Level 2- Card Project Part 2

Today we are all about masculine cards. I know that for a lot of crafters, these types of cards pose a challenge, so we are offering some ideas and tips to help you create some cards for the special men in your life.

This is part of a project for my Level 2 certification in the Altenew Educator Program. It has been my pleasure not only to be a participant in this program, but to also share the Techniques and ideas with you every step of the way. You may want to consider either taking some of the classes or doing the Educator Program. It will take your paper crafting to the next level for sure. There is great deal of support in both programs. check it out at the Altenew 

website.

 

 For this project, I stayed with blue, brown and gold as a theme for these cards. But you can theme these ideas to any colors that make sense to you. My goal was to show you how to use the same or similar products and tools to create a different design or theme. This was a class that I very much enjoyed showing how color can be used to set a different tone or design.

I used the Altenew Coffee Break cardstock for as many of my brown pieces as size permits. I found both this cardstock and The Altenew Glitter cardstock to be some of the finest cardstock I have worked with!

There are so many different ways to theme masculine cards. For this group of cards, I used techniques from some of my Level 2 classes. The classes that I focused on were Beyond Basic Backgrounds, Impressive Heat Embossing, and In The Mood For Color.

And I would say that I added a few twists to these cards too!

One of the techniques that I am highlighting in this collection is the use of embossing with stencils, I am sharing to ways to use these stencils with different media to create a unique background.

I liked the congrats card because it reminded me of tile.

In one case I use embossing paste and the other I actually used embossing powder. 

I also wanted to share with you how to create stripes with embossing powder and double-sided tape. Withe the right color combinations, these can easily turn into a masculine theme, even with a little glittery color.

The final card uses a embossing folder with some embossing powder to create a coppery colored background.

I followed my theme with square shapes to keep it al in the same vein of design.

You will want to cover your workspace with a silicone mat or parchment paper as these techniques may be messy.

 

Over All Supplies

• Altenew Grid Stencil
• Altenew Crystal Wall 3D embossing folder
• Altenew Simple Alpha Die Set
• Altenew Dodec Star Die
• Altenew Gold Foil Polka Dot washi tape
• Altenew Elegant Foil Stripe washi tape
• Altenew Coffee Break Cardstock
• Altenew Ocean Reflection Glitter Cardstock
• Altenew Bamboo Rose stamp set
• Altenew Dark Night Crisp Dye Ink
• White cardstock- 90 lbs. or higher
• Brown cardstock
• Acrylic block or stamping platform
• Duo Gel transfer gel
• Copper embossing powder
• Gold embossing powder
• Metallic embossing paste
• Double sided tape
• Anti static Pouch
• Paper cutter
• Scissors
• Soft clean paint brush
• Foam square dots
• Die cut/embossing machine and plates
• Small craft spatula
• PVA glue

Congrats Card

This card focused on using the grid stencil with embossing paste. I like the clean lines of this card. Combined with a little bit of blue glitter cardstock, it makes a nice statement. To get started for this card, cut the cardstock and glitter cardstock pieces that you will need:

1. A card base measuring 5" by 7"
2. A piece of light brown cardstock measuring 5" by 7"
3. A piece of light brown cardstock that measures 3" by 3.75"
4. A piece of light brown cardstock that measures 4" by 4"
5. A piece of light brown paper that measures 1" by 4.25"
6. A piece of white cardstock measuring 5" by 5 1/2"
7. A piece of light blue glitter cardstock that measures 3" by 5"
8. A piece of light blue glitter paper that measures 4" y 4"
9. A piece of dark brown paper that measures 2.5" by 2.5"
10. A piece of white cardstock that measures 4" by 4"

Featured Products And Supplies    

• Altenew Grid Stencil 
• Altenew Simple Alpha Die Set
• Altenew Dodec die set
• Altenew Coffee Break cardstock
• Altenew Ocean Reflection Cardstock
• White cardstock
• Brown cardstock
• Metallic embossing paste
• Craft spatula
• Double sided tape
• Paper cutter
• Foam dots
• Die Cut /embossing machine and plates.

