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Basic Pattern Decorative Masks: Trees

July 17, 2020

Decorative Masks Part IV

Card made with tree decorative pattern mask

Basic Pattern Decorative Masks (item #150697) come in a set of 4 masks, sized 6 x 6″ each. They are thin and pliable, plastic in nature and easily cleaned. The enclosed insert lists 5 different methods you can use when you create with these decorative masks: spritz, sponge, trace, emboss and texture.

In Part I of my series, I covered the Dots Mask and Embossing Paste. For Part II, I moved on to the Victorian Mask and Spritzing. Part III of this series on Decorative Masks covers the Mosaic Mask and Sponging. And in the final post of my series, I am using the Tree Mask and Heat Embossing.

Heat Embossing

Heat embossing requires the use of a Heat Tool (item #129053) and embossing powder. The result of heat embossing is shiny (or glossy) raised images that are lovely both visually and as texture.

When I heat emboss, I prefer to use VersaMark Ink, a clear ink also used to create watermark images. VersaMark Ink holds the embossing powder that needs to be heated to a melting point quite well, but a very wet ink pad in any color will also work.

Heat Tool and Embossing Powders — Stampin’ Up! Embossing Powders come in Gold, Silver, White and Clear. Over the years there have been many color versions, and I have a vast array of them. I keep the commonly used Embossing Powders in plastic containers, along with a plastic spoon for use.

I have the older Stampin’ Up! Heat Tool as well as the current version, and a wooden stand that holds either. My stand makes it hands free easy: I just turn on the heat and hold my paper under it until the powder is completely melted. I recommend using a clothespin or clip on your paper to help extend your hand away from the heat, it can get intense!

Tips For Heat Embossing

*Make sure you use the Embossing Buddy if you have one. This helps keep static off your paper and the Embossing Powder from collecting where you don’t want it. Stampin’ Up! no longer sells them, but you can purchase them elsewhere.

*Keep that VersaMark Inkpad full of ink! If the ink pad is too dry, the powder will not stick to your paper and you will have splotchy embossing. I always recommend you buy a refill when you buy an ink pad.

*If your Embossing Powder becomes damp or collects any moisture, it will not stick and melt properly. You can place a few pieces of dry rice into your container to absorb the unwanted moisture.

*You don’t have to use VersaMark! If your ink pad is really wet, you can use any color of ink with the Clear Embossing Powder and you will get wow results!

*Don’t over-heat your embossed piece. You will be able to see the melting process as the waves of heat hit your image and the powder begins to melt. Move your paper slowly under the heat so your paper doesn’t scorch and you reach all intended areas.

*Carefully inspect your embossed piece to see if you missed any areas before touching it. If you have missed an area that still has dry powder, touching it will remove the powder and leave a smudgy blank spot. Put the paper back under the heat where needed for a brief touch up.

Setting Up For Heat Embossing Success

You can heat emboss with or without a mask. Just like in my previous Decorative Mask posts, I suggest securing your paper and mask to avoid shifting mid-work.

I took advantage of a Tombow Removable Adhesive Tape Runner, and secured my cardstock to my graph paper. This kind of tape runner allows temporary holds, and is easily removed without tearing or residue. In fact, when I rub my finger across the removable adhesive, it crumbles away like pencil erasing. Only a very small amount is needed here.

Next, I secured the Basic Pattern Decorative Tree Mask in the exact position I wanted it to be. This time I used Painters Tape to hold the mask down. I made sure I did not cover my cardstock with the tape.

Preparing the Tree Decorative Mask for heat embossing use

To get a good coating of the VersaMark Ink over my mask, I removed the cover and applied the entire ink pad over the mask surface, in the same manner I would apply ink to a large stamp.

After I applied the VersaMark, I carefully removed the mask and immediately added Gold Embossing Powder to my cardstock. The plastic spoon in my container helps me scoop the dry powder over the paper. I angle the paper over the container so the loose powder goes back in without creating a huge mess.

Next up: heat embossing!

Gold embossed image using tree decorative mask — This was my first attempt at this technique. In hindsight, my VersaMark Ink Pad could have been wetter for a better application resulting in more gold powder to heat. Wherever the light is hitting the paper is where you really see the shine effect.

