Tag Archives: Crafting tutorial

Make A Fun Happy Bird-Day Card

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By Kathi Rerek

Let’s make a cheerfully bright and fun birthday card with a stamp, two stencils, and lots of ink!

Skill Level: Intermediate
Time: 1.5 hour

Step 1:
Use magnets to secure a  piece of white Bristol paper to the base of a stamping platform.

Use Nocturne VersaFine Clair ink to stamp the bird stamp from the “I’m Fine”  image twice — once onto the image panel and once onto repositionable sticker paper. Heat set the stamped image panel.

Step 2:
Fussy-cut the sticker paper version and place it onto the image panel as a mask.

Step 3:
Use low-tack tape to secure the Sunshine Small Stencil onto the stencil so that the “sun” is over the bird’s face. Use a Sponge Dauber to apply Love Letters Memento ink over the mask and masked image onto the image panel (3A).

Use a separate Sponge Dauber for each color to apply Tangelo, Dandelion, Bamboo Leaves, Bahama Blue, Danube Blue, Lilac Posies, and Grape Jelly Memento inks in rainbow order (ROYGBIV) counter-clockwise over the stencil onto the image panel (3B). Not all stenciling is shown. Remove stencil.

Step 4:
Use low-tack tape to secure the Confetti Stencil over the image panel. Use a Sponge Dauber to apply Silvery Shimmer Delicata ink over the stencil and masked image onto the top left and bottom right of the image panel (3A).

Use a separate Sponge Dauber to apply Golden Glitz Delicata ink over the stencil and masked image onto the top right and bottom left of the image panel (3B).

Remove the stencil and heat set the image panel. Set aside.

Step 5:
Secure a piece of black cardstock to the base of a stamping platform. Place the “You’re the best” sentiment from the Whatcha Saying? Clear Stamp Set, the “Happy Birthday”, “Celebrate”, and “Happy Birthday” sentiments from the Classic Sentiments Clear Stamp Sets facedown on the black cardstock.

Press the platform’s lid onto the back of the stamps, lift the platform, ink the stamps with the VersaMark Dazzle ink, and stamp. Remove the black panel from the stamping platform.

Step 6:
Sprinkle White MBoss Powder onto the stamped sentiments, slide the the excess powder back into the bag, and heat set the sentiment.

Step 7:
Use cutting dies to die-cut the sentiments. Trim the left side of the “celebrate” flag and the right side of the “happy birthday” flag. Use Silvery Shimmer Delicata ink to edge the trimmed sides. Heat set the ink. Put the sentiment die-cuts aside.

Step 8:
Use watercolor markers to color the bird’s eyes and beak. Use a white gel pen to add highlights to the eyes and beak. (No photo, sorry!)

Step 9:
Trim the image panel to 3.75” x 5”. Use a Sponge Dauber to edge the top left and bottom right with Silvery Shimmer Delicata ink (9A).

Use a separate Sponge Dauber to edge the top right and bottom left with Golden Glitz Delicata ink (9B).

Step 10:
Use Tear It! Tape to adhere the image panel to a black panel cut to 4” x 5.25” and to adhere the matted image panel to a white A2 card.

Use Use Tear It! Tape to adhere the sentiments to finish the card.

Imagine Crafts Supplies:

Other Supplies:

  • Bristol Paper by Strathmore
  • Raven Cardstock by Bazzill Basics
  • Avalanche Cardstock by Bazzill Basics
  • I’m Fine Clear Stamp Set by Funky Fossil Designs
  • Classic Sentiments Clear Stamp Set by Hefty Doodle
  • Whatcha Saying? Clear Stamp Set by Hefty Doodle
  • Sunshine Small Stencil by Darkroom Door
  • Confetti Stencil by Newton’s Nook Designs
  • Sentiment Banner Die Set – Honey Bee Designs
  • Whatcha Saying? Die Set by Heffy Doodle
  • Emerald, Leaf Green, Light Green, Yellow, Brilliant Yellow, and Butterscotch Le Plume II Markers by Marvy/Uchida
  • Repositionable Sticker Paper by Avery
  • Curved Craft Scissors by Fiskar’s
  • Low-tack Tape
  • Stamping Platform by Tonic Studios
  • Misti Stamping Platform by My Sweet Petunia

Using Inks to Enhance Die Cuts and Patterned Paper

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By Alison Heikkila

Hello! It’s Alison Heikkila. Let’s play with Memento Inks today! I have a bunch of fun ways you can use them to enhance your die cuts. Plus, I’ll explain some ways to use patterned paper with die cuts and inks as well. You can use any dies you have for these techniques, so I encourage you to experiment and play!

