Stencils And Ink Sprays

Check out more ideas at https://nicolewattcreates.com/how-to-use-ink-sprays-with-stencils/

We do not often think about using ink sprays. I suspect because they tend to be the messier side of paper crafting. But on the flip side, they can be a lot of fun and very rewarding. We are using spray inks with paper today, 

This is a very basic technique that has a lot of applications. You could use this technique in art journals. scrapbook base pages, greeting cards, junk journals and so much more. 

While we all love ink sprays, there are times when we also hate these products too. Clogging is the biggest problem with any of these products. Clean the nozzle after each use. Use water and a paper towel to keep the nozzle clear for a consistent spray.

 Sometime when you press down the spray top, they don’t pop back up again. If this happens, just pull on the top to help it come back up. It’s a little annoying, but it means that you can still use the spray ink inside the bottle. If push comes to shove just move the ink to a clean bottle. I keep several empties on hand just for that purpose. 

Let's Talk About Ink Sprays

There are a few different options when it comes to ink sprays. You want to be sure to select the spary that fits your needs. 

Adirondack Color Wash Spray

A translucent spray with a darker range of colors.

Altenew Ink Sprays

Metallic Shimmer Spray-These sprays are acid free and archival. They come in 2 oz bottles. 

Metallic Ink Sprays

Distress Oxide Spray

This product is a pigmented ink fusion that creates oxidized effects. It is the fluid version of the distress oxide ink pads.

These need to be shaken before they are used. If you forget, you will get an entirely different effect than expected. It is recommended that you shake them side to side. There is a ball inside the bottle that will mix the contents. The manufacturer also recommends that you store them upright. That way mixing will be less of a problem. It starts out shiny but has a chalk like finish when dry.

Since this is an opaque spray, it is perfect for art journaling.

 Comes in a 2-ounce spray bottle.

71 colors are available. Free color chart.

• Make sure to clean the nozzle every time that you have finished using them so that the nozzle does not get clogged.

Distress Spray Stains

These sprays are basics for most spray ink techniques. They are water-based dye inks for paper and porous surfaces. They are the fluid version of the distress inks. The colors match the distress ink pad line. The bottles contain 1.9 fluid ounces of liquid ink in a fine mist sprayer. You can mist with water to lighten the color. 

The metallic spray stains are thicker than other sprays. They are completely opaque.

75 colors make this collection the largest collection of all of the ink sprays Use the spray 8-10 inches away from your project with a sweeping motion. There is a picket fence stain that gives a milky effect to your projects that I do recommend having. 

Free color chart here.

Dylusions Shimmer Spray

Colorful pearlescent shimmer makes these sprays stand out as a defined statement. Use as a finishing spray or layer over inks and paints to create luminous effects and backgrounds. There are currently 32 colors. Get a free color chart.

Dylusions Spray Ink

These are highly concentrated colors. They are non-toxic and acid free. Is water reactive.

 The bottles contain 2 fluid ounces of spray ink. This ink tends to glost and lighten.

There are currently 36 colors available. Get a free color chart.

Inkadinkado Spray Mist

Dries very fast! These are alcohol based but are considered non-toxic. Is pigmented and shimmery. May sometimes dry a different color than the dye. Each bottle contains 2 ounces of spray mist.

Mica Spray

There are 12 different sprays available. There are three mica sprays for the Distress line, Diana Wakely Media line, Dylusions line and the Wendy Vecchi line. Free color chart.

Perfect Pearl Mists

These are liquid bound mica powders. They are considered transparent and permanent. Each bottle is 2 ounces with a fine mist spray. The thing to know about these sprays is that the perfect pearls in these bottles will settle at the bottom. So, they need to be shaken well before use. Flip the bottle over and shake them. That way you can see that all of the perfect pearls are distributed evenly.

For this product, the darker the surface, the better the result.

The product tends to be a low shimmer. One of the places that they are good for is when you make rolled paper flowers. After you cut the flowers on your electronic cutting machine, spray them with the perfect pearls shimmer spray. That softens the paper, and you can get a better rolled paper flower.

