Tag Archives: Crafting tutorial

Stamping on Colored Cardstock to Create a Nature-Inspired Thanksgiving Card

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By Jessica Lin ~

Skill: Intermediate
Time: 45 minutes

Hi everyone! It’s Jessica here. Have you tried stamping on colored cardstock before? My go-to cardstock for stamping is Classic Crest Solar White cardstock, but I wanted to change it up today. You can achieve a completely different look by stamping on colored cardstock. I chose to stamp on green and khaki cardstock today to make the images look more realistic and natural.

Step 1:
Trim a piece of Classic Crest Solar White Cardstock to 3 ¾” x 5”. Then, use the leaf embosser dies from Stampin’ Up’s Nature’s Root die set to create a leafy patterned embossed background.

Step 2:
Once the base panel is created, we can move on to stamping. I decided to stamp on Environment Desert Storm cardstock today. If you have only tried stamping on Classic Crest Solar White cardstock before, I highly recommend trying the Environment Desert Storm cardstock as well! It’s a great neutral alternative and the final look is so different. The VersaFine Clair Sand Dune ink looks like a richer, darker shade when stamped on Environment Desert cardstock.

Step 3:
Next, dab VersaFine Clair Acorn ink to the outer edges of the stamp with a sponge dauber to create a more realistic look.

Step 4:
For the leaf stamp, I picked DCS Canvas Textured Galax Olive Green Cardstock. This cardstock has an embossed texture, but it’s surprisingly easy to stamp on with VersaFine Clair Shady Lane ink pad. You can see that the textured surface did not hide any of the vein details from the stamp.

Step 5:
After all of the images have been stamped, die cut or fussy cut them with scissors. I also die cut a berry branch with DCS Gold Glitter Heavyweight 12 x 12 cardstock. This die is from Stampin’ Up’s Flourish die set.

Step 6:
I stamped “Thank You” with VersaFine Clair Pinecone ink pad for the sentiment. Lastly, I tied twine around the background panel to add another natural touch to the card. Then I adhered all of the die cut and stamped elements, and the card is complete!

Supplies Used

Imagine Supplies:

● VersaFine Clair – Sand Dune, Acorn, Shady Lane, Pinecone
● Sponge Dauber
● StazOn Cleaner
● Tear-It! Tape
● Craft Mat

Other Supplies:

● Stampin’ Up! – Stamps – Rooted in Nature
● Stampin’ Up! – Dies – Nature’s Roots
● Stampin’ Up! – Dies – Flourish
● CutCardStock – Paper – Classic Crest Solar White
● CutCardStock – Paper – Environment Desert Storm
● CutCardStock – Paper – DCS Canvas Textured Galax Olive Green
● CutCardStock – Paper – DCS Gold Glitter Heavyweight 12 x 12

Let’s Make a Happy Thanksgiving Card

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By Anna Escalada York

– Thanksgiving cards are a great way to send our thoughts and love to those who are celebrating far away.

Skill: Intermediate
Time: 2 hours

Directions:

Step 1:
Stamp a variety of pumpkin stamps and a squash with Summertime VersaFine Clair Ink on watercolor paper. Color the stems of each of the pumpkins and squash with Emerald Fabrico Dual Marker. Heat emboss all of the images with clear embossing powder.

Die cut each of the images with their corresponding die.

Step 2:
Die cut a piece of watercolor paper with a background die cut set. (This die also created additional smaller die cuts that will be used later in the card.) The die cut was colored by swiping Potter’s Clay Memento Ink, followed by coloring the edges of the panel with Rich Cocoa Memento Dual Marker, ink blending the edges of the boxes with leftover Nocturne VersaFine Clair ink on a sponge dauber, and then swiping the whole panel with Celestial Copper Delicata Ink. Splatter the panel with a both Rich Cocoa and Tuxedo Black Memento Dual Markers mixed with water.

Step 3:
Press the frames inside each of the panel’s windows into the Celestial Copper Delicata Ink pad to color them. Heat emboss each of them with clear embossing powder.

