Category: Stencils

Celebrate someone special who is a work of art
Would you like to experiment with a design like this? You’ll find a supply list below, including a link to the stencil I used from A Colorful Life Designs. Follow the link and use discount code ChrisFan10 to save 10% on your entire order! (Master Creator Bundles are excluded as they already have a 20% discount built in.)
Let’s get Started:
Card Base: 5.5 x 8.5, scored and folded at 4.25
Border Layer: 5.5 x 4.25
Card Face: 5.5 x 4.25 (before die cut)
White Card Stock: 3 x 2
Black Cardstock: 3.25 x 2.25
Card Face:
- I began by laying the card face on my Grip Mat and positioning the stencil. I added pink and school bus yellow to the exposed areas, blending wherever the two colours met.
- Next I added metallic copper spatter towards the bottom left.
- After this dried, I finished the card face by putting it into my stamp positioner and adding the sentiment with Versafine Onyx.
- I used a deckled die to cut this down to the finished size.
Other:
- I stamped the image on the small piece of cardstock. I used Memento ink for this, which allowed me to colour the image with alcohol markers.
Assembly
- I glued the black border layer to the card base.
- Next, I experimented with placement for the focal image and its border layer. In the end I decided to offset them dramatically and glued them in place as shown.
Final Thoughts:
This is one of those times when I had created the background and then set it aside: I just didn’t know what I wanted to do with it. Then one day I pulled out this stamp set and inspiration struck: I think that this fun and funky girl is a great match for the stencilled background.
Supplies: (and links where possible)
   I have listed which products I have used, and where they may be purchased. It’s a huge marketplace and in most instances, there are multiple sources and many alternatives to choose from.
Stencil: Mid Century Tower: A Colorful Life Designs
Waffle Flower Grip Mat, 8.5 x 6.5, Scrapbook.com
Versamark Embossing Ink: Simon Says Stamp
Stamps: Impression Obsession (no longer in business)
Dies: Deckled Rectangles , Stampin’ Up! (retired)
Ink: Stampin’ Up!
Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up!
Versafine Onyx, Simon Says Stamp
Memento Ink: Stampin’ Up!
Alcohol Markers:
     Stampin’ Blends: Stampin’ Up!
     Copics: Wallacks
Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels
Card Base & Card Face: Accent 100 lb., Amazon
Do you have comments or thoughts to share on this design? Drop me a line in the Comments Section below – I’d love to hear from you!
You can also use the Comments Section to be added to the list, and notified when I release new work.
March 29 2025
Say Happy Easter with a Fabulous, Sparkly Bunny Card
Would you like to experiment with a design like this? You’ll find a supply list below, including a link to the stencil I used from A Colorful Life Designs. Follow the link and use discount code ChrisFan10 to save 10% on your entire order! (Master Creator Bundles are excluded as they already have a 20% discount built in.)
Easter is typically visualized in happy springtime pastels. But sometimes a sparkly Easter bunny fits the bill!
Let’s get Started:
Card Base: 5.5 x 8.5, scored and folded at 4.25
Green Border Layer: 4.25 x 4.25
Card Face: 4 x 4
Card Face:
- I positioned the stencil on the card face, securing it with Mint Tape.
- Next, using a palette knife, I added sparkly white embossing paste over all exposed areas. I removed the stencil, being careful not to smudge the design.
- Afterwards, I placed the stencil in water and put the card face aside to dry.
Other:
- I stamped the sentiment and used a tiny die to cut it out.
- I also stamped the tiny heart with green ink, added embossing ink with a pen, sprinkled it with holographic powder and set it with a heat gun. I used a punch to cut it out.
- Once the card face was dry I used a pokey tool to create holes on either side of the bunny’s neck. I threaded fine iridescent white yarn through the holes and secured this on the back with tape.
Assembly
- I glued the card face to the green border layer, centering on all sides.
- Following that, I added this to the card base, aligning to the left-hand edge, and leaving a white border on the right.
- I used metallic thread to attach the heart tag to the bunny’s collar.
- I added the sentiment to the upper left of the card.
- The finishing touch was the addition of three small green gems down the right-hand border.
Final Thoughts:
The sparkly Easter Bunny is really pretty: I didn’t want to add anything to compete with that, so I chose very soft green accents. I’m really happy with the end result.
Supplies: (and links where possible)
I have listed which products I have used, and where they may be purchased. It’s a huge marketplace and in most instances, there are multiple sources and many alternatives to choose from.