The VersaMark Ink left my stencil very sticky. When I rinsed it in water to clean the stencil, the residue did not go away. I added some soap and my stencil was in good shape after that!

Oh Christmas Card-inal

The beautiful gold embossing needed a fancy card layout, and the Tree Mask background brought to mind birds. The oversized cardinal stamp from the Toile Christmas Stamp Set (item #150469), and coordinating Christmas Cardinal Dies( item #150640) were the perfect fit for something special!

I began by stamping my cardinal in Memento Black Ink onto Whisper White Cardstock. I used Stampin’ Blends in a variety of colors to create my feathered friend’s look. After I die cut the cardinal out, I fussy cut some of the additional white outline and finished coloring all the edges.

Using Stampin' Blends to color cardinal from Toile Christmas Stamp Set

I stamped the branch with berries from the Toile Christmas Stamp Set in the same manner, except this time I stamped off first for a lighter black outline. Again, the Stampin’ Blends helped me create beautiful rich color in no time.

Branch stamp from Toile Christmas Stamp Set and Stampin' Blends

Merry And Bright

The sentiment I chose from the Toile Christmas Stamp Set has a coordinating die too. Because my card base and layer colors were more nature themed, I wanted my sentiment to blend in as well. I experimented with Crumb Cake and Soft Suede Cardstock using Mossy Meadow Ink.

Sentiment from Toile Christmas Stamp Set and die — The Soft Suede was more gold toned, but too dark, so I chose the lighter Crumb Cake version.

Little Embellishments

I love to add a little flair, or spray of paper fun, around my focal piece. The dies in the Christmas Cardinal Dies make this simple to accomplish. First, I die cut the green leaves using Mossy Meadow Cardstock. Next, I added a little ink by sponging the same color over them to deepen my images.

Die cut leaves from Christmas Cardinal Dies and Mossy Meadow Ink and sponge

What goes with gold? More gold. I used small scraps from my Gold Foil Sheets (item #132622) to die cut the sweetest swirls. I also pulled some Real Red Double Stitched Satin Ribbon (item #151155) for accent.

Swirl dies from Christmas Cardinal Dies and Gold Foil Paper

Flight To Success

Once I had all the elements of my card in order, the assembly process was a breeze. I used a combination of Tombow Liquid Glue, Stampin’ Seal, Tear & Tape, and Stampin’ Dimensionals for adhesive.

Finished card using heat embossing and the tree decorative pattern mask

As you can see, heat embossing with the Basic Pattern Decorative Masks is easy and versatile, and another great way to incorporate masks into your projects. If you missed any of the installments of decorative mask use, be sure to read back thru my posts for additional ideas and information.

Cards made with Basic Pattern Decorative Masks — Four different pattern masks, four different techniques, four different cards!

Looking for any of the supplies I used in my card today? Head over to my online store, https://juliemakson.stampinup.net. You will be sure to find just what you are looking for, and even more!

Welcome Easter Stamp Set

April 9, 2020

In springtime, and especially at Easter-tide, we all look to herald the season with sweet pastel colors. The Welcome Easter Stamp Set definitely provides the “sweet”, and I chose great pastel colors to create these adorable, welcoming cards.

You will find that the Welcome Easter Stamp Set does more than welcome Easter. There is also a sentiment to welcome a new baby, or greet a sweet friend. I picture myself pulling out these stamps all year to make birthday cards for the young, and the young at heart.

Welcome Easter Stamp Set item 151559 — Welcome Easter Stamp Set, item 151559

Basic Card Recipe

All of the cards pictured above were made with the same card recipe. I made each card unique by changing the cardstock choices, designer series paper, embossing folder and stamped image.