Step 4:
Watercolor smoosh the window die cuts with Tangerine Fabrico Dual Marker mixed with water. Splatter the die cuts with the leftover watercolor smooshing mix. Set aside to dry.

Step 5:
Stamp a sentiment from the stamp set on the right edge of the largest die cut window with Nocturne VersaFine Clair ink. Shift the die cut a little to the right and stamp the sentiment again with Celestial Copper Delicata ink to create a shadow effect. Heat emboss the sentiment with more clear embossing powder.

Step 6: Use a pumpkin shaped stamp with small flowers and foliage images to stamp each of the four other (smaller) window dies with Celestial Copper Delicata Ink to create additional interest. Then use washi tape on the back of the panel to hold all of the background die cuts together.

Step 7:
Die cut the leaf branch die cut out of watercolor paper and swipe Potter’s Clay Memento ink across the die cut. Then color the stems with the Rich Cocoa Memento Dual Marker and scribble over some of the uncolored parts of the leaves with Tangerine Fabrico Dual Marker. Spray Dandelion Fireworks! Craft Spray on a piece of acetate and press the leaf die cut into the spray to add shine and color. Once that dried, spray the whole die cut with Frosth Shimmer Craft Spray.

Step 8:
Glue the die cut leaf cluster on the lower left corner of the card panel. Then glue one of the larger pumpkins and the gourd on the lower left corner of the card. Add the shorter pumpkin die cut over the other die cuts with foam tape. Glue the whole thing onto a card base to finish the card.

Art Supplies

Imagine

Delicata Ink – Celestial Copper
Fabrico Dual Marker – Emerald
Fabrico Dual Marker – Tangerine
Fireworks! Craft Spray – Dandelion
Memento Dual Marker – Rich Cocoa
Memento Dual Marker – Tuxedo Black
Memento Dye Ink – Potter’s Clay
Sheer Shimmer Craft Spray – Frost
VersaFine Clair Ink – Nocturne
VersaFine Clair Ink – Summertime
Sponge Dauber

Other

Altenew – foam tape – Instant Dimension Foam Tape
Picket Fence Studio – die set – A2 Scene Building Rectangle Two
Simon Hurley Create. – stamp set – Fall Sampler
Simon Says Stamp – die – Autumn Leaf Branch
Spellbinders – die set – coordinating die set for Simon Hurley Create.’s Fall Sampler stamp set
Clear Embossing Powder
Heat tool
Glue
Watercolor paper
Washi tape

Transform a Simple Paper Bag into a Beautiful Gift Bag

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By Anna Escalada York

– I wanted to decorate a small brown bag before reusing it as a gift bag for a coworker’s gift. This card was quick and easy but looks really pretty and features VersaFine Clair Inks.

Skill: Beginner
Time: 1 hour

Directions

Step 1:
Stamp a solid organic circle shape with Lemonade VersaFine Clair Ink on the edges of a small brown paper bag. Repeat on the back of the bag.

Step 2:
Quickly stamp two different solid leaf stamps with Nocturne VersaFine Clair Ink over the two Lemonade circles. Add clear embossing powder over both the Lemonade-colored circles and the black leaves and heat emboss them. Repeat the process on the back of the bag.

Step 3:
Stamp the splatter wreath twice on the bag with Baby Pink VersaFine Clair Ink–once on the upper right corner of the bag and once on the central right part of the bag. Then heat emboss with more clear embossing powder. Repeat on the other side of the bag.

Step 4:
Stamp a row of small hearts on the bag twice with Dahlia Purple VersaFine Clair Ink. Heat emboss with more clear embossing powder. Repeat on the back of the bag.

Step 5:
Stamp the same solid leaf stamps from step 2 with Nocturne VersaFine Clair Ink inside the splatter leaf stamps. Heat emboss with more clear embossing powder. Repeat on the back side of the bag.

Add your gift to finish your project!