 

1.  Start this card with the grid embossed background. Place the piece of white cardstock on your workspace covered with some parchment or a silicon mat. Either use Pixie Spray, mint tape or washi tape to old the stencil in place. Use the spatula to spread the embossing paste over the stencil. Make sure that the paste is spread evenly. Place any left over paste back into the jar and cover it. Carefully lit the stencil. Make sure to wash the stencil and the spaula in warm water and dish detergent right away. Set the piece aside to dry
2. Cut the " congrats " letters with the light blue glitter paper. Line them up and glue them on a piece of light brown paper, Set aside.
3. Create The die cut piece. Cut the smaller piece from the Dodec die cut set with the light blue glitter paper. Use the 4" by 4" paper to cut the die. Then cut a second die piece with the 4"by 4" light brown paper. (For the light brown paper, you will only be using the inside pieces of the die cut). Trace the die cut outside piece on the white cardstock piece. Fussy cut the piece to crate the base for your embellishment. Glue the glitter die cut piece to the base. Glue all the brown pieces onto the interior of the die cut. 
4. Assemble the card. Attach the large piece of light brown paper to the card base. Attach the glitter cardstock with glue to the grid base. Attach the light brown piece to the right side of the top of the glitter piece as shown. Attach the dark brown piece to show as a diamond centered to the light brown piece with foam squares. The attach the embellishment to the card with foam dots. Now add the sentiment to the top of the card. (The gem on the embellishment is optional.)

 Altered Project-Level 2-Final Project

Wow! What an amazing journey through the months that I have spent time doing, creating and sharing my journey through the Altenew Educator Class. It has been my pleasure to share my journey and all of the techniques that I have learned along the way. Now here we are at the final projects for my Level 2 Certification. 

This project is a folio that has a great many uses. It could be used as a mini scrapbook album with mini pages inside. It could also be used to add gift cards to.

You can theme this project any way that suits your needs. You could theme it for a birthday, a special wedding anniversary, a baby shower, and more. It is meant to hold greeting cards, gift cards, or any memorabilia for a special occasion.

This folio uses two large sheets for the base and altogether it has 6 places where you can tuck just about anything you can think of. 

I wanted to select a useful project that you could duplicate for your own use as well. This is a project that anyone could do, no matter what their craft level is. So, let's get started.

Supplies

• White cardstock-Ninah solar cardstock
• Grey Cardstock
• Turquoise cardstock
• Printed cardstock
• Altenew Dodec Star Die
• Altenew Mango Smoothie Crisp Dye Ink
• Altenew Maple Yellow Crisp Dye Ink
• Altenew Honey Drizzle Crisp Dye Ink
• Altenew Sicilian Amber Crisp Dye Ink
• Altenew Grass Field Crisp Dye Ink
• Altenew Majestic Bloom Add On stamp set
• Altenew  Majestic Bloom Add On die set
• Altenew Crystal Wall 3D embossing folder
• Altenew Gold Foil Pin Stripe Washi Tape
• Blue flower washi tape
• Solid Washi tape
• Watered down ink spray
• Stickles glitter glue
• Double sided tape
• Paper Trimmer
• Misti stamping platform
• Gemini Die cutting machine and cutting plates
• Double sided tape
• PVA glue
• Gold sequins
• Gold bookplate corners
• Awl
• Bookbinding needle and twine

Cut the Folio Base Pieces

You will need two base pieces for this folio from two pieces of 12" by 12" white cardstock. I made mine at 11.5 " by nine inches. However, you could make yours at whatever size you would like. Just adjust the pieces for the inside. You will want good strong cardstock for your base in order to hold the other layers together. 

Then I cut the lowest layer of cardstock for each page. except for the back which I left white. Each piece was cut 1/8" from the base pieces. (that would account for any adjustments you might want to make. I cut three turquoise pieces at 5 5/8" by 8 3/4" and I cut two grey pieces at the same measurement.

All of these pieces were adhered to the base pieces with double sided tape.

Creating The Layered Flowers And Leaves

]

You can see that I used a lot of flowers and leaves for this project. The Majestic Bloom layered stamp set was just the right size for the flowers that I needed. I did use a Misti stamping platform so that I could create several at once. The other advantage to using a stamping platform is that it is easier to line up the stamps. You will want to find reference points for each layer so that you eye will follow each layer as closely as possible.

When you are creating multiple die cuts, try to stamp as many of the different ones on one piece of paper. That way you can die cut several at once.