DIY Perfect Pearls Shimmer Spray

Tattered Angel Chalkboard Mist

Chalky semi opaque mist-highly pigmented. About 12 colors currently. Must be shaken side to side so that the glimmer is spread throughout the fluid. You can blot this product with a paper towel to get it to dry faster.

Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist

Translucent with lots of shimmer. This is a non-toxic pigmented spray that gives you a slight hint of glimmer.

Before you use this product, you will swirl the bottle, rather than shaking it. That helps to avoid air bubbles. Lack of air bubbles gives you better results.

• You also want to not overuse this spray with stencils, 2-3 sprays should be more than enough. Any more than that will cause you to lose the stencil pattern.
• Dry it before you move it. It is a liquid so if you move it before it is dry, the liquid my run and you will lose your stencil pattern.

Get Crazy With Color

Who says you have to limit yourself to one color or even one-color family? As we always say, "your art, your way" So experiment with color. Use 2-3 different color sprays on one piece of paper! Find the combinations that float your boat and use them to your best advantage.

While you are at it, mix different kinds of sprays to see what works for you! 

Ink Spray Tips

I

• The closer to the stencil you spray, the juicier the image.
• Too much ink? Just roll a roll of paper towel over the image to blot up any excess ink.
• Sprayers may get clogged. Soak them in warm water and then spray them till the clog goes away.
• If you are developing your ink spray sets, divide them into three groups warm, cool and others. Makes it easier to work with colors. Black, white and grey are considered non-colors-They go with everything.
• Remember, if you use two colors or more, where they meet, a third color will be created. Take time to experiment with your sprays so you know how they work together.
• When you’re all finished using the spray ink for the day, turn it upside down and give it a couple of pumps until nothing comes out.   I like to use every drop of color, so the cleaning created the start of a future art journal page.

Tools And Supplies To Use Ink Spays With Stencils

The first thing you will want to consider is protecting your workspace. The ideal situation would be to use your ink sprays outdoors where the spray could cause little damage on a non-windy day. But even then, I would use a spray box. You can make your own custom spray box with a shipping carton is less than 30 minutes.

Other tools and supplies that you will need include:

Stencils

You can use any stencils that you would like. If you are using a stencil that has sharp lines, you may want to use a temporary spray adhesive like Pixie Spray. 

Cardstock and/or vellum

You can opt to use white, colored or even metallic cardstock to create your stenciled images. Remember, this is a wet technique, so you will want to use at least 80-90lb cardstock. Try using some watercolor paper or textured paper for a different look.

Vellum will not absorb the spray so it will take longer for the vellum to dry. But you can get some amazing effects with it! When spraying vellum, make sure to place a piece of cardstock behind the vellum. Attach the papers together with some mint or washi tape. that way you will not get curling of the vellum.

Using the heat tool. especially with the vellum, will decrease the amount of time your papers need to dry.

Gloves

Most ink sprays will stain your hands and everything else they come in contact with. If you want to keep your manicure fresh, it is well worth it to wear gloves.

Heat Tool

It is super important to use your heat tool for these techniques as your manufacturer recommends. 

• If you get too close or your tool is too hot, you take a chance of getting a scorch mark on you paper. 
• If you have two settings, try the lower setting first.
• Remember to always let your heat gun warm up before you apply it to the paper.
• Make sure that you set your heat tool on safe surface, I keep a large tile to lay mine on.
• Always allow your heat tool to cool off completely before putting it away,
• Finally, remember to unplug your heat tool when not in use.

Paper Towels

This is a fun, but messy technique. So, you want to keep some paper towels handy to blot ink and clean up any little messes you may make. You can also blot some of the ink off your project if you overspray.

