Category Archives: DIY

Triple-Step Stamped Card Made Simple with Memento Ink

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Feb_22_Neva_SoKindofYouCard_IG_2

By Neva Cole 

See how to use the Memento ink line to created a cohesive matching layered card in just a few steps.  The beauty of this particular method is you may make a number of cards depending on your needs in more than one color scheme as shown in the bonus step.  Finishing touches use irRESISTible Pico Embellisher, VersaMark Clear ink, and Embossing Powder.

Skill:  Beginner

Time:  30 Minutes plus drying time.

Directions:

Feb_22_Neva_SoKindofYou_Step_1
Step 1

Trim white cardstock to 4.25″ x 5.5″, this will allow a quicker placement in step 2 on the stamp platform.  Center Image “A” from the Concord & 9th Triple-Step Floral Frame Stamp on the white cardstock and then adhere to the stamp platform.  Ink Image “A” with Memento Bamboo Leaves.  Double or triple stamp the image to create even darker images.  (If doing multiple cards, continue stamping Image “A” until you have your desired quantity.)

Feb_22_Neva_SoKindofYouCard_Step_2

Step 2

Place Image “B” from the Concord & 9th Triple-Step Floral Frame Stamp on the white cardstock so the small tulip shaped flowers line up with the stems.  Look directly down through the stamp to judge the placement of the stamp.  In this version Memento Cantaloupe is stamped first.  Turn the image 180 degrees and double check image placement, then stamp in Memento Tangelo.  (If doing multiple cards, continue stamping Image “B” until you have your desired quantity.)

Feb_22_Neva_SoKindofYou_Step_3

Step 3

The stamp set has two stamps that will add the center of the roses and an additional layer to the small tulip shaped flowers.  Use the same method as Step 2 for placement.  If the center of the rose is slightly off, stamp again until the white area is inked.

Feb_22_Neva_SoKindofYou_Step_4

Step 4–Bonus

Shown are the additional card fronts stamped during my session of triple-stamping.  Once the layering stamps were in place I like to make multiple stampings for future use.

Feb_22_Neva_SoKindofYouCard_Step_5-B

Step 5

Stamp “So Kind of You” in Memento Tangelo using a stamp platform.  Stamp over the image with VersaMark Clear ink and heat emboss with clear embossing powder.  Use an ink blusher with a light hand to color around the image, the embossed sentiment will resist the ink.  This sentiment has a matching die to allow you to die cut before adhering to your card front.

Feb_22_Neva_SoKindofYouCard_Step_6

Step 6

Trim white cardstock to 5.5″ x 8.5″ and fold in half to create an A2 card base.  Ink the edges using an ink dauber with Memento Cantaloupe.  The card front die also creates a very narrow border, this one is inked with Memento Dandelion using an ink dauber.

Feb_22_Neva_SoKindofYouCard_Step_7

Step 7

Place the card front face down and align the Dandelion border to the card front.  Carefully place Tear It! tape around all four edges of the card front.  Take time to “catch” the border without having the Tear It! tape show on the front.

Feb_22_Neva_SoKindofYouCard_Step_8

Step 8

Adhere card front to card base and add the die cut sentiment with dimensional foam adhesive.

Feb_22_Neva_SoKindofYouCard_Step_9

Step 9

Learn from my mistake!  Add the irRESISTible Pico Embellisher in Dandelion AFTER the card is assembled to the center of the flowers besides the roses.  The irRESISTible Pico Embellisher will retain the rounded shape after drying.  When I die cut the card front after adding the irRESISTible Pico Embellisher the dots were flattened.  However it was an easy rescue as another layer of the irRESISTible Pico Embellisher added the rounded dimension back to the flower centers!

Art Supplies

Imagine
Other
  • Concord & 9th Triple-Step Floral Frame stamp and die
  • White cardstock
  • Dimensional foam adhesive
  • Stamp platform

Make a Fun Puffed Hearts Card with Radiant Neon Amplify

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By Alison Heikkila –

Hello! My latest tutorial for Imagine uses one of the most unique products they make…Radiant Neon Amplify. This stuff is so fun! It’s kind of a runny paint, that when you apply heat to it, it puffs up. I love using Amplify with stencils. Let me show you how.

Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Time: Approx. 20 Minutes, plus drying time

Directions:

Puffed Hearts 2

 

Step 1:

Tape a piece of cardstock to your work surface. Lay your stencil on top and tape it down. You may want to use something like Pixie Spray to hold the stencil even more, depending on how detailed it is.



Step 2:

Squirt the Radiant Neon Amplify all over the stencil. I went pretty sparingly at first because I didn’t want to waste the product, but I did need to add more than what’s pictured above.