The Majestic Bloom add on stamp aet and die cut set were used for all of the flowers and leaves in this project.  In this set there are four layers. I always start with the base layer first and then move up to the outline layer. 

 I used the inks the following order starting with the bottom layer first:

• Mango Smoothie-bottom base layer
• Maple Yellow-second layer
• Honey Drizzle-third layer
• Sicilian Amber-outline stamp

When you are die cutting the stamps, make sure to adhere the die to the stamped image with washi tape or other low tack tape so that it does not move in the process. If for some reason, the die cut is off, you can trim the image with your detailed scissors. 

If there is any ink missing, you can always touch it up with a tiny stamp detail brush or a small paint brush,

The leaves were only one layer. There are two different leavs so there is a little more variety to the set. All of the stamps were very easy to work with and were easy to make multiples with. 

. 

Creating The Pockets

Create The Embossed Pockets

The embossed pockets are on the front and back inside of the folio. I took white cardstock and embossed it with the Altenew Crystal Wall 3D embossing folder. Then I sprayed them with a very weak alcohol spray to give them some color. 

I cut the paper in a triangular shape and adhered them with double side tape on three sides. I then stamped and die cut the leaves and the

 flowers. These were added to the pocket with glue.

I added the glitter glue outline to the pockets and on the center of each of the flowers that I added.

Paper for pockets embossed and sprayed with weak alcohol ink

The Square Pockets

All of the square pockets were cut at 4" by 5 1/2" There are in this folio 2 gray pockets and two turquoise pockets. Each pocket has a strip of the alternate color that is 1" by 5 1/2 ". Each strip has the Pin Altenew pin striped washi tape in the center as shown above. The strip was attached to the pocket and then the pocket was attached on three sides to the page.

I used the alternate color for each pocket to die cut the smaller Altenew Dodec die. I used the left over bits to add some dimension to the center of the die. I also used a bit of the glitter glue to accentuate the die shape. I added gold sequins to 4 of the corners. Two flowers were added to each side of the die cut.

I used the glitter glue to add more detail to the flowers.

I cut some photo corners from my electronic cutting machine to add more dimension to the project.

The Cover

So that was a simple add on to the center of the cover with double sided tape. Then to continue my color scheme, I added two strips of the grey cardstock, cut to the same measurement as the decorative paper. The grey strips had the pin striped washi tape centered on top of the strip. I did stamp more of the flowers and leaves. 

They were adhered to the corners of the cover with PVC glue. Then I added the book cover corners to add some more dimension and style. 

Finally the larger die cut from the Alternew Dodec Die Cuts was cut and added. I used the pin striped on white cardstock to make the die cut. It made for an interesting pattern. 

I cut a second die cut with the turquoise paper. I used the bits from the inside of the die cut and glued them down with PVA glue. I added some gold sequins to the corners and some Stickles for accents. 

The Binding

There are a few different ways you could bind this folio. The simples way would be to use staples with a long-handled stapler on the inside. You could also use staples on the outside as well. Staples come in a lot of different colors.

Another way would be to use a large elastic. You have to measure your project size to get the right size. You night be surprised to see the different sizes available online.

I chose to use a simple pamphlet stitch which only requires three holes within the center of the project. I did use some binding thread for the stitch. I added some colored brads. For a finishing touch, I added some washi tape to the center. 

Project Tips

• When you are using layering stamps, always use colors in the same color family to create the most realistic images.
• Use layering guides that may be included in your stamp set. Altenew has free layering guides for all of their layered stamp sets on their website.
• To get the best layered images, try using a stamping platform. The stamping platform will help you get the most accurate layered images.
• A stamping platform will also help you stamp numerous images at the same time.
• Use the coordinating does whenever possible. If they are not available, make sure to use detailed scissors.
• Let your layered stamped images dry before applying any glitter glue.

Final Thoughts

I hope that you have enjoyed this journey with me and will give this project a try. I would highly recommend that you consider joining the Altenew Educator Program or take a few classes. You will go farther in your crafting that you ever might believe possible. Drop by at Altenew and check out the free resources and programs that are offered. 

If want to thank you for your support. As always, we welcome your thoughts, comments and ideas. Please make sure to let us know that you have stopped by! We always love hearing from you!

Happy Crafting! We will see you again soon!