Stencil: Heart Bunny, A Colorful Life Designs
Embossing Pen: Ranger, Amazon
Holographic Embossing Powder: Ranger, Amazon
Ink: Stampin’ Up!
Embossing Paste: Stampin’ Up!
Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels
Card Base & Card Face: Accent 100 lb., Amazon
Do you have comments or thoughts to share on this design? Drop me a line in the Comments Section below – I’d love to hear from you!
You can also use the Comments Section to be added to the list, and notified when I release new work.
March 23 2025
Create a card that Celebrates Singing After the Storm
Would you like to experiment with a design like this? You’ll find a supply list below, including a link to the stencils I used from A Colorful Life Designs. Follow the link and use discount code ChrisFan10 to save 10% on your entire order! (Master Creator Bundles are excluded as they already have a 20% discount built in.)
Let’s get Started:
Card Base: 5.5 x 8.5, scored and folded at 4.25
Border Layer: 5 x 3.75
Card Face: 5 x 3.75
White Cardstock to create window panels and window frame.
Acetate: 5 x 3.75
Card Face:
- I laid the card face onto the Grip Mat and positioned the MultiShadow stencil. I applied teal ink with a light hand.
- After removing this stencil, I positioned the Message Bird stencil, using a dark blue ink for the bird. I repositioned the stencil and added the branch with brown ink.
- Setting both stencils aside, I lightly spritzed water onto the card face to soften the lines and add depth.
Other:
- I used a “plaid” die to create the window panes.
- I didn’t have a rectangular die in the correct size to create the window frame: to get around this I cut 4 pieces of card stock, each ¼” wide and 5” long.
- I used a couple of dies to cut the foliage for the window and then brushed on a couple of different green inks.
- I brushed teal ink around all borders of the card base, allowing it to fade as it moved away from the edges.
- I found a great sentiment in my binder, ready and just waiting to be put to use.
Assembly
- I glued the card face to the card base, centering on all sides.
- I secured the acetate to the back of the window pane die cut and then secured this to the card face.
- I added the strips of cardstock to the outer edges of this, trimming to the correct size.
- I glued the foliage to the window as shown.
- I added the sentiment.
Final Thoughts:
I wanted to include acetate behind the window for the realistic shine it would provide: securing this to the card face and then the window proved very difficult and I would not include it another time.
I wanted the scene to have the look of being viewed through a window during a rainstorm, and I think I succeeded!
Supplies: (and links where possible)
   I have listed which products I have used, and where they may be purchased. It’s a huge marketplace and in most instances, there are multiple sources and many alternatives to choose from.
Stencils:
    MultiShadow , a Colorful Life Designs
    Message Bird, A Colorful Life Designs
Waffle Flower Grip Mat, 8.5 x 6.5, Scrapbook.com
Ink: Stampin’ Up!
Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up!
Versafine Onyx, Simon Says Stamp
Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels
Card Base & Card Face: Accent 100 lb., Amazon
Do you have comments or thoughts to share on this design? Drop me a line in the Comments Section below – I’d love to hear from you!
You can also use the Comments Section to be added to the list, and notified when I release new work.
March 22 2025
Create a handmade card that celebrates the Simple Moments
Sometimes the simple pleasures really are the best; it could be a smile from a loved one, sunshine on a spring day, or flowers in a vase.
Would you like to experiment with a design like this? You’ll find a supply list below, including a link to the stencil I used from A Colorful Life Designs. Follow the link and use discount code ChrisFan10 to save 10% on your entire order! (Master Creator Bundles are excluded as they already have a 20% discount built in.)
Let’s get Started:
Card Base: 5.5 x 8.5, scored and folded at 4.25
Card Face: 5.5 x 4.25
Card Face:
- I inked up the background stamp with orange ink, and laid it face up on my desk: then I placed the card face on top, doing my best to keep it straight.
- I laid a piece of scrap copy paper over this and ran my fingers over the entire surface to ensure ink transfer. (This is my preferred method when using a background stamp.
- I put the card face on my Grip Mat and used a black fineliner to trace the pattern onto the card face.
- I coloured the images with alcohol markers, adding white highlights with gel pen.
- I used a blue gel pen to add the dotted circle around the center of each blossom ( it doesn’t look blue in the image, but it is).
- I used a clear metallic pen to add sparkle to the center of each blossom: the centers had been coloured green with alcohol marker and the addition of the metallic ink activated that, creating a pretty greenish gold.
