Create Your Own Perfectly Matching Background Paper

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By Neva Cole –

In today’s tutorial I will show you how to create a background paper that will allow your photo(s) to shine on a scrapbook layout.  Using Memento Inks that match the photo allows the photo to be the center star of the layout.  All the embellishments will also match by coloring with the same inks.  The background itself is super quick and simple, and can be used for cards as well as layouts.

Skill:  Beginner

Time:  30 Minutes

Directions:

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Step 1

Select ink colors that are in the photo you wish to highlight.  In my case it is one of my favorite photos from our travels to Oahu when we climbed to the top of Koko Head.  The stunning blue, brown, and green directed my choice of ink colors.  In this step Memento in Peanut Brittle is brayered randomly over a sheet of canvas textured white cardstock.  Cover about a third of the cardstock in varying levels of ink layers.  The key to this technique is to not look for perfection, just go for a fun look!

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Step 2:

Memento Bahama Blue is used to ink the next layer in the background.  A good quality rubber balloon is filled with popcorn and tied off.  This is used to ink with random size dots in varying ink intensities on the background covering about one more third of the paper.

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Step 3:

A second balloon filled with rice gives a slightly different ink look for the last layer using Memento Olive Grove.  Fill in the remaining open areas on the cardstock to finish the background.

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Step 4:

The embellishments are shown here as one step, as the main focus of this tutorial is the background technique.  Smooth texture cardstock is used for all the embellishments as it die cuts more cleanly.  A frame of white cardstock is trimmed to 7 1/2 “ x 5 1/2 “ and inked with Memento Luxe in Peanut Brittle.  The Luxe ink blends a little more easily over larger areas.  The title is die cut in triplicate, then adhered together with small dots of On Point Glue around the die cuts to add dimension, and finally inked with Memento in Danube Blue.  A die cut of the island of Oahu is inked in Memento Olive Grove.  

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Step 5:

When the photo was layered over the frame the match between the soil and the Peanut Brittle was so close, they blended together!  The edges of the photo are inked with StazOn in Jet Black to add definition to all edges of the photo, and allow the photo to stand out from the frame.

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Step 6:

A journal block is written on the computer and printed out using photo settings and trimmed to size.  A frame is trimmed 1/4” larger than the journal block and inked in Memento Danube Blue.  The two are adhered together with Tear It! Tape.

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Step 7:

The elements of the layout are placed on the background and adhered with Tear It! Tape or On Point Glue.  Memento Dual Tip Marker in Tuxedo Black is used to mark a small “X” as to the location of Koko Head on the Island of Oahu. 

 

Art Supplies

Imagine:

Memento–Peanut Brittle, Danube Blue, Olive Grove

Memento Luxe– Peanut Brittle

StazOn–Jet Black

Memento Dual Tip Maker–Tuxedo Black

Ink Daubers

Tear It! Tape

On Point Glue

Other:

White canvas textured cardstock

White smooth textured cardstock

2” Rubber brayer

Rubber balloons with popcorn and rice

Momenta Casual Script Alphabet Dies

Die cut machine

Brother scan and cut 

Silhouette Design Store–Hawaii State die cut modified, Candy Apple Bold Script

How to Make a Fun Rainbow Card with VersaColor

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By Kathy Pisupati –

Hi there, Kathy here with Imagine Crafts with a new tutorial.  My space is limited so by using VersaColor pigment inks, I can reduce the amount of colored card stock I need on hand.

VersaColor pigment inks are bright and bold and coupled with the Delicata Golden Glitz it’s a winning combination.

Skill Level: Intermediate
Time to Complete: 1 hour with drying time

Directions:

Kathy_July_22_Step-1
Step 1:

You will need a card base measuring 4 1/4 x 5 1/2“. You will also need a panel that measures 4“ x 3 1/2“. I have also used the Rainbow Builder and Rainbow Accent dies from Honey Bee Stamps. You will die-cut  the rainbow card and the rainbow stripes from the accent set. 

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Step 2

Using VersaColor & Delicata pigment inks, use Imagine Crafts sponge daubers to apply your ink to the rainbow stripes. I used the Delicata Golden Glitz for the smallest stripes. Allow these pieces to dry. 