Linda

We have added some supplies and tools to help you if you are in need of them. While we may earn a small commission (at no additional expense to you), we use them to create a better community. Just click on any product or tool you might be interested in.

le="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">

 Greeting Cards With A Twist

We all fall into the habit of making the same card bases without even thinking about it. Well, today's tutorial is all about creating greeting cards with a twist of something different and special. It's time to climb out of your routine and challenge yourself to try something new and creative. 

Welcome to my journey as I qualify to become an Altenew Certified Instructor. Thank you to everyone who has been following my journey. I have certainly had the opportunity to grow as a crafter through the weeks of both Level 1 as well as Level 2. My journey has taken me down paths I never would have followed on my own. The classes have been both educational and entertaining. 

Today's tutorial uses one of my truly favorite stamp sets. This layered stamp set is perfect for beginners and experienced stampers as well. It seems that every stamp set that I try becomes a favorite in the line. But Calming Reverie is a set that I plan to use often. Not only on my cards, but also on my scrapbooks and journals. 

The nice thing about this set is that both the rose and the leaves only have two layers. And because of their size, they are so easy to line up. Plus the sentiment is different. It makes for a clean and crisp project.

Both of these cards use basically the same supplies and products. My goal was to show you how to use them with just a twist in the way the bases were cut. Having said all that let's get started.,

Supplies

• White cardstock-use at least 90-110lb crisp white
• Green cardstock
• Yellow cardstock
• Climbing Reverie stamp set
• Altenew Dark Night Crisp Dye Ink
• Altenew Frayed Leaf Crisp Dye Ink
• Altenew Moss Crisp Dye Ink
• Altenew Mango Smoothie Crisp Dye Ink
• Altenew Honey Drizzle Crisp Dye Ink
• Altenew Maple Yellow Crisp Dye Ink
• Altenew Autumn Blaze Crisp Dye Ink
• Double sided tape
• Tacky glue
• Gold stickles
• Zig Glue Pen
• Foam Squares
• Paper Trimmer or guillotine cutter
• Detail scissors
• Acrylic block or stamping platform
• Gems

Card One-Triangle Card

1. Base card is measured at 5" by 7"
2. Cut the green inside piece at 5" by 7"
3. The cut line starts at the top and goes down an angle leaving 1.5" at the base. You want to have a sharp blade to cut this line. You can eyeball it or measure it out. 
4. Stamp the base stamp of  the leaf on white paper with the Frayed Leaf ink. You will want three leaves for this project. Give it a minute to dry.
5. Stamp the top layer of the leaves with the Moss ink. Set them aside to dry.
6. Stamp the base of the flower  on white cardstock with the Mango Smoothie ink. Give that a minute to dry. 
7. Then stamp the second layer of the flower with the Autumn Blaze ink.
8. Use the inside of the flower detail stamps to add the stamens and inside of the flower.
9. Using a pair of detail scissors, cut out the flower and the leaves. 
10. Adhere the leaves to the card front with the glue pen
11. Use the foam squares to adhere the flower as shown. Lay out the foam blocks so that none of them are on the overhang of the flower. 
12. Stamp the sentiment and layer green and yellow cardstock as shown. 
13. Adhere the sentiment to the upper right-hand corner of the card. 
14. Adhere gems to the card with the tacky glue.
15. Use the Stickles to add detail to the inside of the flower.

• You can use whatever cuts on the card front that appeal to you. Use your creativity to create your own custom cuts.
• We used the glue pen to lay the leaves flat. That almost gives an inlay type of look to them.
• Use colors that work for you that you may have in your stash. Make sure to stay within the same color family to achieve the best results.
• A stamp platform like a Misti or a Stamp Wheel make layering your stamps much easier. But you can use an acrylic block because this set is so easy to work with,