Other:
- I looked through my sentiment binder and selected one that was a good size for this bold image, and I felt this sentiment worked well too.
- The sentiment had been created on very light cardstock: I added a piece of heavier cardstock to the back to create stability.
Assembly
- I glued the card face directly to the card base.
- I added the sentiment as shown.
Final Thoughts:
I love this stamp and stencil combination: they work so very well together.
I was initially concerned about the orange ink showing through the colouring but then decided that it would just add depth and visual interest. I don’t mind the result, what do you think?
Supplies: (and links where possible)
   I have listed which products I have used, and where they may be purchased. It’s a huge marketplace and in most instances, there are multiple sources and many alternatives to choose from.
Stencil: Bottled Posies, A Colorful Life Designs
Waffle Flower Grip Mat, 8.5 x 6.5, Scrapbook.com
Versamark Embossing Ink: Simon Says Stamp
Stamps: Weave, Technique Junkies (no longer available)
Fineliner: Amazon
Metallic Gel Pen: Sakura Gelly Roll, Amazon
White Gel Pen: Arteza, Amazon
Ink: Stampin’ Up!
Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up!
Memento Ink: Stampin’ Up!
Alcohol Markers:
     Stampin’ Blends: Stampin’ Up!
     Copics: Wallacks
Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels
Card Base & Card Face: Accent 100 lb., Amazon
Do you have comments or thoughts to share on this design? Drop me a line in the Comments Section below – I’d love to hear from you!
You can also use the Comments Section to be added to the list, and notified when I release new work.
March 19 2025
Creative & Cozy Card Making: Share a Smile Today!
Would you like to experiment with a design like this? Below, you’ll find a supply list, including a link to the stencils I used from A Colorful Life Designs. Follow the link and use discount code ChrisFan10 to save 10% on your entire order! (Master Creator Bundles are excluded as they already have a 20% discount built in.)
Let’s get Started:
Card Base: 5.5 x 8.5, scored and folded at 4.25
Border Layer: 5.25 x 4
Card Face: 5 ⅛ x 3 7/8
Baby it’s cold outside! Stay cozy.
Card Face:
- I stamped the fireplace, chair, and bear + penguin onto masking paper and cut them out.
- Next, the fireplace and bear + penguin were stamped onto the card face, using Memento Ink.
- I put the mask in place over the bear/penguin image and then stamped the chair.
This created the effect of the bear sitting in the chair without any portions of the two images interfering with each other.
- I coloured each of the images with alcohol markers. I used a gold gel pen to colour the andirons in the fireplace; I also used a black fine liner to colour around the flames so they would have more presence.
- I put the masks in place on all three images before putting the stencil in place to create the area rug on the floor. I added black ink to the exposed areas to create the checkered pattern.
- I used the Sparkles stencil to create the wallpaper, using a soft hand and orange ink.
- I added a shadow under the chair and penguin, as well as towards the junction of the floor and wall.
- I decided on a couple of final touches – I used white gel pen here and there on the scarf as well as on the flames in the fireplace.
- I put the card face into my stamp positioner and stamped the sentiment with Versamark embossing ink before adding gold embossing powder and setting it with my heat gun.
Assembly
- I glued the black border layer to the card base and then added the card face on top of these, centering both carefully.
Final Thoughts:
I was really happy with this whimsical scene when it was completed. Looking at it now I would make the shadows around the fireplace and where the floor meets the wall a bit darker and more apparent, but overall I’m satisfied.
Supplies: (and links where possible)
   I have listed which products I have used, and where they may be purchased. It’s a huge marketplace; in most instances, there are multiple sources and many alternatives.
Stencils: Floor Perspective, A Colorful Life Designs
                   Sparkles: A Colorful Life Designs
Waffle Flower Grip Mat, 8.5 x 6.5, Scrapbook.com
Versamark Embossing Ink: Simon Says Stamp
Gold Embossing Powder: Wow, Simon Says Stamp
Stamps: Knitting Bear, Colorado Craft Company
                 Cozy Greetings, Unity Stamps
Ink: Stampin’ Up!
Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up!
White Gel Pens: Arteza, Amazon
Fine Liners: Amazon
Memento Ink: Stampin’ Up!
Alcohol Markers:
     Stampin’ Blends: Stampin’ Up!