Easy Steps To Use Spray Inks With Stencils

1. Set up your spray station. Place some parchment paper, waxed paper or scrap cardboard st the bottom of the box. 
2. Place the cardstock in the bottom of the spray station.
3. Place the stencil over the cardstock.
4. Spritz the spray over the stencil. The more you spray, the darker and richer the color will be,
5. Carefully remove the stencil and set it aside.
6. Carefully remove the cardstock.
7. Place a new piece of cardstock on the bottom of the station.
8. Flip the stencil over to use what is remaining of the spray. Go over the image with a paper towel roll to press the ink onto the paper.
9. Then add a little more spray to complete the second stenciled image.
10. You can keep flipping the stencil till you have all of the images you need.
11. Set the stenciled images aside to air dry or use the heat tool to dry your projects.

Technique Tips

• Along with the liner to your spray box, you can include some paper toweling to absorb some of the wet media.
• Don your gloves before you get started. Some ink sprays are difficult to get off the skin. The gloves can be used several times before you dispose of them.
• Be careful using too much spray with your stencils. The more spray you add, the more likely some of the spray will steep under the stencil.
• The farther away you hold the spray, the more of a mist like effect you will get.
• If you are using an oxide ink spray, make sure to shake the bottle well for the best results.
• A brayer can be used to press the ink onto the paper. Just make sure to clean the brayer in between colors unless you like a messy look.
• Layer some acrylic paint on your project before doing the ink spray and stencil technique.

Oxide Ink Resist Technique

You can use one or more oxide inks to create a resist technique. This is a great tag or art journal technique that will turn out perfect every time.

Supplies

• Oxide ink sprays in your favorite colors
• Stencil of your choice
• Paper towels
• Clean spray bottle with water
• Heat gun
• Craft mat, silicone mat or parchment paper

1. Lay the craft mat or parchment paper on your work surface. And then lay the paper that you are using on top.
2. Spray the oxide ink of your choice on the paper.
3. Use the heat gun to completely dry the ink. The ink must be dry for this technique to work. You could allow it to air dry too.
4. Once the paper is completely dry, place the stencil over the paper. Make sure it is tight in the paper. Use any type of low tack tape.to secure the stencil to the paper.
5. Spray the paper with the water spray.
6. Let the water react with the ink for a minute or two.
7. Blot the project with a paper towel.
8. Let the paper dry.

• Reactivate any ink that is one your mat with the water spray, smoosh some paper or a tag over the leftover ink to use it up.
• Glass mats work well for this wet type of technique.

Wet Wipe Oxide Spray Technique

Supplies

• Oxide inks
• Paper
• Wet wipe or baby wipes
• Stencils
• Low Tack tape ot washi tape. 

1. Apply one or to oxide inks to your paper.
2. Use a heat gun to dry the paper or let it air dry. The paper must be dry for this technique to work right.
3. Once the paper is dry, lay the stencil on top of the paper.
4. Secure the stencil to the paper with the low tack tape.
5. Wipe the paper with the wet or baby wipe to remove the excess ink.

Adding Gesso To Your Stencil Before Spraying

Another option is to add gesso to your stencil before you spray it. The gesso adds texture and dimension to the paper. If you are not familiar with gesso, it comes in thin, medium and heavy textures. For this technique, I would use either the medium or heavy texture. Experiment and see which texture you prefer.

Supplies

• Cardstock-90-110lb in white or solid colors
• Gesso-medium to heavy texture
• Stencils
• Spatula
• washi tape
• Paper trimmer 
• Heat tool
• Silicone mat or parchment paper

1. Cover your work surface with the silicone or parchment paper.
2. Cut your paper to the size that you need with the paper trimmer. 
3. Lay your paper on your work surface.
4. Lay the stencil over the paper. Use a piece of washi tape or any other low tack tape to create a hinge on the top of your paper. 
5. Apply a thin coat of gesso over the stencil.
6. Carefully remove the stencil from the paper
7. Let it air dry or use a heat tool to dry the paper. If you use a heat tool, be very careful not to get too close to the gesso. If you have a low setting on your heat tool, use that. You want to avoid bubbling the gesso.
8. Wash the gesso off the stencil and the spatula right away so that it does not dry. Use warm water.
9. Once the paper is dry, spray a fine mist over the project. Add more spray if desired.
10. Dry the paper with the heat tool.