*Some affiliate links are used in this post. That means that if you shop through these links, I may receive a small compensation, at no cost to you. For more information, please see my Affiliates page, where I also have some coupon codes.

Skill Level: Intermediate
Time to Complete: 60-75 minutes

Supplies:
Imagine:
Memento Ink: Angel Pink
Memento Ink: Sweet Plum
Memento Ink: Northern Pine
Memento Ink: Nautical Blue
Memento Ink: Olive Grove
Memento Ink: Cottage Ivy
Memento Ink: London Fog
Memento Ink: Rhubarb Stalk
Memento Ink Refill: Angel Pink
VersaFine Clair Ink: Rain Forest
On Point Glue
Sponge Daubers

Other:
Spellbinders: The Botanical Solarium
Spellbinders: Sending Sunshine Sentiment Stamps
Carta Bella: Gather at Home Paper Pad
Kaisercraft: Greenhouse Paper Pad
Assorted Blending Brushes
Watercolor Brush
White Cardstock

Small dies like this can be a little fiddly, but it’s so fun to alter them with color and paper. I hope you enjoy trying some of these ideas! Thanks so much for stopping by. Have an inspiring day!

Let’s Make a Cute “Hoppy” Easter Card

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By Ceal Pritchett

Hello crafty friends,

It’s Ceal, here. Today I am sharing an Easter card with you. With Valentines Day behind us, the next holiday I send out cards for is Easter.

Here are supplies I used.

Skill Level: Intermediate
Time: 1 hour

Directions:

Step 1:
Using the layering stencil and Brilliance inks, ink blend the panel to create a background.
Look how shiny it is!

Step 2
Stamp and color the image (bunny) using VersaFine Clair Nocturne and fussy cut it out with the coordinating die.

Step 3
Stamp the sentiment “Easter” with VersaColor in Rose then fussy cut it out or use coordinating die.

Step 4
Stamp the sentiment “Hoppy” with VersaFine Clair Nocturne and fussy cut it out into a small rectangle.

Step 5
Attach the image to the card front using foam for dimension.

Step 6
Attach the sentiment to the card front using On Point Glue.

Craft Supplies
Imagine:
VersaFine Clair – Nocturne
VersaColor – Pink
Brilliance – Pearlescent Orchid
Brilliance – Pearlescent Purple – No Longer Available
Brilliance – Pearlescent Lavender
Brilliance – Pearlescent Sky Blue
Sponge Daubers
On Point Glue

Other:
Misti 2.0
Neenah 110lb Solar White card base
Neenah 80lb Solar White
Hero Arts Pitch Black cardstock
OLO Markers

Happy Spring Card

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By Helen Gullett

Hello hello hello! Today, I wanna share with you how to make this Happy Spring card using Imagine Crafts products, stamps, die cuts, and coloring medium. I found Spring inspiration on Pinterest to create this clean-and-simple style with some layers. You can make this card with any sentiment or vocal images based on the theme or season.

Skill: Intermediate
Time: 30 – 45 minutes

Direction:

Step 1
Cut a piece of 8.5” x 11” white cardstock with a paper trimmer. One half you use it to make an A4 card base (5.5’ x 4.25’) by scoring in the middle of the cardstock.

And for the other half, use it for stamping elements and sentiments. You can to cut out the shapes with the matching dies, if needed.

Step 2
For my card, I cut out the shapes with the matching dies first.

Arrange the shape dies on the white cardstock and secure them with washi tape or removable tape to keep in place while cutting.

I keep both negative and positive die cuts. This will make the next step stamping images easier.

