Crafting Supplies
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For this project, the essential supplies include:
- Yupo paper: Its smooth surface is perfect for allowing alcohol ink to flow across it effortlessly.
- Dies: I’m using a mix of older die sets including the Simon Says Stamp’s Streaming Heart, Simon Says Stamp Love sentiment die, and a Hero Arts Love & Florals die with “love” in bold letters, reminiscent of the famous love sculpture in Philadelphia.
- Alcohol Inks: I’ve chosen a vibrant palette of reds, purples, blues, and a special silver alloy mix-in all from Tim Holtz/Ranger.
- Tools: An ink dauber for applying the ink, an alcohol blending solution, isopropyl alcohol, and tape.
The Process
Creating Backgrounds with Alcohol Ink
I recently watched a demonstration by Tim Holtz, which inspired me to try a new technique for creating backgrounds. The method involves dabbing various colors onto the Yupo paper and then manipulating the ink with an alcohol blending solution. However, be cautious with the blending solution as it can be harmful if inhaled.
Speedy Ink Application
If you’re not satisfied with how a section looks, simply adding a bit of alcohol can refresh the canvas. A heat tool can also be used to dry the ink and add interesting textures.
Designing Wispy Ink Patterns
For a different effect, I experimented with creating wispy ink patterns. By strategically placing ink and using a blower, I was able to blend the colors into a beautiful, airy design.
Embellishing with Die Cuts
After creating various backgrounds, it’s time to use the die cuts. I used the streaming heart die to cut shapes from cardstock, which were then layered over the inked backgrounds. The shimmering cardstock and Bristol smooth paper added extra shine.
Assembling the Cards
I assembled the cards by gluing the die-cut cardstock over the alcohol ink backgrounds. The trick is to choose the part of the background that complements the die cut the best. Foam tape was used to add dimension to the card fronts.
Special Techniques
Making a Shaker Card
Due to some flaking from the silver alloy ink, I decided to turn one card into a shaker card. This involved securing a piece of clear packaging over the card front and adding a variety of shaker elements like sequins and stars. The result was a delightful card with an interactive element.
Adding Sentiments
The final touch was adding sentiments to the cards. I used a die from Simon Says Stamp to cut out the word “love” from silver mirrored cardstock. Layering several cuts together gave the sentiment a more robust and dimensional look.
Conclusion
Crafting these Valentine’s cards was a journey of creativity and experimentation. The combination of alcohol inks and simple die cuts resulted in cards that are both visually striking and heartfelt. With minimal supplies, you too can create these unique and beautiful cards. Remember, it’s all about enjoying the process and embracing your creative spirit.
Until next time, keep your crafty goodness cup full!
Product Links
PAPER
—— YUPO PAPER
https://amzn.to/3TUBgfl
—— BRISTOL SMOOTH
Blick: https://shrsl.com/4dxto
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3tFtb3t
—— PAPER ROSE DAISY WHITE SHIMMER CARDSTOCK
https://www.simonsaysstamp.com/products/paper-rose-daisy-white-shimmer-cardstock-a5
INK
—— RANGER/TIM HOLTZ ALCOHOL INK SUPPLIES
https://shrsl.com/4dguh
—— ALCOHOL INK (variety of colors)
Blick: https://shrsl.com/4dxts
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3TSpiTi
—— INK BLENDING SOLUTION
Blick: https://shrsl.com/4dxtt
—— ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL
—— FOAM TAPE
https://amzn.to/3TVX8qy
—— FOAM SQUARES
https://amzn.to/3RWOzZM
DIES
—— HERO ARTS LOVE AND FLORALS DIE SET
https://shrsl.com/4dgva
—— SSS STREAMING HEART WAFER DIE
https://www.simonsaysstamp.com/products/simon-says-stamp-streaming-heart-wafer-dies-s530-love
—— SSS LOVE 2 WAFER DIE (Sentiment)
https://www.simonsaysstamp.com/products/simon-says-stamp-love-2-wafer-die-sssd111695
—— SSS SPLENDID LEAVES EMBOSSING FOLDER
https://www.simonsaysstamp.com/products/simon-says-stamp-embossing-folder-splendid-leaves-sf215
EMBELLISHMENTS
—— PINKFRESH STUDIO SAPPHIRE JEWELS
https://www.scrapbook.com/store/pfs-pf069es.html
CARD MAKING TOOLS AND FAVORITE PRODUCTS
TOOLS
—— MINI MISTI STAMP POSITIONER
https://shrsl.com/482et
— — ALTENEW STAMPWHEEL
https://shrsl.com/4axep
—— SIZZIX BIG SHOT DIE CUT MACHINE
https://amzn.to/47Zey9r
—— SPELLBINDERS PLATINUM SIX
https://shrsl.com/4bipu
—— HEAT TOOL
https://amzn.to/3R5GhOX
—— COTTON TAIL ANTI STATIC EMBOSSING TOOL
https://shrsl.com/4bx0p
—— FOAM APPLICATOR INK BLENDING TOOL
https://www.scrapbook.com/store/sbc-dome-1-2.html
—— SCOR-BUDDY
https://shrsl.com/4ahw5
—— TRINITY STAMPS PICK UP STICK
https://trinitystamps.com/products/trinity-pick-up-stick
*ADHESIVE *
—— ART GLITTER GLUE LIQUID ADHESIVE
https://amzn.to/3t522q4
—— TOMBOW TAPE RUNNER
Tombow: https://shrsl.com/4ahvp
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3uIiVaR
—— QUICKIE GLUE PEN
https://shrsl.com/4bx0t
https://amzn.to/3Nb5V3w
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