Card 2-Wrap Card

1. Base card is measured at 5" by 6.5"
2. Cut the green inside piece at 5" by 6.5"
3. The cut lines for this twist were more eyeballed than measured. The measurement at the opening of the card was 2.75". Again, you can create any lines that appeal to you! 
4. Stamp the base stamp of the leaf on white paper with the Frayed Leaf ink. I used three leaves plus a few extras for this design. . Give it a minute to dry.
5. Stamp the top layer of the leaves with the Moss ink. Set them aside to dry.
6. Stamp the base of the flower on white cardstock with the Mango Smoothie ink. Give that a minute to dry. 
7. Then stamp the second layer of the flower with the Autumn Blaze ink.
8. Use the inside of the flower detail stamps to add the stamens and inside of the flower.
9. Using a pair of detail scissors, cut out the flower and the leaves. 
10. Adhere the leaves to the card front with the glue pen
11. Use the foam squares to adhere the flower as shown. Lay out the foam blocks so that none of them are on the overhang of the flower. 
12. Stamp the sentiment and layer green and yellow cardstock as shown. 
13. Adhere the sentiment to the upper right-hand corner of the card. 
14. Adhere gems to the card with the tacky glue.
15. Use the Stickles to add detail to the inside of the flower.

So there you have my design for cards with a bit of a twist. Are you daring enough to create some crazy cuts on your cards? 

I hope that you will take out some stamps, ink and some paper and give it a try. As always, we would love to hear your thoughts, ideas and comments. We always love hearing from you. 

We have included some supplies and products that were used for this product. We may earn some commissions for sales ( at no extra expense to you). That helps us add to new features to the community. Thank you for your support.

Till next time, Happy Crafting!

co; font-size: large;">

Linda

 Polychromatic Coloring

Polychromatic Birthday Cards

Today we are sharing some coloring ideas using some simple coloring techniques as backgrounds for greeting cards that will give lots of detail while using only a couple alcohol markers or colored pencils.. We will be also adding a die cut to add dimension and design to today's project.

Welcome to my journey as I become an Altenew Educator sharing ideas and techniques that will help you learn to become a better card maker and designer. And even more than that, to use the supplies that you have in your stash to create something you can be proud of.

Today I will be showing you how to use one of my favorite Altenew Stamp Sets-Beautiful Day! It is one of the most versatile stamp sets you can have in your stash. Not only for layering, but also for coloring too. 

Here are the supplies that you will need for this project:

• Beautiful Day Stamp set
• Dye ink just a little darker than the cardstock
• Birthday Greeting Stamp Set
• Acrylic block
• Light colored cardstock
• White cardstock for the base
• Medium to large sentiment die cut
• Alcohol markers in the same color family
• Colored pencils in the same color family
• Die cutting machine
• Double sided tape
• Double sided foam tape
• White PVC glue
• Paper Trimmer
• Bone Folder

Card 1-Blue Birthday Card

Light Blue Cardstock

Deeper blue cardstock

Altenew Teal Cove Crisp Dye Ink

Silver metallic paper

Blue colored pencil

Deep blue colored pencil

Blue sequins

I started this project using colored pencils. Because of the richness in the flowered image, I wanted to have control over the strokes and colors that I used. 

Even though this card has flowers, beacuse of the color, I felt comfortable that I could use this card as a masculine card because of the blue color that I used.

Any two colored pencils will work fine as long as they are in the same color family.

In this case, I colored the darker colored sections where the shadowing would be first.  Then I used the lighter color on the petals and gave it a little shading.

1. Cut the base card with the paper trimmer to 5" by 7" 
2. Cut a layer at 4 1/2" by 6 2/8" This is the deep blue layer
3. Cut a second layer at 4" by5 1/2 ". This is the white layer
4. Cut a yellow paper at 4" by 5 1/2 ". This is the light blue layer.
5. On the light blue paper, stamp the outline flower stamp from the Beautiful Day stamp set with the Teal Cove ink.
6. Give it a moment to dry
7. Select your colored pencils. You will want two colors that are close together in color-one darker and one lighter.
8. Start with the darker color. Color in the Shadowed areas first.
9. Then add the lighter color to the rest of the flower using a feathering motion.
10. If you choose, you can add more color closest to the center of the flower using the darker tone or a second addition of the lighter tone.
11.  You are ready to cut the die cut into your designed paper.
12. Set up the plates for die cutting as recommended by the manufacturer.
13. Place your die cut up, but the stamped flowers, facing the die. This is important so that your design will appear the right way when you assemble your card. You want to place the die at least 1/3 below the top of the paper.
14. Cut the die in your die cutting machine.
15. Remove the die from the paper. You can save the die cut for another project.
16. Turn the paper over and place it in your paper trimmer. 
17. Carefully cut both sides of the paper so that the edges are removed.
18. Use double sided tape on the back of the stamped paper, but add glue to the remaining bits that are left from the die cut.
19. Adhere this to the top layer of the card.
20. Cut another sentiment from the same die cut in metallic paper. 
21. Glue the sentiment into the spot that was left from your stamped sheet
22. Adhere the designed layer to the darker blue layer with double sided tape
23. Adhere the darker blue layer to the card base with foam tape.
24. Add additional sentiments and embellishments as desired.