     Copics: Wallacks
Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels
Card Base & Card Face: Accent 100 lb., Amazon
March 17 2025
Create a Stunning Wedding Card Using Simple Supplies
Would you like to experiment with a design like this? You’ll find a supply list below, including a link to the stencil I used from A Colorful Life Designs. Follow the link and use discount code ChrisFan10 to save 10% on your entire order! (Master Creator Bundles are excluded as they already have a 20% discount built in.)
Let’s get Started:
Card Base: 4.25 x 11, scored and folded at 5.5
Card Face: 4 x 5.25
An elegant wedding card that is ready in a snap.
Card Face:
- After laying the card face down on my Grip Mat, I positioned the stencil and applied silver pigment ink across the exposed area.
Pigment ink takes longer to dry than dye-based ink: I set this aside for a while to dry.
Other:
- I die cut two of the bridge and groom images. (This is a cover plate die, with a wooded scene around the couple. I simply cut the bride and groom away from the scene – this was easy, because of the way it was constructed.)
- I cut two of the circular frames by securing dies (evenly spaced) on cardstock with Mint Tape and running them through the Big Shot.
Assembly
- Once the ink on the card face was dry I put dimensional foam tape on the back and centered it on the card base.
- I glued both layers of the couple together, as well as both layers of the circular frames.
- I glued the bride and groom to the center of the card face.
- I glued the circular frame to the card face, centering around the couple.
Final Thoughts:
I love the simple elegance of this card; so much so that I decided not to use embellishments.
Initially, I had just the bride and groom on the card. After thinking about it for a bit, I decided that it needed the frame to finish it off.
I love the white and silver together, but this card would be equally impactful with gold and white. If you want to add some drama, gold and black.
Supplies: (and links where possible)
   I have listed which products I have used, and where they may be purchased. It’s a huge marketplace and in most instances, there are multiple sources and many alternatives to choose from.
Stencil: Deco Fans, a Colorful Life Designs
Waffle Flower Grip Mat, 8.5 x 6.5, Scrapbook.com
Dies:
   Wedding Couple: Impression Obsession (no longer in business)
    Nesting Circle Infinity Dies, Hero Arts
Ink: Silver Shine, Lisa Horton, Glitter & Ink
Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up!
Versafine Onyx, Simon Says Stamp
Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels
Card Base & Card Face: Accent 100 lb., Amazon
Do you have comments or thoughts to share on this design? Drop me a line in the Comments Section below – I’d love to hear from you!
You can also use the Comments Section to be added to the list, and notified when I release new work.
March 17 2025
When handcrafted is heartfelt: Tips for Stunning Card Designs
Would you like to experiment with a design like this? You’ll find a supply list below, including a link to the stencils I used from A Colorful Life Designs. Follow the link and use discount code ChrisFan10 to save 10% on your entire order! (Master Creator Bundles are excluded as they already have a 20% discount built in.)
Let’s get Started:
Card Base:
4.25 x 11, scored and folded at 5.5
Card Face: 3 ⅞ x 5.5
Card Face:
- I laid my card face on the Grip Mat and positioned the Starry Rays stencil so that it was hanging off on the left hand side. I used light green ink across the exposed surface.
- Leaving that stencil in place, I secured the Floating Flowers stencil, applying a darker green ink over the exposed areas.
- I removed both stencils and spattered water lightly over the ink, blotting off quite quickly. This added texture and depth to this part of the design.
- I placed the card face in my Stamp Positioner and used Memento ink to stamp the image of the tulip.
- I coloured this with alcohol markers.
- I spattered purple metallic watercolour over the card face.
Other:
- I looked through my binder of sentiments and selected one that worked for the design.
Assembly
I added the card face to the card base, centering vertically.
I used a dark green marker and a ruler to draw a line down each side of the card face, creating a faux border layer.
I put dimensional foam on the back of the sentiment and put it in place as shown.
Final Thoughts:
I love this bold tulip, and the stencils created a fabulous background for it.
Supplies: (and links where possible)
   I have listed which products I have used, and where they may be purchased. It’s a huge marketplace and in most instances, there are multiple sources and many alternatives to choose from.
Stencils:
    Starry Rays, A Colorful Life Designs
    Floating Flowers, A Colorful Life Designs
Waffle Flower Grip Mat, 8.5 x 6.5, Scrapbook.com
Versamark Embossing Ink: Simon Says Stamp
Stamps: Sketched Tulip, Technique Junkies (no longer available)
Ink: Stampin’ Up!
Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up!