 

Puffed Hearts 3

Step 3:

Using a paste spreader or palette knife, spread the Amplify across the surface of the stencil. Don’t press too hard, because you may lift up the Amplify. The thicker you apply the Amplify, the bigger the puffs will be, so keep that in mind.

 

Puffed Hearts 4

Step 4:

Fill in any gaps you may have with more Amplify. Don’t over mix the colors…you want a marbleized look. It should look sort of like mine above.


Step 5:

Carefully remove your stencil from the cardstock and immediately wash it and any other tools you may have used. You don’t want the Amplify to dry on anything except your cardstock.

 

Puffed Hearts 5

Step 6:

Heat the wet Amplify with a Heat Tool. You will see the shine disappear and it will start to puff up. Again, the thicker areas will have bigger puffs.

 

Puffed Hearts 6

Step 7:

Trim the panel down to 3 1/4″ x 4 3/4.”

 

Puffed Hearts 7

Step 8:

Cut a piece of Smooth Bristol Cardstock to 4 1/4″ x 5 1/2.” Tape down to work surface.

Step 9:

Tape down your second stencil. I also used Pixie Spray for this one, because the rays can move easily.

Step 10:

Apply Memento Ink in Rose Bud using a blending brush. Remove the stencil.

 

Puffed Hearts 8
Step 11:

Apply Memento Ink in Grape Jelly to your work surface and spritz a little water on to the ink. Using a brush, flick the color on to your stenciled panel.

 

Puffed Hearts 10

Step 12:

Add a sentiment to the puffed panel with VersaFine Clair Ink in Monarch.


Step 13:

Adhere all layers to your card base.

 

Puffed Hearts 11 Full

I love the texture you get from the Radiant Neon Amplify. It’s so unique and fun! I hope you’ll give them a try. Thanks so much for stopping by. Have an inspiring day!

Art Supplies:

Imagine:

• Radiant Neon Amplify: Electric Purple & Electric Pink
• Memento Ink: Rose Bud & Grape Jelly 
• VersaFine Clair Ink: Monarch 

Other:

• A Colorful Life Designs: Love Strands Stencil & Bitty Rays Stencil
• Mama Elephant: Creativity is Contagious Stamps
• Palette Knife and/or Paste Spreader
• Smooth Bristol Cardstock
• Blending Brushes
• White Card Base
• Heat Tool
• Paint Brush

Create a Dramatic Anniversary Card with Multi Layers of Metallic Shimmer

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2022-Jan-Neva-Anniversary_blog

By Neva Cole –

Today’s tutorial will demonstrate how to create multi layers of texture for a dramatic Anniversary Card.  StazOn, Delicata, and Mboss will add amazing levels of metallic shimmer.

Skill:  Beginner

Time:  1 Hour

Directions:

Step 1
Trim white piece of sturdy cardstock to 4 1/8” x 5 3/8”.  I used the backing of a paper pack, that had one shiny white side.  First, I pressure embossed with Sizzix 3-D Textured Impressions Doodle Triangles.  A makeup sponge was used to spread StazOn Metallic inks from re-inkers in Platinum, Silver and Gold randomly around the surface of the card front.  StazOn dries on the sponge and makes it a one-time use tool. StazOn Jet Black ink is gently tapped over the raised portions of the card panel.  Set aside to dry or heat with a heat gun.
Step 2
Using a stamp from my stash (manufacturer unknown) small hearts were stamped randomly in VersaMark ink and heat embossed in Mboss in Valentine.
Step 3
Memento Luxe in Tuxedo Black is used to stamp Taylored Expressions Simple Strips Background sentiments followed by heat embossing with black embossing powder.  The matching die is used to die cut the entire set and five sentiments are selected for the front of the card.
Step 4
Each sentiment strip is inked with Delicata in Silvery Shimmer, Golden Glitz or Ruby Red with an Ink Dauber.  Since the sentiment is embossed, the ink will not change the color.
Step 5
The sentiment strips are backed with white cardstock with the matching backer die.  The edges are inked with Memento Tuxedo Black and an ink blusher to add definition.
Step 6
A Scribble Heart die by Impression Obsession is die cut from white cardstock.  The die is then inked with Versa Mark ink and heat embossed with Mboss in Valentine.
Step 7
A white card base is trimmed to 5 ½” x 8 ½”.  The edges are inked with Memento Tuxedo Black and an ink blusher.
Step 8
The card base is adhered to textured front with TearIt! Tape.  The Heart is adhered with On Point Glue.  The sentiment strips are adhered with dimension foam tape.  A striking masculine anniversary card goal achieved!