Project Tips

• You are working within one pastel color for this project with slight color variations.
• You can use any markers that you might have. Copics, Spectrum Noir, and Altenew will all work as long as you have a slight color variation in the color family.
• The same goes for colored pencils. Use what you have. Select two colored pencils that will work with your color selection.
• Test the markers and /or colored pencils on the paper that you have selected before you start coloring the flowers. Different markers and colored pencils may react differently to different paper.
• Metallic adhesive paper makes the task of adding your larger sentiment a lot easier. You can avoid the glue!
• The extra sentiments on this project were created with stamped embossed techniques.

Card 2-Yellow Birthday Card

    Yellow cardstock

    Cream cardstock

    Spectrum Noir markers

     Gold sequins

Altenew Honey Drizzle Crisp Dye Ink

  You can use any alcohol markers that you may   have. All you need is two markers that are in   the same color family. They need to be one   color and then one color number above that.         You can add highlights by layering the same   color several times.

  I chose to add a lot of depth to this   background  for my design. However, you can   chose to only add a light single tone on the       card  and then the darker tone to add definition   to the design.

1. Cut the base card with the paper trimmer to 5" by 7" 
2. Cut a layer at 4 1/2" by 5 1/2"
3. Cut a second layer at 4 1/4" by 6"
4. Cut a yellow paper at 4 1/4" by 6"
5. On the yellow paper, stamp the outline flower stamp from the Beautiful Day stamp set
6. Give it a moment to dry
7. Select your alcohol markers. I used Spectrum Noir markers # GB4 and Colorista marker in Canary.
8. Color all of the shaded areas with the darker of your two markers.
9. Then add the lighter color to the rest of the flower using a feathering motion.
10. If you choose, you can add more color closest to the center of the flower using the darker tone or a second addition of the lighter tone.
11. Once the color is dry, you are ready to cut the die cut into your designed paper.
12. Set up the plates for die cutting as recommended by the manufacturer.
13. Place your die cut up, but the stamped flowers, facing the die. This is important so that your design will appear the right way when you assemble your card. You want to place the die at least 1/3 below the top of the paper.
14. Cut the die in your die cutting machine.
15. Remove the die from the paper. You can save the die cut for another project.
16. Turn the paper over and place it in your paper trimmer. 
17. Carefully cut both sides of the paper so that the edges are removed.
18. Use double sided tape on the back of the stamped paper, but add glue to the remaining bits that are left from the die cut.
19. Adhere this to the top layer of the card.
20. Cut another sentiment from the same die cut.
21. Glue the sentiment into the spot that was left from your stamped sheet
22. Use double sided tape to adhere the bottom layer to the base.
23. Use foam tape on the second layer and adhere that to the bottom layer.
24. Add additional sentiments and embellishments as desired.

I hope that you will look at color and use variations of color to create a polychromatic greeting card soon. Using what you have in different ways helps you stretch your craft dollars. Especially when you are starting out or building your colors, it is helpful to build variations n different color families. 

We would love to hear your comments, thoughts and ideas on this project. Please make sure to drop a note below and let us know that you stopped by. 

We have included some tools and supplies in case you have some needs. All of these are available with a click. We may receive a commission (at no expense to you) which helps support our community.

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Linda

 Masking Unleashed

Masking your stamped images is a technique that allows you to create layered images with just about stamp set that you may have. It adds dimension and depth to any design that you would like to create It is a technique to cover a stamped image when you want to add more images to your design. So you want to partially stamp some images in your design.

Thank you for joining me today as we share some information, tips and ideas on masking techniques.

This is all about my journey as I move closer to becoming an Altenew Educator. The more I learn, the more I am able to share with you. Paper crafting has been my passion. And sharing ideas and information is what makes this community so special. So let's get started with some masking techniques and ideas.

