at 5” and fold to form a 5” x 7” card. Use Tear-It! Tape to adhere the image panel to the front of the card.

Finished Card

Crafts Supplies:

Imagine:

Other Supplies:

  • 140 lb. Black Mixed Media Paper by Strathmore
  • Raven Cardstock by Bazzill Basics
  • Solar White Classic Crest Cardstock by Neenah Designs
  • 5” x 7” Gel Press
  • 4” Brayer by Speedball
  • Foundry 3D Alterations Foundry Embossing Folder by Tim Holtz for Sizzix
  • Gears Alterations Embossing Folder by Tim Holtz for Sizzix
  • Sprightly Sprockets Shapeabilities Die Set
  • Nuts and Bolts Craftables Punch Die by Marianne Designs
  • Mini Gears Die Set by Memory Box
  • Premier Ink Blending Tools by Hunkydory Crafts
  • Premier Ink Blending Sponges by Hunkydory Crafts
  • Steampunk Pets Clear Stamp Set by Funky Fossil Designs
  • Classic Sentiments Clear Stamp Set by Hefty Doodle
  • Copic Markers
  • Spray Mister
  • Curved Craft Scissors by Fiskar’s
  • Heat Gun

Misti Stamping Platform by My Swe