Art Supplies

Imagine
Other
  • Sizzix 3-D Textured Impressions Doodle Triangles
  • Make up sponge
  • Background heart stamp (manufacturer unknown)
  • Taylored Expressions Simple Strips Background Sentiments, Die, and Backer Die
  • Impression Obsession Scribble Heart die
  • Dimensional foam adhesive
  • Black and White cardstock
Neva Cole http://snippetscrafter.blogspot.com/ n.cole@windward-performance.com

Learn How to Make an Astrological Card

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Astrological-Chart-Card-1200

By Alison Heikkila –

Hello! It’s time for my newest post for Imagine, as an official part of the 2022 Design Team. After the hustle and bustle of the holidays, many of us are wiped out, or even burnt out from making cards and gifts all season. Because of that, I decided to come up with a fast card that doesn’t take a ton of effort, but looks like it did because of the layering.

Skill Level: Beginner
Time: 15 to 20 Minutes

Directions:

Astrological Chart Card 2

Step 1:

Adhere your 3″ x 5″ Gel Press to an acrylic block. While you can adhere it to your work surface, but if it’s attached to a block, you can control where it goes on your printing plate.

 

Astrological Chart Card 3

Step 2:

Apply Versa Fine Clair Ink in Twilight to the Gel Press Plate. I applied it in rows, but you can do it however you like.

Step 3:

Squeeze on a bit of Silvery Shimmer Delicata reinker. You don’t need too much.

 

Astrological Chart Card 4

Step 4:

Using a brayer, roll the colors together. Try not to overmix them.

 

Astrological Chart Card 5

Step 5:

While the inks are still wet, flip the Gel Press Plate on to the printing plate. Since it’s on an acrylic block, you can place the Gel Plate wherever you want easily. Press the Gel Press into the printing plate firmly.

Step 6:

Flip the Gel Press back over, and lay a piece of copy paper on top. This will create your print. Press the paper firmly and evenly all over the plate to get a good transfer.

 

Astrological Chart Card 6

Step 7:

Carefully peel back the paper to reveal your print. You can place the paper back down before you peel up the entire thing if you feel that you need to transfer the ink more.

 

Astrological Chart Card 7

Step 8:

After I made 3 more prints, I chose the one I wanted to use on my card. I went with my first print, which is the upper right. I tore the edges around the print instead of trimming it smoothly.

 

Astrological Chart Card 8

Step 9:

Using an edger die, trim a piece of navy colored cardstock to create a mat around your print.

Step 10:

Using Silvery Shimmer Delicata Ink, ink up the edges of the die cut mat.

 

Astrological Chart Card 9

Step 11:

On a gray card base, ink the right side with VersaMark ink. Try to not make it even, so that it has a more organic feel.

Step 12:

Sprinkle Mboss in Shimmering Night Sky on to the wet ink. Shake off excess, and heat set with a heat tool.

 

Astrological Chart Card 10

Step 13:

Adhere your layers. I added a stamped and die cut sentiment, as well as some jewels. For the jewels, I used On Point Glue.

 

Astrological Chart Card 11 600

The finished card has lots of shine and cool texture. Using your inks and reinkers on a Gel Press Plate gives you the ability to mix colors from different lines and get beautiful, soft effects.

 

Astrological Chart Card 13 600

Again, using all of these layers may make it seem that this card took a lot of time, but it really didn’t because making the print is such a fast process. And you can choose to use a larger Gel Press Plate to cut down on some of the layers.

 

Art Supplies:

Imagine:

• VersaFine Clair Ink in Twilight
• Delicata Ink Pad & Reinker in Silvery Shimmer
• VersaMark Ink Pad
• MBoss in Shimmering Night Sky
• On Point Glue
• Craft Mat

Other:

• Gel Press: 3″ x 5″ Plate
• Carabelle Studio: Zodiac Printing Plate
• Speedball: Brayer
• Stampendous: Deckle Die Set, Slim Acrylic Handle
• Pinkfresh Studios: Perfect Sentiments stamp & die set
• Doodles Paper Playground: Silver Starburst Rhinestones
• Gray card base, white copy paper, navy cardstock
• Heat Tool

Make a Faux Watercolor Poinsettia Gift Tag

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Poinsettia Tag 1

By Alison Heikkila –

Hello! This is the time of year that people get really into making tags. Tags for gifts, tag books, etc. Today I’ve got a fun way to use Memento Inks to make them look like you’ve watercolored, but you didn’t need to work as hard. We will be using a layering stamp set to create the focal point of the tag. I used Poinsettia Parts from Stampendous.

Skill Level: Beginner
Time: 10 Minutes, plus drying time between layers

Directions:

Poinsettia Tag 2

Step 1:

Using an acrylic block or stamp positioner, adhere your most solid layer.