Masking Basics

Making masks for your designs is not as difficult as you may think. There are several products that you can use to create your mask. Copy paper is one product that I am sure you probably have in your home or craft space. 

Sticky notes are another option. They come in different sizes so you should be able to find a size to fit your needs. You want to stamp towards the side where the adhesive sticky area is with these notes. One thong to remember with these types of masks is that you want to peel the paper off where the adhesive note is so that the paper lays flat on your project. After trying different options for masking, I have to say that the masking paper is my choice by far. It makes the process much easier and you can save the masks with your stamps for future use.

Masking Tips

1. Always cut out the mask on the inside edges of the line of stamped image for best results
2. Plan ahead before you start stamping. Either draw or stamp the design out to have a guide where you are going to mask first. You can make it easier by numbering your images to remember the order of your stamps.
3. If you are using layered stamps, stamp the outline first on all of your images. Then go back and add layers.
4. Layered stamps are best applied with a positioning tool like the Misti or the Altenew Stamp Wheel
5. Store your masks with your stamp sets for future use.
6. Want more information on layering stamps? Click here.

Masked Card One-Layered Inspire Card

 Magical Marker Techniques

Welcome to another technique tutorial as I go through my Altenew Educator classes. One of the best parts of attending these educational classes is having the opportunity of sharing what I have learned with you.

Today we are focusing on creating lovely watercolor backgrounds to compliment the colors of the embellishments. I will also share some ideas to help you create some lovely pieces that will take your cards to the next level.

I am using the Totally Tropical Stamp set from Altenew. I love this stamp and die set. It has a really tropical feel, Since I live in Florida and grow hibiscus, it is a perfect set for my everyday use. But it is also a great set for anyone who want s a tropical feel. It would ne perfect for scrapbooks and journals if you have travelled to any tropical climate.

Tropical Card 1-Huge Congratulations

This card was designed to express congrats for a very special achievement. While it was done in soft pink colors, it could be done in any colors that you would prefer. Use deeper colors if you would like to use it for a masculine card. Deep blues or orange tones would work. Any combination of colors works for this design. Keep it in the same color family or use contrasting colors. It is up to you!

Supplies Used:

Craft or Silicne mat

Altenew Totally Tropical Stamp Set

White Cardstock

Black Cardstock

Spectrum Noir Alcohol Markers

Rubbing Alcohol in a spritzer bottle

Brayer

Altenew Puffy Hearts Crisp Ink

Altenew Black Crisp Ink

Butterfly Sticker

Clear Gems

Acrylic Block

Clear PVA Glue 

 Double Sided Tape

Creating The Background 

The background for this card is easy and fun to create. You need to do this technique quickly before the ink dries.

• Lay the mat to cover your surface.
• Choose an alcohol and scribble the marker on your mat.
• Spritz the rubbing alcohol on the marker.
• Run the brayer through the ink .
• Then run the brayer across your piece of matte cardstock.
• You can do this as many times as you would like until you get the desired effect. You will want to go the same direction every time.
• Set it aside to dry.

Finishing The Card

1. Cut the card base to a size of 4.5 " by 6 ".
2. Cut the black cardstock to the same size.
3. Cut the background piece to size. I cut mine to 4" by 5.5".
4. Piece of white cardstock 2 3/4" by 6 inches.
5. Stamp the flowers and leaves with the black ink. Let them dry.
6. Color the flowers with two alcohol markers that are in the same color family. Color them first with the lighter color. Then Use the next darker color to outline and color both the edges and the inside of the flower. Then use the lighter color to blend the colors together.
7. Do the same with the leaves
8. Die cut or fussy cut all of the leaves and flowers.
9. Once dry give them a little dimension by manipulating them with your fingers to make them look more realistic.
10. Use a alcohol marker to add color to the butterfly sticker. Give it several hours to dry.
11. Stamp the sentiment onto a piece of white cardstock. 
12. Once the sentiment is dry, Edge the sentiment with the edge of the ink pad.
13. Touch the edge with the ink pad to create more color.
14. Using the double sided tape attach the black cardstock to the card base. Attach the background piece to the back base. Then attach the rectangular piece of white cardstock centered to the card.
15. Arrange all the leaves and flowers on top of the card.
16. Glue the leaves on first. Then add the flowers. Tuck in the butterfly.
17. Use double sided tape to add the sentiment.
18. Add the clear gems.
19. Congratulate yourself on a job well done.