Art Supplies

Imagine

Other

  • Altenew – stamp set – Block Sentiments
  • Altenew – stamp set – Creative Labels
  • Altenew – stamp set – Watercolor Frames (retired)
  • Clear Embossing Powder
  • Heat tool
  • Small brown gift bag

Create a Cute Monochrome Halloween Card 

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By Jessica Lin –

Skill: Beginner
Time: 30 minutes

Hi everyone! It’s Jessica here. Spooky season is right around the corner, can you believe it? I have a monochrome Halloween card idea to share with you today. The supplies are minimal and it’s beginner friendly, too! 

Step 1:
The focal point of today’s card are these adorable cats dressed in Halloween costumes. They are from Mama Elephant’s Meowlloween stamp set. I decided to stamp them on Stardream Metallic 5 x 7 Onyx cardstock as little black cats. After stamping with VersaMark Dazzle ink, I heat embossed the images with silver embossing powder and fussy cut them with scissors.

Step 2:
Next, I picked a patterned paper from the Chalkboard Prints 6×6 cardstock pad and trimmed it to 3 ¾’’ x 5’’. There are a lot of great patterns in this paper pad that are black and white, and perfect for Halloween cards. The Stardream Metallic Onyx cardstock is used as the card base. 

Step 3:
Since the focal images and background are both black, adding a piece of vellum would really help the black kitties stand out against the dark background. I trimmed a piece of Curious Translucent vellum to a width of 4 ½’’, and tore the edges by hand. This is one of my favorite ways to layer with vellum and I like the look and organic feel of the torn edges. For the sentiment, I picked a classic “Happy Halloween” stamp from Brutus Monroe’s Occasional Greetings set. I stamped it with VersaFine Clair Nocturne ink on Classic Crest Solar White cardstock. 

Step 4:
Finally, let’s adhere all of the elements together. I mounted the black cats and background panel with foam tape, and adhered the sentiment strip and vellum piece with Tear-It! Tape. A few rhinestones were also added with On-Point Glue, and the card is complete!

Imagine Supplies: 

● VersaMark Dazzle – Champagne
● Embossing Powder
● VersaFine Clair – Nocturne
● On Point Glue
● StazOn Cleaner
● Tear-It! Tape
● Craft Mat

Other Supplies: 

● Mama Elephant – Stamps – Meowlloween 
● Brutus Monroe – Stamps – Occasional Greetings 
● CutCardstock – Stardream Metallic Onyx 
● CutCardstock – Chalkboard Prints 6×6 cardstock pad 
● CutCardstock – Curious Translucent vellum 
● CutCardstock – Classic Crest Solar White 

 Let’s Make a Trick or Treat Card 

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By Anna Escalada York –

Fall is here! I have been really enjoying making Halloween cards, especially those with non-traditional colors. This card features a pastel color scheme. 

Skill: Intermediate 
Time: 1.5 hours 

Directions: 

Step 1: 
Stamp the spiderweb background stamp on watercolor paper with Nocturne VersaFine Clair Ink. If desired, heat emboss with clear embossing powder. 

Die cut the panel with a mid-sized A2 nesting die. 

Step 2: 
Spray the panel with Rose Gold Sheer Shimmer Craft Spray and Tangelo Fireworks! Craft Spray. Make sure that the sprays overlap to blend the two colors together. Allow the panel to dry. 

Step 3: 
Ink blend the edges of the panel with Nocturne VersaFine Clair Ink. 

Step 4:
Die cut they layers of the pumpkin die cuts out of watercolor paper and spray each piece with different colored sprays:

  • Stem with Pear Tart Fireworks! Spray
  • Top layer of the pumpkin with Rose Gold Sheer Shimmer Craft Spray
  • Second layer with Angel Pink Fireworks! Spray
  • Third layer with Dandelion Fireworks! Spray
  • Bottom layer with Tangelo Fireworks! Spray

Step 5: 
Stamp a piece of watercolor paper with Nocturne VersaFine Clair Ink and heat emboss with clear embossing powder. 

Step 6:
Die cut the colored and embossed piece of watercolor paper from step 5 to create the sentiment. Die cut two small pieces of scrap watercolor paper or cardstock to glue behind the black stamped layer to create dimension. 

Not pictured: Die cut the sentiment’s shadow layer out of vellum and glue behind the sentiment. 