Step 3
Put the positive and negative die cuts on the stamping tool. Secure them with the magnet.
Arrange the clear stamp on top of each matching cut out, make sure it is well positioned.
Put the sentiment you want to stamp at the extra space, if they fit.

Step 4
Pick up the stamps with the stamping tool lid and ink the stamps with the Memento Tuxedo Black ink pad. If it is needed, you can re-stamp them. Clean the stamps with Staz-On All Purpose Cleaner.

I like to stamp several images and sentiments at one go, then I can pick and choose what to use on this project, and save others for the next project.

Cut the sentiment with scissors, or you can cut it with any label die you have in stash. I simply just cut it out with scissors to make a sentiment label or cut around the sentiment.

Step 5
After stampin, you can pick and choose which images and sentiment to use now.

Color the images with your favorite coloring medium. Since we use Memento Ink for stamping, the best coloring medium will be alcohol markers and pencil colors. I used alcohol markers to color the nest and bird.

Step 6
Cut out a light blue cardstock into 5.25” x 4” for the first base mat.

Stamp it with a background stamp of your choice lightly with the VersaColor Turquoise.

To get a lighter stamped image for the background, you can use second generation stamping technique: stamp it the first time on a scrap paper and then stamp it for the second time on the cardstock.

Step 7
Next, cut out a piece of off-white cardstock (or white) into 4.75” x 3.5” for the second background mat.
Using a distressed tool or scissors to add the distress look on each edge of the cardstock.
Add the VersaMagic Jumbo Java ink on the edges using the sponge dauber.

Step 8
It’s time to put the card together.
Using a distressed tool or scissors to add the distress look around the background mat.

Add some of the Tear It! Tape on the back of the background mat and add it to the card base. Firmly press it down.

Step 9
Wrap some of the burlap twine around the second background mat and tie up a bow. Add a dab of permanent glue using the On Point Glue to secure the bow in place on the card.
Add some of the Tear It! Tape on the back of the background mat, add it to the card, and press it firmly to make sure it adheres well, especially around the twine.

Step 10
Add some of the Tear It! Tape on a piece of fun foam to make your own 3D foam tape.
Add the foam tape on the back of each element and sentiment and add each of them to the card.
Add some glue using On Point Glue under the overlapping element and sentiment.

Step 11
To add some extra sparkle to the card, use a flat brush to add some of the Sheer Shimmer Spray – Sparkle. This spray gives some sparkle to this card for sure!!!

Dry the splatters with a craft heat gun.

Here’s the close up look of the finish card. You can add extra gems or embellishments to the card or you can just leave it as it is.

May this card give you hope for the new season coming soon! Thank you so much for stopping by our blog today. Have a wonderful day!

Craft Supplies

Imagine Crafts:

Others:

  • Sweet ‘n Sassy Stamp – Spring Hope Stamp Set
  • Sweet ‘n Sassy Stamp – Spring Hope Die Set
  • Neenah Classic Crest White Cardstock 110lb
  • Close To My Heart colored cardstock (blue and off-white)
  • Burlap twine ribbon
  • Fiskar paper trimmer
  • Gemini Junior die cutting machine
  • MISTI stamping tool
  • Acrylic stamping block
  • Paper distresser tool
  • Micro-tip scissors
  • White thin fun foam
  • Flat paint brush

Let’s Make a Spring Card

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By Anna Escalada York

In today’s blog post, I will show you how to add some patterned paper to a card to spotlight a
part of the image.

Skill: Intermediate
Time: 1.5 hours

Directions:

Step 1:
Using a stamping platform, stamp the floral image with Nocturne VersaFine Clair ink onto a
piece of watercolor paper. (I used a pre-die cut panel.)
Optional step: Heat emboss with a clear embossing powder. I did this because I didn’t want to
wait for the VersaFine Clair ink to dry, as well as add some subtle shine.

Step 2:
Mix some Pink Grapefruit VersaMagic Chalk Ink with a Morocco Memento marker by pressing
the ink pad and coloring a piece of scrap acetate and spraying both with water before mixing the
colors to create a coral watercolor.
Watercolor the petals of the floral image. Using the remainder of the watercolor to splatter the
watercolor panel and smoosh the panel as well to add color around the panel. It was set aside
to dry.