The Difference Between Using Gesso With Ink Sprays Or Not

What Can You Do With The Finished Stenciled Images?

 

1.Die Cuts

One thing that you can do is to create panels and ovals to layer onto greeting cards. Start with a card base that is made from 110lb cardstock in the size desired. Die cut the panel, oval or circle. Mount it to your card base either with double sided tape or foam tape. Add a sentiment and any embellishments. You will have a truly custom greeting card. 

2. Tags

Spray inks are the perfect media to use on tags. Tags are used in lots of mixed media projects. Lots of paper crafters create tags ahead of time to add to their journals, planners, art journals, Bible journals and a lot more. Any technique that you can do on card stock, of course you can use on tags. 

Use the ink sprays for the base of your tag. Then add embellishments and words to create a custom design.  You can do themed tags fir different seasons, themes and occasions. Because you can create gift tags for birthdays, holidays and special occasions with these techniques. 

Start with a tag base. You can cut a tag on you electronic cutting machine. You can also use a die to cut tags in different sizes. You can also hand cut them using a ruler and a cutting craft knife. Make sure to add a hole in the top of your tag. That way you can add ribbon, twine embroidery floss or anything else you would like to add to your tag. Tags are the perfect way to use up those bits of ribbon.

Just like other paper crafts, you will want to cover your work area with either a craft mat, silicon mat or some parchment paper. Remember that ink sprays will go anywhere and everywhere. Do spray in a cardboard box or outdoors. 

Making tags with ink sprays is a lot of fun.

Journal Backgrounds

Journal Background Tips

• If your page gets too dark, you can always add some Dylusions White Linen Ink Spray to lighten it up.
• Always allow one layer to dry before you add another layer.
• Use stencils to add more dimension to your pages.

5 Ways To Use Ink Sprays

5 Ways To Use Stencils With Oxide Inks

9 Ways To Use Oxide Ink Sprays

How To Stencil Like A Pro

We hope this information, ideas and tips have helped you think about giving these techniques a try. As always, we welcome your comments, ideas and thoughts. Please leave a comment below. 

Happy Crafting!

Linda

 

 Advanced Ink Layering Technique

Today we are sharing with you some advanced ideas and techniques in ink layering. We are also sharing some additional ideas to help you take your greeting cards to the next level.

We are featuring a new tutorial as part of my Level Three accreditation in the AECP (Altenew Educator Certification Program). This is a program that I have been working through for some time. My goal has been to be able to learn and share with you the best ideas and techniques to help you be the best paper crafter you can be. 

There are actually 5 levels of layering classes in this program. The project that I am focusing on is a more intricate stamp set called. Climbing Clematis. 

There are actually 6 layers to the main flowers and several layers to each of the coordinating flowers. The coordinating flowers add a natural touch to the design. 

Here are some of the techniques that I am focusing on for this tutorial:

• All About Layering 1-5
• All About Layering Dies Edition

Layering Guides

Layering guides are an essential tool when creating multiple layers of any stamp set that you are fanning to use. It makes the process so much easier. 

I have chosen the stamp set from Altenew called Climbing Clematis. This stamp set was a bit more challenging because there are many more layers and a lot more details than many others. But even through this set is a bigger challenge, there is layering guide that takes you through each of the elements. 

If you look closely at the images on the layering guide, you will see that there are marked areas to help you line up each layer. I found this very helpful, especially when working with multiple layers. 

This stamp set has three larger flower options as well as two smaller flowers too. Because this is a large and intricate set, each of the layers of each element has a number on the acrylic sheet. The layering guide elements are identified the same way. This is really helpful since the numbers direct you in which order the stamps are applied. 

Especially for this project, I used my Misti stamping tool. It is easier to find the points that help you create the layers every time. There are many other good stamping platforms and tools, so use what you feel comfortable with. I also used the sticky mat to assure that my images would stay put every time. 

