Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Valentines Day Cards with a Twist!



I've you noticed recently that things have "cleared" a bit with regards to scrapbooking as well as stamping you'd be right! Acetate, acrylic and everything clear is the hottest trend.

Why not give that trend a try while making some cute Valentines day cards?

Here are a few ideas to get you moving in that direction!


Basic Supplies:
Adirondack Acrylic Dabber - Ranger
Ink Blending Tool & Foam - Ranger
Rub-ons - Die Cuts With a View
Harlequin Stamp - Stampers Anonymous
Disposable Paint Brush
Faux Gem Stones
Chipboard "R" Letter - Making Memories
Chipboard U - Handcut
Sequins Applique - unknown
Transparencies/Acetate Sheets - Office Depot
Bone Folder
General Instructions:
Trim transparency to desired size, fold to make a card.

Note - you will have to run a bone folder over the crease several times as some transparencies are very thick and don't hold the fold well.

To stamp on transparencies simply apply the paint to the rubber stamp and press gently onto the inside of the card front. Dry time will vary.


You must be very careful if you attempt to speed dry time with your heat tool. It may warp the card permanently.

To create the paint "swish" apply 2-3 colors of paint side by side on a fresh piece of Ink Blending Foam. On the inside of the card front in one swift motion draw an "S" with the Ink Blending Tool.

The painted lines are made in the same fashion as the swish. The only difference is you will make 2 parallel lines in one direction then make a 3rd line in the opposite direction.

You will be able to make several cards with one application of paint to the Ink Blending Foam. I was able to make 6 cards with one application. The 6th card is pictured below.
Paint around the edge of the card may be applied directly from the bottle or using the Ink Blending Tool.

You may also apply paint from the bottle using a small disposable paint brush or other instrument. I made the dot edge around the "XO XO" card by using a pencil eraser!


All rub-ons and other embellishments were added after the paints had completely dried.

Hopefully this will spark your creativity and inspire you to try your hand at some "clearly" cool Valentines Day Cards :)

Happy Stamping!!

7 comments:

  1. fun stuff! ;)

    i have some but I'm not sure I'm ready to bust it out... I'm not a huge fan of clear stuff!

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  2. Fun! Thanks for sharing!

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  3. I love the *clear* look. You have done some fantastic projects! Thanks for sharing this. I've been wanting to try my hand at it but didn't have the courage until I saw your Valentines! :)

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  4. ok, I busted it out... the ink is taking FORevah to dry!!

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  5. Jen, what type of ink are you using? I used paints on the card examples but if you use the right types of inks those will work as well.

    Pigment inks will never dry on a glossy surface like this. The only way they will dry is if they are heat embossed which may cause warping. If you do have pigment inks and don't want to try embossing, simply wipe it off.

    Some dye inks will dry but they take forever.

    Staz-on, Archival Ink and some "Hybrid" type inks work best on slick surfaces like this.

    HTH!

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  6. I am the proud owner of the one with the heart!! I got it last year, and it is sitting right on a shelf in my crafting room! I love the clear cards, but have to say that I never had the guts to try it myself! Maybe it's time I got up the courage (and the paint) to try, right?!!

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Thanks for your thoughts and comments!