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Step 3

On the smaller card panel I used a stencil from Simon Says Stamp called Interlocking Circles Good Luck Charm. It is a Layered Stencil but I only used two of the layers. I used a heavy amount of Delicata Golden Glitz on the squares and a light amount on the diamonds. I also used the Daubers to ink around the edges of this panel.  On the front of the card panel, I splattered some gold watercolor paint.  I stamped a sentiment from Pink & Main, Spring Sentiments Stamp Set onto white card stock using the Delicata Golden Glitz Ink. I used my paper trimmer to cut the sentiment to size.

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Step 4

Next use Imagine Craft On Point glue to adhere your stripes to the rainbow card die-cut.  I used Imagine Crafts Tear-It tape to adhere the rainbow card to the stencil panel. I also used Imagine Crafts On Point glue to adhere the sentiment to the front of the rainbow. Foam tape was used on the back of the stencil panel to adhere it to the card base.

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Supplies Used:

Imagine Crafts

Delicata Golden Glitz

VersaColor: Pink, Turquoise and Canary

Sponge Daubers

On Point Glue

Tear-It! Tape

 

Other

Honey Bee Rainbow Builder

Honey Bee Rainbow Accents

Pink & Main Spring Sentiment Stamps

Neenah Classic Crest Solar White 110lb

Paper Trimmer

Die-Cutting Machine

Foam Tape

Gold Watercolor paint

Paint brush

Learn Thumping Technique using Ink Pads

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By Martha Lucia Gomez –

Hello there! In today’s crafting tutorial I want to show you how to make the traditional thumping technique but this time using ink pads and not markers! To make my card, I used the large size of Memento Inks but it can be made with the Memento Drops too or with any other type of ink. This is an easy and fun summer card for any occasion.

Skill Level: Beginner
Time to Complete: 30 Minutes

Directions:

 

2022-July-Martha Lucia - Dandelion Card - Step 1
Step 1:

Select the stamp set that you prefer. To make most evident this technique you can use solid stamps. Additionally, pick the colors of ink that you wanted to use. I am using two, Memento Ink Bamboo Leaves and Tangelo. 

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Step 2:

Ink your stamp with the first color. In my case Memento Bamboo Leaves. 

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Step 3:

Without stamp the image over the cardstock, ink the stamp partially with the second colors. Keep in mind the parts that you want to look with different shadows.

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Step 4:

Stamp the image over a piece of cardstock.

TIP: Clean the second ink pad with a dry towel to avoid contamination of the colors.

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Step 5:

You can repeat the above step if you want to obtain darker colors. Stamp a sentiment using a contrast color to complete your card.

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Step 6:

Resize the layer with, paste the sentiment and add the decorative layer over a card base. If you want, you can use your favorite crafty foam to add more dimension to your card.

 

Art Supplies:

Imagine:

• Memento – Bamboo Leaves and Tangelo

• VersaFine – Onix Black

Other:

• 88 and Clear – Clear Stamp Set Kissable Dandelion

• Scrapbook.com – Clear Stamp Set Handmade Essentials

• Joy Clair Designs – White Smooth Cardstock 

• Positional Stamp Tool.

• The Greetery LLC – Crimped Frame Die

• Die Cut Machine

• Scrapbook Adhesives Crafty Foam.

Create a Shimmery Background with Fireworks!

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By Alison Heikkila –

Hello! Fireworks! Spray from Imagine is a collection that coordinates with the Memento line of colors, but in a shimmery spray format. I love using the in ways that go well beyond just spritzing them, and today’s technique uses a brayer. The finished look has a glistening background that looks amazing when it catches the light. 

Skill Level: Intermediate
Time to Complete: 1 Hour

Directions:

Lion-2-600

 

 

***Let me start my saying this background took a turn in the way I was planning on making it. I adore using my Gel Press Plates, but I was getting a better result with just using a brayer, so the photo above shows how I began the process, but I wound up changing my method as I went on.

Step 1:

I spritzed my 3×5 Gel Press Plate with Lady Bug, Tangelo, and Dandelion Fireworks Spray, keeping the colors separated so I would have distinct rows. I rolled the color out with my brayer. 

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Step 2:

I laid my cardstock on top of the Plate and pulled my print. It was pretty splotchy, which normally I like, but I wanted it to be more solid for this card. 