Each card contains:

Cardstock base, 5 1/2 x 8 1/2″, scored and folded in half
Layer 1: 4 1/8 x 5 3/8″
Embossed Whisper White: 2 1/2 x 4″
Designer Series Paper (DSP): 2 1/2 x 4″
Cardstock Circle: 2 1/2″
Whisper White Circle: 2 1/4″
Sentiment, Whisper White: 3/4 x 2 3/4″
Inside Layer (if desired) Whisper White 4 x 5 1/4″

Creating Circles

First, I stamped the critter images from the Welcome Easter Stamp Set onto Whisper White Cardstock, using Memento Tuxedo Black Ink. After stamping, I punched these images out using my 2 1/4″ Circle Punch. I then used my 2 1/2″ Circle Punch with colorful cardstock, to layer behind my stamped image.

If you don’t have these particular circle punches, another option in your craft arsenal may be the Layering Circles Dies. It is easy to choose the correct size needed by “dry-fitting” the die to the stamped image. Then, choose a larger die to create the colorful layer.

Circle Punches and Layering Circles Dies

Designer Series Paper

Along with the Welcome Easter Stamp Set, the Designer Series Paper used in the making of these cards also came from Stampin’ Up!’s January-June 2020 Mini Catalog.

At first glance, the Best Dressed 6 x 6″ DSP looks like flowers and make-up. But, fortunately, all Designer Series Paper is two sided! I chose pastel colors from this paper stack for all but the Blue Bunny Card.

Best Dressed DSP item 151319 — Best Dressed 6 x 6″ DSP, item #151319

The Blue Bunny Card uses DSP from another 6 x 6″ paper stack, titled Birthday Bonanza. Again, at first glance, this paper appears to be animals and birthday themed. However, there are two sides to this paper also!

Pink Bunny Card

The cardstock base for the Pink Bunny Welcome Easter Card is in Flirty Flamingo, along with the 2 1/2″ circle. Layer 1 is in Blushing Bride.

I specifically chose the embossing folder, Basket Weave 3D, because it reminded me of an Easter basket when paired with the adorable bunny. The DSP is from the Best Dressed paper stack.

I used Stampin’ Blends to color my pink bunny. Dark Flirty Flamingo was used to accent the ears, nose and feet. (Retired) Light Pink Pirouette was used to shade in the rest of the bunny. I left the teeth and chest ruff uncolored.

Blue Bunny Card

If your Welcome Easter Bunny Card is too pink, turn it blue! Blue happens to be my granddaughter’s favorite color, so I made her Easter card to order, as any awesome grandmother would do!

The cardstock base is Balmy Blue, as is the 2 1/2″ circle. Layer 1 is Mint Macaron. Again, I used the Basket Weave 3D Embossing Folder. And this is the only card in the group that uses DSP from the Birthday Bonanza paper stack.

When coloring the blue bunny, I turned to my Stampin’ Blends again. This time, Dark Balmy Blue and Light Balmy Blue did the job. I used the Color Lifter Blend to lighten the blue color on the bunny’s face and body. The teeth and chest ruff were left uncolored.

Yellow Chick Card

The cardstock color, So Saffron, is the perfect option as a base for the Welcome Easter Yellow Chick card. Layer 1 is in Pumpkin Pie, and for this card, the 2 1/2″ circle is as well.

I chose the embossing folder, Beads & Baubles, because the drooping beads are oval, or egg shape, in nature. We will not get into the age old debate, “Which came first, the chicken or the egg?”. The DSP is from the Best Dressed paper stack.

It was so easy to color in this baby chick. I used Light So Saffron to color the body, followed by Dark Pumpkin Pie for the comb, beak, legs and feet.

Blue Lamb Card

This Welcome Easter Card was also specially crafted, for my grandson’s very first Easter. The cardstock color base and 2 1/2″ circle are in Balmy Blue. Layer 1 is in Highland Heather.

Here, I chose the embossing folder, Eyelet Lace, as it reminded me of curly wool, especially when used with Whisper White Cardstock. The DSP is from the Best Dressed paper stack.

There was minimal coloring for the lamb, he is mostly white. I did use the Dark Balmy Blue Stampin’ Blend for the ears, nose, ribbon and feet. I also added some white swirls to the lamb’s body with the Chalk Marker.

Unlike the blends, do not use the Chalk Marker over top of the black stamped image lines, stay within the boundaries. The Chalk Marker will dull your lines, whereas the Stampin’ Blends do not.