Getting The Layering And Stamping Right

Before I actually started the project, I practiced with the stamps to get the placement right. Each of the layered stamp sets has a base stamp, layered stamps as well as an outline stamp. 

First, I practiced with each individual stamp. Aa I work with each stamp; I am looking for specific points in the stamp where I can look for points in the flower where I can line up each layer. Once I am comfortable with the stamps, I follow the layering guide to place each of the layers. 

You can use a light pencil if you would like to note your matching point. That way your eye will line up each layer. A mechanical pencil is perfect to create your reference points. 

When starting with layered flowers, you want to start with the lightest color and build up to the darkest. For this project, I wanted some softer looking flowers with no harsh outlines. So, I started with the base first.

I like my ink pads up with the lightest color on the top and the darkest on the bottom. As I use the color, I flip it over and move to the next color. That way I tend to make less mistakes.

Another option is to start with the outline stamp and then work your way up through the layering. I prefer this method when I stamp set with a lot of inner details and petals.

When starting with layered flowers, you want to start with the lightest color and build up to the darkest. I line up my ink pads up with the lightest color on the top and the darkest on the bottom. As I use the color, I flip it over and move to the next color. That way I tend to make less mistakes.

More Layering Tips

• Double-sided adhesive on the cardstock makes little stickers when you die-cut the pieces, meaning you don’t need to add adhesive to smaller pieces. You can use adhesive sheets to stamp and then die cut pieces that you are planning to use as flat pieces.
• I like to keep my stamp, layering guide and dies all together in one storage envelope. You can choose to keep them together either in your stamp storage system or with your other die sets. It's up to you! 
• As I work through the layers. I like to give a minute to each layer to allow some drying before applying the next color.
• On a single piece of white cardstock, stamp multiple images of each of the elements that you are planning to use. That way you can use all the corresponding dies in a single pass through your die cut machine. This saves a lot of time, especially if you are doing lots of elements.

All About Color Families

Altenew Color Families

I have chosen three color families for my project- blue, pink and yellow. It is important to use ink pads with color families that give you the right variations for your layers. And another tip is to make sure that your ink pads are juicy. You want to have a bright crisp image in your layers to get the best detail. The Altenew stamp pads that I used gave me the best options for the color families that I needed. 

If the brand of ink that you are using, has a color chart, look to see which colors would look good on your layers. While I like using color charts, I also know that they are just a guide. The color may not always be true to the finished product. 

One thing I always recommend is to create color

swatches with all of your ink pads. That way you have a true representation of what the color actually will look like when dry. It also acts like an inventory to help you select color.

If you have never used layered stamps before, I encourage you to give it a try. Start with a simple two to three layered stamps set and work your way up. 

While I prefer to use a stamping platform like a MISTI when I am working with layered stamps, you can in fact use acrylic blocks. Use a clear acrylic block close to the size of your stamp for the best results, rather than a block much too large. You may need several different blocks as the different layers may be in different sizes. 

Other Tools And Supplies

• Climbing Clematis Stamp set 
• Climbing Clematis die set.
• Altenew Tiny Sentiment: Wishing
• Die cutting machine
• Misti Stamping Platform or another stamping platform
• Pokey tool is used to poke and the stamped images from the dies.
• Nesting square die set or any other nesting set that you would like to use.
• White Cardstock-at least 90-110 lb. cardstock for the base of your cards
• Blue Cardstock
• Blue Printed Paper
• Blue Crystal Gradient Glitter Cardstock
• Emerald Gold Washi Tape
• Leaf washi tape
• Foam tape
• Double sided tape
• Foam squares

For my three cards, I used one of the larger sets, two of the smaller flowers and several of the leaves. There are lots of options in this set. Besides the larger flower, there are two medium flowers and two smaller ones. There are also three leaf options. You could create all kinds of combinations from just this one set.

Pink Washi Tape Card

Washi tape is a design essential when you want a simple yet elegant card design. Instead of using printed paper, you can create an endless number of designs from one roll of tape, I used a leaf design washi tape fora striped design on this card, Then I added a tape between the washi tape stripes called Emerald Gold washi from Altenew. It added just the little bit of elegance that the card needed.