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Step 3:

I decided at this point to just spray the color directly on my Imagine Craft Mat, roll the color on to my brayer, and then take it to my cardstock. After a few layers of color, I achieved the look I was going for. Solid, shimmery color with a gradation. 

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Here is what the panel looked like after I trimmed it down. I really love the shine. 

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Step 4:

I laid my stencil on top of the dry panel and began to apply Morocco Memento ink on top. I spread the color with my sponge dauber. 

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I found it to be easier to spread the color on to the stencil itself, and then use the dauber to apply it to the cardstock. 

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Here is the completed stenciled panel. 

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Step 5:

Time to color the lion using Memento Markers. The list of colors I used is in the supply list below. Then the colored image was die cut. 

Step 6:

I inked the edges of the white card base with Sunflower Yellow Brilliance Ink. 

Step 7:

I assembled the card and stamped my sentiment with Fallen Leaves VersaFine Clair Ink. 

 

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Art Supplies:

Imagine:

Fireworks! Shimmery Craft Spray in Lady Bug, Tangelo, and Dandelion

Memento Ink in Morocco

Memento Markers in Rich Cocoa, Toffee Crunch, Desert Sand, Love Letter, Rhubarb Stalk, Lady Bug, Morocco, Tangelo, Potter’s Clay, Peanut Brittle, Cantaloupe, Dandelion

VersaFine Clair in Fallen Leaves

Brilliance Ink in Sunflower Yellow

Sponge Dauber

Craft Mat

On Point Glue

 

Other:

Gel Press: 3×5 Plate

Brayer

A Colorful Life Designs: Bitty Rays Stencil

Erin Lee Creative: Brave Fierce Kind Stamps

Doodles Paper Playground: Gold (and Silver) Starburst Rhinestones

Orange Ribbon

White Cardstock

 

Be a Star with New Embossing Techniques

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By Martha Lucia Gomez –

Hello there! In today’s crafting tutorial, I will be sharing two easy ways to upgrade the basic embossing techniques using a Brilliant Ink and embossing power or MBoss.  This is a great idea for any occasion, however like summer is around the corner, I created a Patriotic Card honoring 4th of July.

Skill Level: Intermediate
Time to Complete: 1 hour

Directions:

 

2022-June-Martha Lucia - Patriotic Card - Step 1
Step 1:

Select a piece of card stock and embossing folder. Use a piece of cardstock larger than the folder. Dry emboss it in the normal way using your die cut machine. 

2022-June-Martha Lucia - Patriotic Card - Step 2

Step 2:

Pick a brayer or any type of roller to add ink to the emboss design. Noticed that you can use any face of the embossed piece to develop this technique. I am using Brilliance Pearlescent Sly Blue and Shimmer White Cardstock.

2022-June-Martha Lucia - Patriotic Card - Step 3

Step 3:

Ink your brayer completely and apply the Brilliance Ink over the surface with a soft movement. You don’t want to transfer the ink to the debossed part.

 

2022-June-Martha Lucia - Patriotic Card - Step 4

Step 4:

Repeat the step 3, until you are satisfied with the color of the layer. In my sample, I made this step three times to have a great covering.

2022-June-Martha Lucia - Patriotic Card - Step 5

Step 5:

Create the card base and layers that you wanted to use. In this model I am using white card base, and blue die cut layer to create a contrast. Resize your inked embossed piece to use it as top layer over the die cut piece. Select a shadow die set with a sentiment or any other type of image to create a window over your inked layer. Don’t paste your layers yet.

2022-June-Martha Lucia - Patriotic Card - Step 6

Step 6:

With the shadow or die base of your die cut, create a window over the inked layer. If you want you can save the die cut layer to use in another project.

2022-June-Martha Lucia - Patriotic Card - Step 7

Step 7:

Paste the inked embossed layer over the die cut layer using your favorite adhesive. If you want to have more dimension, you can use foam tape. Paste the decorative piece over the card base. 

Cut the word or image according with the die cut that you selected.

 

2022-June-Martha Lucia - Patriotic Card - Step 8

Step 8:

With masking tape, cover the half of the die cut word and made a partial hot embossing using VersaMark Ink and your favorite color of embossing powder or MBoss. In my model, I am using the Metallic Berry. 