Happy Easter

My Welcome Easter themed cards say it all: “Happy Easter”! I used Memento Tuxedo Black Ink for my sentiment on the 3/4 x 2 3/4″ Whisper White Cardstock. After stamping, I attached all of the card layers to the card base with adhesive.

And Beyond

Like I mentioned above, the Welcome Easter Stamp Set doesn’t need to be limited to Easter cards. Neither does this card recipe! It is simple enough to use these measurements and design when making any card.

If you are looking for additional easy card recipes, please take a look at my Monday’s Are Hard, Stamping Shouldn’t Be Series. And if you enjoyed these cards or this tutorial, please feel free to pin or share!

Most of the products used in making the Welcome Easter cards can be found in my online store, https://www.juliemakson.stampinup.net. Shopping with me has its merits, Mainley Stamping Merits, where earning a free stamp set is just one of the ways I thank each of my customers.

For now, I thank you for spending your time on my blog today. Please visit again soon, I look forward to sharing more stamping projects and insights with you!

Paper Heart Bouquet

February 11, 2020

With just days to go before Valentine’s Day, here is a centerpiece with loads of charm. It is quickly and easily put together, see the “how to assemble” photo sequence below. The only hard part is deciding to keep it, or gift it to someone you love.

Start with a glass jar and a cute patterned paper for the insert. Any clean food jar or canning jar works well, as long as you can roll the paper to fit inside the jar mouth. For this project, I am using From My Heart Specialty Designer Series Paper. The beauty of Stampin’ Up! DSP is that it is double sided, with different coordinating patterns front and back (so no ugly side).

Next, you will need lots of hearts. Make sure you use a variety of paper with interesting and unique patterns and colors. You will need 2 hearts of the same pattern to compose each individual pick. I quickly punched out hearts using the Heart Punch Pack from Stampin’ Up!. One punch is a traditional heart shape and the other heart punch has a scalloped edge.

Making the heart picks will require some thin dowels or wooden sticks. Keep in mind that your wood picks need to be taller than your glass jar. I used Tear and Tape Adhesive (strong holding, double sided tape) and Stampin’ Dimensionals to assemble each heart pick. In the following photo you will see the best placement for each.

Secure the heart with adhesive only to the wood pick first. After that, sandwich the second heart (that contains adhesive and dimensionals) over the wood pick and line up with the first heart. The dimensionals help to secure the two hearts back to back as well as buffer the void that the stick creates between the heart layers.

Pretty ribbons in corresponding colors add soft texture and allure. I chose to use traditional red, pink and white for my heart picks. Some are tied in simple knots and others are bows. If your ribbon tends to slide down your pick, roll up a glue dot and use it to secure your ribbon to the pick.

Your jar may need extra love, and a band of ribbon added around the outer rim is just the answer. Cut your ribbon just a bit longer than the jar circumference and overlap slightly where the ends of the ribbon meet. I used the Tear and Tape again to secure the wide ribbon band.

Add ribbon to your ribbon! I used a smaller white ribbon to tie a bow over the larger red one. Next, I punched out 4 small hearts and attached them back to back to the dangling bow strands, using glue dots to secure. How cute is that?

Time to put it all together. If you want your bouquet to be loose and fluid, like wildflowers, just put the heart picks in the jar in any order. This makes if fun to ruffle and mix at will. And if a guest visits or a co-worker pops into your cubicle, it is easy to remove one and gift it away.

If you are looking for some variance in height or a floral centerpiece design, consider adding some styro-foam in the base of your jar (again make sure it fits thru the jar mouth opening). Stab the picks into the foam in different depths. You can also add tissue paper to give the picks something to “dig” into with the same effect.

No matter what pattern paper you use, or what height you keep your centerpiece, this heart bouquet adds sweetness to any space. Not only is it quick and easy to create, but minimal cost is involved. No need to water, weed, or throw away this bouquet…just craft and enjoy.

If you liked this project, share it or save it to Pinterest. I am thinking about making a shamrock bouquet for St Patrick’s Day, then a colorful Easter egg bouquet, followed by a darling spring flower bouquet for Mother’s Day. Leave me a comment and tell me what you are inspired to make!