I used a simple 5" by 7" card base. I chose the next layer for the card panel in the blue from the background of the washi tape. It is about 1/4 of an inch smaller than the card base.

The design panel is one slightly smaller than the base panel. The keep the design balanced, I use 1/4 inch less on each additional layer of the card. You want to lay the washi tape diagonally across the panel. Cut your pieces long enough to go over the back of the panel. Smooth them out with your finger or a bone folder to make sure that they are adhered to the panel. Now add the thinner washi tape between the stripes.

Mount the flowers to your card. The larger flowers in this design are adhered to the panel with foam squares.to give more dimension to the card. Raising them up gives a more natural look. 

And the sentiment is raised as well with foam squares just to give a little more dimension to the overall design.

                                        

The Pink Color Family

Layer One-Frosty Pink Crisp Dye Ink

Layer Two-Pink Pearl Crisp Dye Ink

Layer Three-Coral Bliss Cricp Dye Ink

Layer Four-Ruby Red Crisp Dye Ink

Layer Five Mango Smoothie Crisp Dye Ink

Layer Six- Mahogany Bark Crisp Dye Ink

I love the pink colors in this color family. They are soft and feminine. They would be perfect for a gender reveal party, a birthday party, a baby shower or a wedding shower where pinks are the predominant color.

If you wanted richer tones, you could opt to start with a darker color. And move your way up from there.

Blue Lace Card

This card uses several different techniques in one design,

Not only am I layering inks in the flowers, but I am also using die cut to add extra layers to the designs.

The design starts out with a white card base. Because of the multiple layers of die cuts and flowers, I used 110lb cardstock. It is important to use a strong card base to hold the other layers. Between the layers, I added the same blue paper as I used closest to the base to give some balance to the card. The color blue cardstock that I chose was in the tone of the some of the ink in the flowers. That gives more balance to the card. 

Since the design is mostly blue, I wanted to add a little contrast between the layers. I started with the black as a frame to the base. It acts to bring out color in the design. 

Then to add some additional contrast I used some Glitter Gradient cardstock in the Blue Crystals. If you are not familiar with this cardstock, you might want to give it a look. It cuts with dies beautifully and works with choosing folders. It is one of my favorite glitter papers to use. 

I used a set of nesting dies to help create the layers in the design. It gave a lacy look to the design. Nesting die sets are a good investment. They can be used on their own and in layered designs as I am showing here.

The sentiment is layered in the same way as the card using the smaller elements in the same nesting die set. I used the glitter cardstock and the black to set it apart from the rest of the design. I also used some foam squares to raise the sentiment above the card.

O love the blue flowers in this design, I wanted to create a bouquet effect for the card. The easiest way to create the bouquet effect is with foam dots or squares. These are double sided foam pieces. One of most important things to so when using these on elements is to cover the element with the foam as much as possible. You will also want to raise the larger pieces and fill in the bouquet with the smaller elements. This gives you a lot of balance to your design.

The Blue Color Family

    Layer One- Dew Drops Crisp Dye Ink
    Layer Two-Ocean Waves Crisp Dye Ink
    Layer Three-   Turquoise Crisp Dye Ink                              Layer Four- Teal Cove Crisp Dye Ink

    Laer Five-Mango Smoothie Crisp Die Ink

    Layer Six--Galactic Stream

I love the tones of blue in this color family. The colors remind me of baby boys and summer flowers.

The blue color family has a lot of options. It is actually the largest group in the Altenew color family. That gives you plenty of options with any layered stamp set that you may design with.

It 

  

Yellow And Blue Wedgewood Card

This card features not only layered flowers, but also additional layers in the card design. The lace blue layer was created with a nested die set that was only partially die cut. The partial cut gives the illusion of lace. The glitter paper was thick enough so that you get the pattern without actually cutting through.

The inner and outer nesting die was placed and secured with low tack tape. Then run through the die cutting machine twice. 

The inside circle was die cut with a third of the nested die cut set.