Versafine Onyx, Simon Says Stamp
Memento Ink: Stampin’ Up!
Alcohol Markers:
     Stampin’ Blends: Stampin’ Up!
     Copics: Wallacks
Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels
Card Base & Card Face: Accent 100 lb., Amazon
Do you have comments or thoughts to share on this design? Drop me a line in the Comments Section below – I’d love to hear from you!
You can also use the Comments Section to be added to the list, and notified when I release new work.
March 17 2025
Love What You Do, Share What You Love
Would you like to experiment with a design like this? You’ll find a supply list below, including a link to the stencil I used from A Colorful Life Designs. Follow the link and use discount code ChrisFan10 to save 10% on your entire order! (Master Creator Bundles are excluded as they already have a 20% discount built in.)
This card was created to thank a very talented instructor after a weekend of intense musical coaching. Whether making cards, singing or something else entirely — love what you do, and find time to do it.
Let’s get Started:
Card Base: 5.5 x 8.5, scored and folded at 4.25
Border Layer: 5.5 x 4.25
Card Face: 5.5 x 4.25
Scraps of black cardstock for frame and bow
Card Face:
- I laid the card face down on my Grip Mat and positioned the stencil.
- Using light turquoise, lime green and yellow I applied colour across all exposed surfaces.
- I went back over the entire surface, blending colours where they met and intensifying where necessary.
- I put the card face aside, allowing the ink to dry completely.
- After removing the stencil, I put the card face into the stamp positioner and put my Love What You Do stamp in place.
- I laid a piece of acetate over the card face and stamped on this first to be certain that I was happy with the placement. (Was it straight? Did it need to be higher? lower?) Once I was satisfied that it was centered and straight, I removed the acetate and stamped the image with Versafine Onyx.
Tip: Versafine Onyx is a pigment ink: these stay wet long enough to add embossing powder and set for great results.
- I sprinkled clear embossing powder over the Versafine, and set this with my heat gun.
- I lightly spritzed the card face with water, blotting it off with a paper towel. This added a lot of depth and texture to the card face.
- I used black reinker to add a bit of spatter to the card face.
- I used a punch on all four corners to add visual interest.
Other:
- I created a matching frame: Using two square dies that were very close in size, I taped them onto a scrap of black cardstock and ran them through the Big Shot. This created the small black frame around the stamped image.
- I pressed the square into my embossing ink pad, sprinkled it with clear embossing powder, and set it with my heat gun. (I did this to give the black cardstock the same depth as the sentiment.)
- I used a die to cut the tiny bow out of black cardstock.
- I wrapped silver metallic thread 5 x around the card face vertically on the left hand side. I secured this with adhesive tape on the back of the card.
- Using a small piece of the same thread, I tied a knot around all of the threads, pulling them in towards the center. After snipping off the ends of this thread I added a tiny bead of glue to be certain that the knot couldn’t come undone.
Assembly
- I glued the black border layer to the card base, and the card face on top of both of these. The black peeked through the design cut into the corners and provided a nice contrast.
- I glued the frame in place around the stamped image.
- I glued the bow in place on top of the metallic thread, over the knot.
Final Thoughts:
I didn’t add any embellishments to this card: the strong contrast and multiple textures meant that there was enough visual interest without anything else.
Both card making and singing fall into the Love What You Do category for me, and I am fortunate to be able to include both in my life. What do you love to do? let me know in the comments below.
Supplies: (and links where possible)
   I have listed which products I have used, and where they may be purchased. It’s a huge marketplace and in most instances, there are multiple sources and many alternatives to choose from.
Stencil: Boho Wheel, A Colorful Life Designs
Waffle Flower Grip Mat, 8.5 x 6.5, Scrapbook.com
Versamark Embossing Ink: Simon Says Stamp
Clear Embossing Powder: Wow, Simon Says Stamp
Stamps: this a stamp that I’ve had in my stash for a long time, and sadly I cannot
                  remember where I purchased it.
Dies: Everlasting Squares, Spellbinders, R&R Scrapbooking
Ink: Stampin’ Up!
Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up!
Versafine Onyx, Simon Says Stamp
Adhesive: Tombow Aqua, Michaels
Card Base & Card Face: Accent 100 lb., Amazon
Do you have comments or thoughts to share on this design? Drop me a line in the Comments Section below – I’d love to hear from you!
You can also use the Comments Section to be added to the list, and notified when I release new work.
March 17 2025