Step 3:
Stamp the bottom part of the stamp onto a piece of dusty pink patterned paper with more
Nocturne VersaFine Clair ink.
Optional step: Heat emboss the image with more clear embossing powder.

Step 4:
Cut the patterned paper image along the circular edge.

Step 5:
Create green watercolor by pressing Tea Leaves VersaMagic Chalk Ink onto a piece of acetate
Create green watercolor by pressing Tea Leaves VersaMagic Chalk Ink onto a piece of acetate
as well as scribbling the acetate with both Cottage Ivy and Bamboo Leaves Memento marker
and spraying all of the areas of color with water before mixing them together. Watercolor the
edges of the leaves with the watercolor. (You won’t need to color the central parts of the leaves
as they will be covered soon.) Again, splatter the card and watercolor smoosh the panel with the
acetate to add green blobs around the watercolor panel. Again, set aside to dry.

Step 6:
Watercolor the leaves on the patterned paper with the same mix of greens created using the
Tea Leaves VersaMagic Chalk ink as well as Collage Ivy and Bamboo Leaves Memento marker
mixed with water. Set this aside to dry.

Step 7:
I decided to add a little more intensity to the coral colors on the petals and on the
watercolor panel by adding more Pink Grapefruit VersaMagic Chalk ink and Morocco Memento
marker added to the scrap of acetate and again mixed with water before painting the petals. The
remaining coral-colored watercolor was again smooshed onto the watercolor panel.
Set the panel aside to dry again.

Step 8:
Distress the edges of the patterned paper circle by rubbing the sharp part of a pair of scissors’
blade around the circle. Then rub the distressed edge of the circle with Golden Glitz Delicata.

Step 9:
Using a sponge dauber, ink blend Pink Shimmer Delicata ink through a heart stencil in my stash
on random parts of the watercolor paper.
Not pictured: Ink blend the edges of the panel with more of the Pink Shimmer Delicata ink.

Step 10:
Glue the patterned paper circle onto the stamped image, making sure that the patterned paper
circle lines up with the rest of the stamped image.

Step 11:
Stamp the sentiment on the lower right corner of the watercolor panel with more Nocturne
VersaFine Clair ink.
Optional step: Heat emboss the image with more clear embossing powder.

Step 12:
Using a slightly larger die than the watercolor panel, die cut a piece of rose gold cardstock. Glue
the two panels together, and glue both onto an A2-sized white card base.

Step 13:
Add green gem stickers around the circle of patterned paper to finish the card.

Art Supplies
Imagine
Delicata Ink – Golden Glitz, Pink Shimmer
Memento Dual Tip Marker – Bamboo Leaves, Cottage Ivy, Morocco
VersaMark Ink – Pink Grapefruit, Tea Leaves
VersaFine Clair Ink – Nocturne
Sponge Dauber

Other
AALL & Create – stamp set – Flower Journey
Gina K Designs – dies- Master Layout 2 die set
Honey Bee Stamps – gem stickers
Memory Box – stamp set – Big and Little Words
Sizzix- cardstock – Rose Gold Opulent cardstock
Heart stencil in my stash
Clear embossing powder in my stash
Watercolor paper
Scissors
Small paint brush
Stamp positioner
Glue

Let’s Make A Crazy Cat Lady Card

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By Kathi Rerek

I’m delighted to be returning to the Imagine Crafts AIR program again this year. Our first assignment was to create a project that reflected ourselves. I love creating scenic cards, magical creatures, and cats!

Skill Level: Intermediate
Time: 1.5 hour

Step 1:
Use magnets to secure a 4” x 5.25” piece of white cardstock onto the base of a stamping platform.
Use Nocturne VersaFine Clair ink to stamp the Puss in Boots image twice — once onto the image panel and once onto repositionable sticker paper.

Step 2:
Fussy-cut the sticker paper version and place it onto the image panel as a mask.

Step 3:
Use low-tack tape to secure the rolling hills mask from the Acetate Hills Mask set to the image panel as shown.