Don’t remove the masking tape if you want to repeat the above step and obtain shinier and dimension with the hot embossing. I repeated this step twice.

 

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Step 9:

Paste the embossed word and decorate with a complement sentiment and/or embellishments. I used a tiny sentiment stamped with Memento Paris Dusk and a few die cut stars in white cardstock.

 

Art Supplies:

Imagine:

• Brilliance – Pearlescent Sky Blue

• VersaMark – Clear

• MBoss – Metallic Berry

 

Other:

• Whimsy Stamps – Slimline Embossing Folder Wave Length

• Joy Clair Designs – White Smooth Cardstock and Loopy Rectangle Slimline Dies.

• Birch Press Design – Big Sending Sugar Scrip

• Scrapbook Adhesives – Crafty Foam Tape

• Die Cut Machine

• Heat Tool

• Brayer

 

• Heat Tool

• Brayer

 

Fourth of July Layout Made Easy with Memento inks and Fireworks!

2022_June_Neva_Scrapbook_blog

By Neva Cole –

Today I will share how easy it is to create a very cohesive layout using just two ink colors and the matching Fireworks! colors for an amazing Fourth of July scrapbook layout.  With just white cardstock, an embossing folder, a large die cut, and stamps this layout is perfect for Independence Day

Skill:  Beginner

Time:  30 Minutes

Directions:

2022_June_Neva_4thofJuly_step1

Step 1

Trim white cardstock to 1” on each edge larger than the photos.  Pressure emboss with Star Blanket.  Ink raised portion of embossed areas and edges with Memento Danube Blue or Lady Bug.  For my layout I trimmed two sections 5” x 7”, three sections 4” x 5”, and one section by 4” x 4” to back my photos.

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Step 2

Die cut two sets from Spellbinders Cascading Stars die and remove the stars.  Trim one outline die cut into a section of five stars, with the other being four stars.  Use Jumbo Dauber to tap Memento Danube Blue over one die cut and the smaller portion of the trimmed die cut.  Tapping the ink onto the paper keeps from damaging the die cut, which can occur if a rubbing motion is used.  The larger portion of the trimmed die cut is inked in Memento Lady Bug.  Continue to add ink until it is the desired hue. 

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Step 3

The splatter method is used with Fireworks! to add some interest to the white background.  Shake the bottle to distribute glimmer and then remove spritzer nozzle and gently tap the top to splatter ink from the outside of the spray tube.  Continue to tap until the desired amount of ink is on the paper.  I choose sections where the die cuts would be eventually placed.  I alternated the color choices from the die cut color.  This is the lower right corner of the right page.  

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Step 4

The left side of the layout shown completed with splattered Fireworks! in Memento Lady Bug and Danube Blue.

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Step 5

Determine placement placement of elements to add stamped sentiments.  Place on layout and remove other elements.  Use a stamp platform to stamp sentiments in proper position.

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Step 6

On the right page the stamped elements are determined, then half are removed before stamping to allow for clean stamping of correct colors.  The remaining elements are added and stamped.  It was easier to stamp all the images Memento Lady Bug at one time, then follow with images in Memento Danube Blue.

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Step 7

Spritz Fireworks! into a plastic tray or surface.  Place die cut stars from step 2 face down on the Fireworks! ink to add color.  Use tweezers to move around in the ink and add more ink to tray as needed.  About a third of the stars were inked with Fireworks! in Lady Bug the remaining in Fireworks! Danube Blue.

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Step 8:

Determine correct placement of Fireworks! stars in the die cut.  I rotated the star until it fit properly into the die cut area.  Not all the stars are identical, so taking the time to find the right one was worth the effort for a seamless look.  

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Step 9:

Adhere elements to layout.  Tear It! tape was used to adhere the photos to the textured mats.  The die cuts are adhered with On Point Glue.  The small dots around the star frames keep the layout clean and smudge free.  

Art Supplies

Imagine

Memento–Lady Bug and Danube Blue

Fireworks!–Lady Bug and Danube Blue

Jumbo Dauber

Tear It! Tape

On Point Glue

Other

White Cardstock

Cuttlebug Star Blanket embossing folder

Spellbinders Cascading Stars

Technique Tuesday Spectacular Memories

Hero Arts CL493 Holiday Sentiments

Tweezers

Die Cut machine

Stamp Platform