 

Tropical Card 2-Congratulations

In this card I actually used the same techniques with some color variations. In this case, I omitted the extra white card pieces. I also added extra leaves to make a richer bouquet. 

I added a little border piece and a die cut sentiment.

The butterflies had some glitter glue added to add more glitter to the card.  I also added some black glitter glue to give the butterflies some bodies.

The card measurements were the same. 

Project Tips

• Make sure your project isn't too close to your palette when spritzing the sprays to prevent splatter from getting on your images.
• Soften the layers of watercolor by blending the edges with water.

So which card do you like better? As always, we appreciate your comments, thoughts and suggestions. I hope that this is a technique that you will give a try. 

We have included some supplies and tools for you to consider. Click on anything that will help you enhance your paper craft experience. We may earn a small commission for any purchase (at no cost to you. We appreciate your support.

Thank you for following our journey and sharing our experience. We appreciate you more than you know.

Till next time, Happy Crafting!

Linda 

Paper Craft Workshop: Creating Stenciled BackgroundsUse embossing paste...

Embossing Paste Basics

About Embossing Paste

There are many techniques for using embossing paste
Power Poppy - The Blog: 5 Fun Techniques for Embossing Paste

What Is Embossing Paste?

Embossing paste is simply a type of paste that is often white in color. It adds texture or dimension to a flat surface. Most often it is used on cardstock or other types of papers. It can be used with dies, but usually used with stencils. 

Though there are different types of embossing and texture pastes, generally speaking:

• They have a smooth texture.
• They are solid when left to air dry.
• Depending on the type of paste, how much is layered, the drying time will vary.
• It is great for adding texture to projects.
• You can use it with stencils, dies or free hand use.
• You cannot see through it. It is considered opaque.
• You need to close the lid tightly when not in use. Wipe the edge of the jar to make sure you will be able to open it the next time you use it

Types of Embossing/Texture Paste

There are a few different types of embossing/texture paster for you to consider for your projects.

1. Glossy embossing paste-this is a clear, glossy paste It creates a clear glossy image that is great for colored cardstock. It can create a softened image on a detailed stencil. It can be tinted with dye ink. Put some of the product on a craft mat. Add a drop or two from a reinker in the color of your choice. Mix it well. Add ick till you get the color that you want. Mix it every time you add more color. Use as you normally would. 
2. Embellishing Mousse- This product does not give you a lot of texture It is very creamy similar to the texture of lipstick. You can use a palette knife or a blending tool to apply this product. It does not take long to dry. Has a lot of color choices.
3. Glimmer Paste-This product will remind you of glitter glue. It will pick up some of the color of the cardstock that you use. You need to clean the tools or stencils that you use right away. This stuff will stick on whatever you have. It dries very fast. But it is worth the effort in the results that you will get.
4. Iridescent Glaze-This project will retain the details of your stencil very well. It has a similar consistency to texture paste. The nice thing about this product is that it cleans up with baby wipes. So easy! It is a champagne color so you cannot tint it. 
5. Embossing Paste-Embossing paste has the consistency of toothpaste with baking soda. It is both gritty and fluffy at the same time. This product creates a lot of texture.

Embossing Paste Tips

• Always clean the spatula and stencil (if you are using one) right after use. It will ruin your tools if you let it sit. You can wipe them with a baby wipe to get some of the excess off. But they will need to be cleaned with warm water and mild dish detergent. I prefer Dawn.
• If you are using a stencil, scrap away any excess embossing powder off the top of the stencil. Make as smooth and even top as possible.
• You can use an expired credit card, a gift card, or a pallet knife to smooth out embossing paste.
• Let the project dry for at least 1 hour. If you handle it too soon, you are likely to spoil your work.
• Use at least 80lb paper or heavier. You will get better results with a heavier paper. 

We will be posting more ideas to help you get the most from your embossing paste. Follow us to get more ideas and techniques.

We have placed some products that may interest you. Just click on the product you are interested in. We may earn some commission at no cost to you. This helps our community provide more information and ideas. Thank you for your support.

Till the next time, Happy Crafting!

Linda

 

5 Ways To Use Embossing Space

Embossing Paste With Brass Stencils