Ink Resist Technique

Hello stampers,

As you can probably tell from my recent posts, I like making cards with fun and creative backgrounds. I think the background of any card is what makes it really special and unique. The latest background technique that I am experimenting with is ink-resist.

I made the backgrounds using Versamark ink and clear embossing powder. I like how the details of the stamped image show up so well.  I applied the different colors of ink using sponges.  I like using sponges because I can control how dark or light I want the color to be.

The first image is a sample of the ink-resist background cardstock before I have used it on a card. You can use any color combination that you like.  On the sample piece, I sponged on three colors; I used four colors on the background of the anniversary and birthday cards.

The background on the anniversary and birthday cards were made from the same piece. Cutting the background cardstock into two pieces allowed me to stretch the use of the background paper and my creativity.

What are your favorite background techniques?

You can find these cards and many more on my Etsy shop.  Exclusive savings for blog readers.  Get free shipping on all orders over $20.  Using coupon code BlogShip.

Thanks for visiting my blog.

Happy stamping!

Polished Stone Background Technique

Hello Stampers,

The polished stone technique has been around for many years and is one that I still love.  I thought I would share my take on the technique and some projects that I have made.

My first tip is to have fun! I like to experiment with different colors combinations.  To do this, I use scrap pieces of glossy white card stock.  And to keep track of my experiments, I jot down on the back of the scrap the ink colors and the order in which I applied the ink to the paper.

When I do this technique, I find that I like to have more control of the amount of ink that is applied to the paper.  I apply one color at a time.  I only use one color of ink on each cotton ball.  This way I can apply more of one color to get the effect I am looking for. I saturate the cotton ball first with rubbing alcohol and then add two to three drops of ink. I then dab the inked cotton ball onto the glossy cardstock in a random fashion until I like the look.  I repeat this two more time with two different color inks until I get the look I like. The paper will dry slightly lighter. Here are color combinations that I experimented with:

I also like to include a metallic ink - usually silver, gold or copper - to give it an extra shimmer and true marble look. My preference is to apply the metallic inks first and then the colored inks next. However, if you are looking for more metallic color, it does work great on top of the colored inks. Below are to samples of each way.  When using non-alcohol metallic inks, you will need seal the ink. I simple spray a thin coat of hairspray and it seals great.  The ink does not rub off. Here are two samples - the first one I applied the silver metallic ink first; the second sample shows the technique with the silver applied last.

While experimenting, I wanted to see if I could create the black veins of marble using a black reinker. When the black ink is mixed with alcohol it actually turns a deep purple and I did not get the look I was planning.  However, the results were still interesting.  The sample below was done with black, navy and lighter shade of blue.

When you use your new polished stone cardstock, stamp images directly onto the paper using Stazon inks or emboss the image.  This will give you the best results. Here are a few cards that I made with the polished stone background:

I hope my tips inspire you to take another try at the polished stone technique.  I truly love this technique because every card is different and unique.  What a great way to showcase your creativity.

Check out my Etsy shop for cards that you can purchase.  Thanks for visiting by blog.

Happy stamping!

Birthday cards for him and her

Hello fellow stampers,

I love sending handmade birthday cards to friends and family to help make their day a little more special.  The following cards were a lot of fun to make using a couple of my favorite stamps sets from Stampin' Up - Pocket Fun and Lovely as a Tree.

The pocket card has the sentiment behind the pocket as a little surprise.  The flowers were made using a flower and daisy punch.  I curled the edges to them a little dimension.  There is a flower on the inside of the card and on the envelope to tie everything together.  I used pearl-type embellishments as the centers.

The main colors are Dapper Denim and Always Artichoke from Stampin Up.  The flowers were punched from designer paper in my stash.  Here's a tip:  when you have a small scrap of designer paper, punch a couple of flowers and save for a future projects. I store mine in an extra plastic box but anything will work.

I just love the Lovely as a Tree stamp set.  It's great for any card for him and for her.  This one I think is a perfect for a special guy - not too feminine. The tree is stamped in black and the background colors were quickly sponged on.

The main color for this card is also Dapper Denim with black accents.  The black ribbon tied in a know gives the card dimension and serves as place to pop-up the sentiment. I also stamped the inside of the card and on the envelope with the multi-tree stamp.

Both cards are available for purchase on my Etsy shop, Handmade By Kathie K.

Happy stamping!

Panda Screen Note Cards

Hello stampers and card markers,

I have always loved Asian or oriental styles and themes, especially for greeting cards.  I think they are so universal and can be used for any occasion or sentiment. I finally got around to make a set of Asian themed screen or room divider cards. The instructions are below.

There are lots of videos and tutorials about how to make these cards - here are few tips that worked for me.

1. Make a prototype to make sure the finished size is what you want.  Border punches used for the top of the screen are all different.  Each one removes a different amount of cardstock slightly changing the finished size.

2. Use a label die cut if you don't have a punch.  I do not have the label punch that is shown is most videos but I do have a label die and it works great.  I was able to cut through two layers at a time and use the cut piece as a guide for the remaining panels.

3.  Put embellishments on the first panel.  You can embellish the inside panels but it may make the card harder to fold because of the extra layers of cardstock.

For the card set, I chose to stick with classic oriental colors - red, black and gold.

Cut a piece of cardstock for the screen base 11 x 5 1/2" and score at 2 3/4", 5 1/2" and 8 1/4". Keep in mind the border punch may remove more cardstock then the one I used - you may need to alter the dimensions slightly.  This will make the screen panels.  For the top of the screen, use a border punch that goes with your theme - really any punch will do. To make the feet of the screen, use a label punch or die like I have done here. Some punches will go through multiple layers.  If you cut or punch the one at a time, be sure they are lined up the best you can.

For each panel, cut four 3 7/8" x 2 3/8" sections red.  Dry emboss two of them and leave two smooth. I used a bamboo embossing folder but any kind will work.  You are just adding some textured interest to the card.

For the first panel, layer one of the smooth red section onto a gold section that measures 4 x 2 1/2". This will be the front of the card.  Then cut a black piece that's 3 3/8" square and white piece that is 3 1/4" square. Stamp an image on the white layer.  I stamped the panda in black and embossed the harmony image with gold powder.  You can use any kind of gold embellishment on the front - a gold tassel or brads would also be nice. I used a piece of gold cord wrapped around three times and then tied in a knot.

Adhere two of the embossed red sections to the 2nd and 4th panels.  For the third panel, layer a piece of white that measures 3 6/8" x 2 3/8" onto the last piece of unembossed red cardstock. Stamp an image at the bottom being sure to leave plenty of space for a written note.  Layer and adhere to the 3rd panel and your screen card is complete.

I made the box using the same cardstock and stamps.  The box holds five cards and matching envelopes.

I hope you like this card set and give this technique a try. If you are interested in purchasing this set, please visit my Etsy shop here.

Happy stamping!

Kathie K.

Wilderness Inspiration for Greeting Cards

Hello fellow stampers,

I just got back from a fabulous family vacation and feel very relaxed and inspired.  The mountains and wilderness were just breathtaking.  All this natural beauty inspired me to make this card.

I used the Noble Deer stamp set from Stampin' Up and the rest is a sponging technique.  I used several masks on the deer, sun and to the make the distant mountains. I am definitely not an artist so this is my best shot of a mountain lake and wildlife.

Inspiration can come from anything - just keep your mind and eyes open.  You will be making one of kind cards in no time.

Happy Stamping!