Step 7: 
Assemble the die cut pumpkin layers and glue them together. Then glue the sentiment onto the die cut pumpkin layers. Glue the pumpkin (and sentiment) onto the spiderweb background panel. Then splatter Tangelo Fireworks! Craft Spray across the panel and pumpkin. Set aside to dry. 

Step 8: 
Die cut a piece of black watercolor paper with the next-largest die from the A2-sized nesting die set. Glue the spiderweb panel onto the black matte layer. Glue light pink embellishments on the lower left and upper right parts of the panel. To finish the card, glue it onto an A2-sized white card base. 

Art Supplies 

Imagine 

Fireworks! Craft Spray – Angel Pink
Fireworks! Craft Spray – Dandelion
Fireworks! Craft Spray – Pear Tart
Fireworks! Craft Spray – Tangelo
Sheer Shimmer Craft Spray – Rose Gold
VersaFine Clair Ink – Nocturne

Other supplies used:

Pretty Pink Posh – die set – Fringe Pumpkin 
Simon Says Stamp and CZ Design – die set – Trick or Treat 2 
Taylored Expressions – stamp set – Spiderweb Cling and Clear Combo 
Trinity Stamps – embellishment mix – Rose Tinted Glasses 
Waffle Flower – die set – A2 Layers 
Clear Embossing Powder 
Heat tool 
Glue 
Watercolor paper 
Black watercolor paper 

 DIY One-of-a-kind Patterned Paper with Stamping 

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By Jessica Lin

Hi everyone! It’s Jessica here. Have you tried creating your own patterned paper before? It’s truly quite simple and kind of addicting once you get the hang of it! Keep reading to find out a trick using stamp positioning tools.

Step 1:
I decided to stamp on a piece of 6×6’’ cardstock using the We R Precision Press. This method helps fill up the page quickly with repeated patterns, but you could stamp the images free-hand using an acrylic block as well. With the Precision Press, I placed stamps on the 3×3’’ top-right quadrant and rotated the cardstock 90 degrees each time. This vibrant green color is VersaFine Clair Grass Green ink pad and it really captures the lush, lively green from plants.

Step 2:
I repeated Step 1 with two other succulent stamps. This time, I chose the VersaFine Clair Verdant ink pad.

Step 3:
Let’s stamp the plant pots next. I picked a few pastel colors – VersaFine Clair Baby Pink, Lilac Bloom, Arctic and Very Peri. These colors complement each other so well, I think they are becoming one of my favorite color combos.

Step 4:
Once you are done with creating your own patterned paper, you can trim it however you’d like to decorate cards or scrapbook pages. I want to use it to create a small treat box, so I am cutting it to 4.5 x 6’’. Then, on the short side, score at the 1’’, 2’’, 3’’, and 4’’ marks. On the long side, score at the 1’’ mark. These will be the crease lines for us to fold the box.

Step 5:
After that, cut along the top four squares to make the bottom flaps of the box. I also cut away a small corner so that it’ll be easier to assemble the box later.

Step 6:
Apply Tear It Tape to the 0.5’’ overhang on the right like pictured, and fold along the creased lines to form a box. Fold the square flap on the right downwards and apply Tear It Tape at the bottom edge. Now you can assemble the box by sticking the sides and bottom shut.

Step 7:
To create the box opening, gently press on the sides to make a “X” shape.

Step 8:
For each pinched flap, punch a hole near the corner.

Step 9:
This would create holes to thread the ribbon. Once you filled the treat box with goodies, lace the ribbon around the holes and tie a bow to keep the box closed.

I hope this tutorial inspired you to stamp your own patterned paper! It is a fun way to create custom prints and use your stamps creatively. Thanks so much for stopping by, and I’ll see you next time!

Imagine Supplies: 

● VersaFine Clair – Grass Green, Verdant, Baby Pink, Lilac Bloom, Arctic, Very Peri
● StazOn Cleaner
● Tear-It! Tape
● Craft Mat

Other Supplies:

● iCrafter – Stamps – Positively Plants 
● We R – Tool – Precision Press 
● ⅛’’ Hole Punch