Poinsettia Tag 4

Step 2:

Ink up the stamp with at least 2 colors of Memento Ink. I used Sweet Plum and Lady Bug.

Step 3:

Spritz the inked stamp with water. Let the colors start to run together, but don’t spritz the stamp so much that the colors become totally washed out.

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Step 4:

Carefully flip your stamp over on to a piece of watercolor paper. Gently press the stamp into the paper and leave it there for a few minutes. You can even add something heavy on top if you want more consistent pressure.

Poinsettia Tag 5

Step 5:

Repeat Step 4 with any additional parts of your image. I needed to add a leaf and another petal. I used Pear Tart and Cottage Ivy for the leaf. Let all of the “watercolor” layers dry thoroughly before moving on.

Poinsettia Tag 6

Step 6:

Stamp the top or detail layer with VersaFine Clair ink in Nocturne.

Poinsettia Tag 7

Step 7:

To add additional detail, you can apply some ink to your Craft Mat and spritz with water, then apply with a paintbrush. Here, I used Dandelion and Morocco to color in the center of the poinsettia. Fussy cut the stamped image.

Poinsettia Tag 8

Step 8:

Apply Rich Cocoa Memento Ink to a background stamp. I used an older Stampendous stamp with sheet music on it. I like to flip my stamp up and apply my substrate (in this case, a tag made with Kraft cardstock) on top of the stamp. I press the tag into the stamp with my fingers. This allows me to place the tag where I want, and I don’t need to fuss with a large, sometimes unwieldy large stamp. You may also do this step while allowing your poinsettia to dry.

Poinsettia Tag 9

Step 9:

Ink up a blending brush with more Rich Cocoa ink and gently buff the edges. You may smear some of your stamped image if it hasn’t dried completely, but I don’t mind that look. It helps to make the tag look old.

Poinsettia Tag 11

Step 10:

Add a sentiment strip to your tag, adhere the poinsettia, and tie on some ribbon.

Poinsettia Tag 10 600

Now you’ve got a completed tag that you can add to gifts, use it as a place card at the dinner table, or even to decorate a card base. Experiment with different color palettes to get a wide range of looks. And remember, these techniques don’t have to be used only at holiday time! Thanks so much for stopping by. Have an inspiring day!

Art Supplies:

Imagine:

Memento Inks in Lady Bug, Sweet Plum, Dandelion, Morocco, Cottage Ivy, Pear Tart, and Rich Cocoa
VersaFine Clair Ink in Nocturne
Tear It! Tape
Craft Mat

Other:

Stampendous: Poinsettia Parts and sheet music Cling Stamp
Kraft Colored Tag
Ribbon
Blending Brush

Create a Beautiful Holy Night Card

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2021-Nov-Neva-HolyNightCard_IG

By Neva Cole –

Today’s tutorial will feature several Imagine products, Delicata, StazOn, and Vertigo.  Using silhouette style die cut creates a stunning yet quick and easy Christmas Card.

Skill:  Beginner

Time:  30 Minutes

Directions:

2021-Nov-Neva-HolyNIghtCard-step1

Step 1

Trim black cardstock to 6 ½” x 9” and fold in half.  Center die on the front panel of the card base and die cut.

2021-Nov-Neva-HolyNIghtCard-step2

Step 2

Leave the die in place and stamp the starry background with Delicata Golden Glitz.

2021-Nov-Neva-HolyNIghtCard-step3

Step 3

Use a Fantastix Brush Tip to brush in details left open in the die.  Photo shows the die removed after this step.

2021-Nov-Neva-HolyNIghtCard-step4

Step 4

Trim a section of Taffeta Vertigo to 2” x 6 3/8”.  Use an Ink Blusher to build layers of color in StazOn Blazing Red and Midnight Blue.  As the color layers blend, the red, purple, and blue along with the Taffeta Vertigo creates a stunning night sky.

2021-Nov-Neva-HolyNIghtCard-step5

Step 5

Adhere Vertigo behind the opening in the die with small dots of On Point Glue.  I glued around the edge and behind each small portion of the die scene.  Trim white cardstock to 6 3/8” x 8 ¾” and fold in half.  Adhere to the inside back of the card with Tear It! Tape.

2021-Nov-Neva-HolyNIghtCard-step6

Step 6

Apply Tear It! Tape to the front inside of the card and fold card closed.  This allows the card to compensate for the two layers of cardstock.

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Step 7

Stamp Oh Holy Night sentiment in Delicata Golden Glitz and heat emboss with Gold Embossing Powder.

Art Supplies

Imagine
Other
  • Gemini Follow the Star Die
  • Neto Stuff Star stamp
  • Recollections Christmas Sentiments
  • Black and White cardstock