See How to Use Embossing Powder to Create Mermaid Scales

by Kassy Tousignant

See How to Use Embossing Powder to Create Mermaid Scales Joy Clair Stamps and VersaMagic DewDrops

In this video, I share a different way to use embossing powder and Joy Clair Stamps to create a beautiful mermaid scales background for this card. Start by embossing a piece of cardstock 5 times. Yes, that is right–5 times. This heavy use of embossing powder creates a thick fish scale look and feel. I love using craft products in new ways, always pushing the boundaries and this is surely an example of that.

Directions

Supplies

Imagine
Other
  • Liquitex – Flexible Modeling Paste
  • Joy Clair Stamps – Mermaid Tail Background
  • Zots adhesive dots
  • Prima flowers, crystal embellishments
  • Gold thread
  • Cardstock – White
  • Spray Bottle

 

Add This “Gnome Is Where The Heart Is” to Your Journal

by Elina Stromberg

Add This Gnome Is Where The Heart Is to Your Art Journal

When I first saw the cute gnome stamp set by Joy Clair, I immediately knew what I wanted to create with it–a collage with bright colors! The ‘Gnome Is Where the Heart Is’ stamp set was just perfect to be used in my new Moleskine journal. 
The art journal spread was fun to make, and now I’m creating a set of gnome cards and ATC’s with a similar layout and look. I’m pretty sure they will turn out nicely, too! Enjoy!

Skill: Beginner/Intermediate
Time: 1.5 hours

Directions

Memento in Bamboo Leaves with an InkBlusher.
Step 1

Take a piece of green cardstock and apply Memento in Bamboo Leaves with an InkBlusher.


Step 2

Ink the top of the page background with Memento ink in Danube Blue. Whitewash gently with white acrylic paint. Let dry. 
Stamp the sentiment text on the upper left corner of the page with StazOn inks, they work well on acrylic paints. Create a background hill scenery from leftover cardstock pieces using both solid colors and patterned papers. Glue the free-cut paper slips on the page. 
Cut oval shaped trees from inked green cardstock. Ink edges, and glue on the page.


Step 3

Stamp images using Memento in Tuxedo Black and color with alcohol markers. Fuzzy cut, and glue on the page.


Step 4

Continue to add details as you see fit! Since this is your art journal and you make up the rules, then continue decorating as you desire.

Supplies

Imagine
Other

Creating Beautiful Skies with VersaMagic Chalk Ink

by Melissa Andrew

In this cardmaking project, I use VersaMagic Chalk Ink and ink daubers to create a beautiful blended sky. This technique can be used for various background blending techniques as the VersaMagic Chalk Ink blends. The kitty cat images and “Thanks for being there!” sentiment is from the Best Buds stamp set from Joy Clair Stamps which as several additional cute animals such as bunnies and turtles.

Directions

 

Supplies

Imagine
Other

 

See How to Create a Family Tree Wall Hanging

by Iris Rodriguez

See How to Create a Family Tree Wall Hanging using Tsukineko All-Purpose Ink and VersaFine Clair

This month we have the pleasure of working with Joy Clair stamps. Today, I am using the Love Tree stamp set which made me think of the strong bond that exists amongst family. I created a wall hanging as an ode to family and the love that binds us and keeps us together. For this project, I stamped the sentiment “Love Blossoms Here” onto watercolor paper, personalized it with alphabet stamps, added wire hanging and added a book paper backing to represent the family stories that get created along the way and then passed on. Keep reading to see how I created this lovely home decor piece.

Skill: Intermediate
Time: 1.5 hours

Directions


Step 1

Spray the watercolor paper with water. Then brush on the Tropical Lagoon All-Purpose ink. Dry the paper. This will become the background.


Step 2

Stamp the tree and sentiment with Acorn Versafine Clair ink. Add Imagine’s Embossing Powder in Clear and heat set. Then continue to stamp the rest of elements.


Step 3

Color in the tree with the Chocolate All-Purpose ink and water. Dry the paper.


Step 4

Measure a piece of discarded cardboard to fit behind your main tree image.


Step 5

Adhere the book paper onto the cardboard with Matte Medium. Add the Matte Medium on the cardboard, on the book paper. Burnish with your fingers or brayer to ensure bubbles do not develop under the book paper. Brush on Matte Medium over the paper. Then adhere to the back of the wall hanging. This also helps give weight to the watercolor paper, which keeps the paper straight.