Yellow Color Family

   

         Layer One-Butternut Crisp Dye Ink

         Layer Two- Mango Smoothie Crisp Die Ink

         Layer Three-Maple Yellow Crisp Dye Ink

         Layer Four-Honey Drizzle Crisp Dye Ink

         Layer Five-Snapdragon Crisp Dye Ink

         Layer Six Mahogany Bark Crisp Dye Ink

  The prominent colors on this card are the yellow tones. But I added some blue in the smaller flowers to add more interest.

You could also opt to go from the darker yellows into the oranges.

The Leaves For These Designs

There are several different leaves for this collection. All of the leaves have lovely veins as part og their design, The inks that were used for my leaves were:

• Frayed Leaf Crisp Die Inks
• Green Field Crisp Die Ink
• Moss Crisp Die Inks

Layering Tips And Ideas

Here are a few ideas to help you when you are working with and designing layered stamps. 

• When you are using large and small layered elements in your design, place the larger elements first and then fill in the design with the smaller elements. That way you will have more balance.
• Once you are happy with the arrangement of your design, use some low tack tape on the elements to keep them in place while you add adhesive.
• Raise a few of the larger elements(flowers) with foam dots and squares. It gives a lot of dimensions to your design. 
• You can vary a flower bouquet by using different colors within the same color family.
• You will get a better look to your flowers if you use a coordinating die, when available. You can fussy cut the element but leave a small thin border around the edge of each image.
• Add odd numbers of flowers and leaves to give a more natural look.
• Add leaves in a triangle around flowers to create a natural "bouquet."
• Add flowers and leaves over the edge of the card. Then trim the edges. This gives a nicely designed appearance. 
• Use markers to color the edge around die cuts when adding to a dark card base; it makes the flowers pop.

Other Choices For Multiple Layering Techniques

The stamp set Climbing Clematis  is available in a link below. But if you are looking to take the challenge of creating multiple layered flowers, here are some suggestions for stamp and die sets that can be used. Like the stamp set that I used for this project, these sets include the dies that you need to get started.

Build-A-Flower: Laelia Layering Stamp & Die Set-6 layers in the main flower.

Build-A-Flower: Dahlia Layering Stamp & Die Set

Build-A-Flower: Primrose Layering Stamp & Die Set- 4 layers in the main flower.

Build-A-Flower: Clover Layering Stamp & Die Set

More Ways To Use This Collection

Beyond cards, there are dozens of ways to use this collection as well as other layered flower stamps. They can be used on journal pages, clusters, tags, and even scrapbook pages. 

  I used little nosegays in the pink color family to create this scrapbook page. The larger flower was raised with foam squares. Then the other elements were tucked into the arrangements and adhered with PVA glue. 

  I also used green toned doilies. to frame the baby picture

  I layered the picture in pink cardstock to complete the design.

  When you are designing scrap book pages, the best color choices are usually found in the picture itself. Choose the primary color of the picture and you can never go wrong.

In addition to the "nosegays" you could also use these flowers along one side of the page as well. 

Scrapbook pages are so much fin to create when you use layered flowers and elements.

                                                                                                                                                                    

 All of the leaves on both scrapbook layouts were cut from my Cricut electronic cutting machine, I used the larger leaves to bring out the color of the flowers. The larger leaves make sense since the scrapbook page is much larger than a greeting card size.

I hope that you think about using your layered dies for more than just cards. 

Are you interested in taking the layering challenge? Would you like to take your greeting cards a step further and grow in your stamping skills? Here is a free group of classes that you can consider taking to learn new techniques and skills to learn how to layer stamps. 

My journey has been amazing to this point. I have grown as a crafter in so many ways. I recommend the Altenew Educator Certification Program to everyone. You will be challenged to grow and become more than you ever thought possible. Thank you for traveling on this journey with me.

Please consider leaving your thoughts, comments or suggestions in the comments. We always love hearing from you.

Till next time,

Happy Crafting!

Linda

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

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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. 

 

• 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.

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

 

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