Hello, crafty friends! Today, I’m excited to share a delightful card design that's sure to brighten anyone's day. This project features a stunning background created with the Pinwheel 6 x 6 Stencil and a heartfelt sentiment using the Sentimentally Speaking Stamp Set and Sentimentally Speaking Die Set from the Rabbit Hole Designs LLC. This card was an absolute joy to make, and I'm thrilled to walk you through the highlights of the process and the wonderful products that made it possible
A Fun and Unique Card Design:
Crafting a Vibrant Background
Creating a standout background is one of my favorite aspects of card making. For this card, I used the Pinwheel 6 x 6 Stencil to craft a dynamic backdrop. The process started with some ink blending magic using Persimmon Ink and my trusty Cotton Tail Blending Brushes. I aimed for an ombre effect, gradually transitioning from a soft peachy hue to a deeper, richer tone. It’s always a bit like painting with light, blending colors seamlessly to create depth and interest.
A little pro tip: when blending inks, start with a light hand and build up the color gradually. This way, you can achieve a smooth gradient without any harsh lines. And if you ever feel like the colors aren't blending as smoothly as you'd like, a little patience and circular motion will do wonders!
Adding Dimension with Dry Embossing
Once the ink blending was complete, I wanted to add some subtle texture. So, I used a fun technique to dry emboss the stenciled pattern onto the cardstock. It’s a neat trick where you run your stenciled panel through a die-cutting machine with a Tan Embossing Mat. The result? A beautifully raised design that adds a touch of elegance and dimension to the card.
Aligning the stencil perfectly with the inked design can be a bit tricky, but I find that using low-tack tape helps keep everything in place. It's those little details that make the difference, turning a simple design into something truly special.
Assembling the Card
Next, it was time to assemble the card. I trimmed the stenciled and embossed panel to 3 3/4" x 5" and matted it with a piece of Pitch Black Cardstock (cut at 4" x 5 1/4"). The contrast of the black mat against the vibrant background really makes the colors pop. I then adhered this matted layer onto a top-folding A2 card base made from Neenah Solar White Ultra Thick Cardstock. This cardstock is a staple in my craft room—it's sturdy and perfect for card bases.
A Standout Sentiment
For the sentiment, I chose a bold and uplifting message from the Sentimentally Speaking Stamp Set. Using Versafine Nocturne Ink, I stamped it onto a scrap of Neenah Solar White Cardstock. This ink is my go-to for crisp, detailed impressions, especially for sentiments. After letting it dry, I die-cut the sentiment with the coordinating die from the Sentimentally Speaking Die Set. To add a bit of dimension, I also cut three additional layers from scrap cardstock and adhered them together.
Aligning the sentiment on the card front is always a moment of truth. A simple tool like a 6" T-Square can be a lifesaver here, ensuring everything is perfectly straight and centered.
Finishing Touches
No card is complete without a few finishing touches. For this project, I added some White Enamel Matte Dots. But I didn't stop there—I used my Burnt Orange TriBlend Brush Marker to color the dots, creating a lovely ombre effect that ties everything together. Placing them in odd numbers around the card adds a pleasing visual balance.
This "You're Amazing!" card was such a fun project to put together. It combines a playful background with a heartfelt sentiment, making it perfect for sending a little love and encouragement. The techniques used, like ink blending and dry embossing, are simple yet effective, and they add so much character to the card.
I hope this card inspires you to try out some new techniques and have fun with your card-making projects. Remember, the joy is in the journey, and there's always something new to learn and explore in crafting. If you make a card inspired by this project, I'd love to see it! Share your creations and let’s keep inspiring each other.
Materials Used:
Here you will find the list of supplies that I used to create today's card. All supplies are linked to supply sources below. Compensated affiliate links may be used at no cost to you.
Happy Stampin'
Rick Adkins
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