Use a sponge dauber to apply Dandelion Memento ink over the mask and masked image onto the image panel. (3A). Use another dauber to apply Angel Pink Memento ink onto the image panel so the pink ink is slightly overlapping and blending with the yellow ink (3B). Repeat this step with Summer Sky Memento ink (3C), then Danube Blue Memento ink (3D).

Step 4:
Spray the image panel with 91% Isopropyl Alcohol to slightly blend the colors and to add some white speckles and splatter.

Step 5:
Trace the rolling hills mask from the Acetate Hills Mask set onto white cardstock, fussy-cut along the trace lines. Label the top and bottom of the mask so you know which is which.
Place the top homemade mask over the sky area of the image panel and secure with low-tack tape.
Use a Fantastix to apply Cottage Ivy Memento ink over the mask onto the image panel (5A).
Place the acetate rolling hills mask below the hilly horizon. Use a Fantastix to apply Cottage Ivy Memento ink over the mask onto the image panel (5B). Continue this process to add additional grassy hills.

Step 6:
Use a sponge dauber and Bamboo Leaves Memento ink to fill in the grassy hills.
Colors the white area of the tail and the wings with Copic markers. Set the image panel aside.

Step 7:
Place a piece of 4.75” x 6.75” Mixed Media cardstock into a box. Spray the panel with Danube Blue Firewords Spray to create a shimmery blue background panel. Heat set.

Step 8:
Use magnets to secure the background panel to the base of a stamping platform so that panel is sideways. Position the long leafy border stamp from Puss in Boots Clear Stamp Set facedown along the edge of the background panel. Press the platform’s lid onto the back of the stamp, lift the lid, ink the stamp with Nocturne VersaFine Clair, and stamp. Re-ink and stamp again if necessary to attain a good impression. Heat set.

Keeping the stamp on the platform’s lid, flip the background panel, secure it with magnets, and stamp the border on the other side of the background panel. Heat set.

Step 9:
Reposition the background panel as shown and secure with magnets. Place the small flourish stamp facedown horizontally on the top left of the background panel. Press the platform’s lid onto the back of the stamp, lift the lid, ink the stamp with Nocturne VersaFine Clair, and stamp. Re-ink and stamp again if necessary to attain a good impression. Heat set.

Clean and dry the stamp. Reposition it so that it’s facedown on the top left of the panel. Press the platform’s lid onto the back of the stamp, lift the lid, ink the stamp with Nocturne VersaFine Clair, and stamp. Re-ink and stamp again if necessary to attain a good impression. Heat set.

Remove the flourish stamp. Place the paw print stamp so that it’s centered and facedown on top of the background panel.  Press the platform’s lid onto the back of the stamp, lift the lid, ink the stamp with Nocturne VersaFine Clair, and stamp. Re-ink and stamp again if necessary to attain a good impression. Heat set.

Step 10:
Place the “Crazy Cat Lady” stamp facedown so that it’s centered at the bottom of the image panel. Press the platform’s lid onto the back of the stamp, lift the lid, ink the stamp with Frost VersaMark ink, and stamp. Repeat.

Step 11:
Sprinkle on Black MBoss Powder, slide the the excess powder back into the bag, and heat set the sentiment.

Step 12:
Use a Sponge Dauber to edge the background panel with Black Shimmer Delicata ink (12A). Heat set.
Trim the image panel to 4.25” x 5.25” and edge with Black Shimmer Delicata ink (12B). Heat set.

Step 13:
Use Tear It! Tape to adhere the image panel to the background panel and the background panel to a 5” x 7” black card.

Crafts Supplies

Imagine:

Other Supplies:

  • Solar White Classic Crest Cardstock by Neenah Papers
  • 140 lb. Mixed Media Paper by Strathmore
  • Puss in Boots Clear Photopolymer Stamp Set by Pink Ink Designs
  • Acetate Hills Mask by Lavinia Stamps
  • Copic Markers: Y000, Y02, Y21, YR00, R000, R00, RV10, V20, V22, C00, C0, C1, C3, FV2. R93.UR19 B20. YG45
  • Repositionable Sticker Paper by Avery
  • Fiskars Curved Craft Scissors
  • Low-tack Tape
  • Stamping Platform