Step 6

Paint the dowels with Terra Cotta Walnut ink with a brush and water. Dry the dowels with the heating tool.


Step 7

Punch holes on the top and the bottom of wall hanging using the hole punch.


Step 8

Add the eyelets with the eyelet setter. Wrap wire in the hole and around the dowel several times. Ensure to leave a loop in the center to hang on the wall.

And, this is it! A new art piece for your home or a great gift for a family member or friend. I hope you give it a try.

Supplies

Imagine
Other
  • Joy Clair Stamps – The Love Tree set
  • Eyelets
  • Eyelet Setter
  • 20 gauge Steel Wire
  • Wooden Dowel
  • Watercolor paper
  • Cardboard
  • Book Paper
  • Matte Medium or Mod Podge
  • 1/16 hole punch

How to Blend Different Stamps in the Same Mermaid Card Project

by Jennifer Vanderbeek

How to Blend Different Stamps in the Same Mermaid Card Project with VersaFine Clair

This Fintastic Mermaid card is one of those examples of how a color and a single image can inspire a whole project. This month’s color challenge is Sea Breeze, so I immediately reached for VersaFine Clair in Warm Breeze—a favorite from the first time I stamped it. That plus the Lovely Swirl background (which, when turned on its side, reminds me of waves) gave me a clear direction for this delightful little mermaid card.

One of my favorite parts of the process was mixing various stamps from different manufacturers but tying them together seamlessly by keeping the same non-traditional outline color throughout. Try it next time and see how it works for you!

Supplies

Imagine
Other
  • Cardstock – White, Blue
  • Joy Clair Stamps – Lovely Swirl Background Stamp
  • Santoro – No 31 Awashed Stamp
  • Waffle Flower – Little Mermaids Stamp Set
  • Darice – Heat Tool
  • Water Brush
  • Acrylic Blocks
  • Tweezers
  • American Crafts – Paper Trimmer
  • Fiskars – Scissors
  • Craft Knife
  • Helmar – Liquid Scrap Dots, Zap Dots

Make a Cute “Gnome is Where the Heart is” Card

by Steph Ackerman

Make a Cute "Gnome is Where the Heart is" Card. Joy Clair Stamps.

In today’s project, I created two cards with a fun garden gnome themes with Tsukineko inks. This month we had the opportunity of creating with Joy Clair stamps and I chose a woodgrain background and a whimsical stamp set. Who doesn’t love mushroom houses and gnomes?

Skill: Intermediate
Time: 1 hour + dry time

Directions


Step 1

Stamp houses with VersaFine Clair in Nocturne on white cardstock.


Step 2

Color images with Memento Markers.


Step 3

To achieve color variations, ink the woodgrain stamp with Brilliance in Pearlescent Beige and Coffee Bean Inks and stamp onto white cardstock.


Step 4

Ink the woodgrain stamp with VersaFine Clair in Pinecone and stamp onto brown cardstock.


Step 5

Die cut house with circle dies. Ink around edges with Brilliance in Pearlescent Beige. Stamp fences with VersaFine Clair in Pinecone Ink.


Step 6

Mat die cut house with yellow cardstock and add to the background. Stamp “Hello” with VersaFine Clair in Nocturne. Mat with cardstock and add to the card. Stamp mushroom images along the bottom edge of an envelope.


Step 7

Die cut trellis from brown cardstock. Ink with VersaFine Clair Pinecone and spritz with Ink Potion No. 9.


Step 8

Mat woodgrain panel with brown cardstock. Fussy cut house and mat with brown cardstock. Add to card. Stamp “Gnome is where the heart is” phrase with Brilliance in Coffee Bean. Die cut and mat with larger die. Add trellis to the card, adhering sentiment on top. Add leaves, tiny flowers, and dew drops.

Supplies

Imagine
Other
  • Joy Clair Stamps – Gnome is Where the Heart Is
  • Heartfelt Creations – Leaves die
  • Cheery Lynn – Trellis die
  • Spellbinders – Circles, Ovals die
  • Prima Marketing – Flowers
  • The Robin’s Nest – Gold Dew Drops
  • Cardstock – white, brown, yellow, green