It may be mid-January, but perhaps you have honeybees and springtime on your mind. I was so excited to use the Honeybee Home Bundle in my Make It Monday demonstration. If you would like to watch the step-by-step making-of video for this sweet-as-honey card, here is the link.
The Honeybee Home Bundle is new to the January-June 2022 Mini Catalog by Stampin’ Up!. When you purchase the bundle, you automatically save 10%. But if you prefer, you can order the stamp set or dies as separate items. Let’s take a look at them!
Honeybee Home Stamp Set
The Honeybee Home Stamp Set is a red rubber cling variety. There are 12 stamps, with 3 of the images as uniquely styled honeybees. This set also has 3 different styles of flowers for our lucky bees to visit. And the 6 sentiments have sweet scripty font and lovely things to say. Can you imagine the variety of colors you would use to make beautiful flowers using this stamp set?
Honeybee Blooms Dies
The Honeybee Blooms Dies coordinate perfectly with the Honeybee Home Stamp Set. You will be able to die cut each unique stamped honeybee with your die cutting machine. And of course, there is a die for each flower stamp image. In addition, you will receive 3 dies that cut silhouette flowers and greens (these dies do not coordinate with stamps). This die set boasts 9 total dies.
The embossed effect is subtle. If you add some ink with a sponge or Blending Brush, you will highlight the raised portions of paper. For the cards I completed using this technique, I used the Basic Patterns Decorative Masks, but any mask will work. To see additional ways to use decorative masks, click here.
Coloring With Blender Pens
Another technique used on this card was the one I colored my stamped flowers and honeybee with: Blender Pens. After stamping my images using Memento Black Ink, I added color to the images using my ink pads with blender pens. Now, I didn’t just grab ink from the foam pad itself…that would be a very dark ink application of color.
Instead, I squeezed my ink pad while it was in the closed position to get some ink to transfer from the foam side to the plastic cover opposite it. This is harder than it seems, but very necessary to get a good ink coloring application.
If you are having trouble getting the ink to transfer from one side to the next, try re-inking your ink pad. A juicy pad will share ink more readily. After successfully transferring ink, use the back of a plastic spoon to push the excess refill into the foam pad.
Bumblebee or Fresh Freesia?
One thing that I love to do is make an exact copy of my card in another color scheme. The original design called for Bumblebee Cardstock. But to mix it up, I pulled out some Fresh Freesia Cardstock and started over once filming was complete. Did you miss the cardmaking video how-to link? Click here to watch.
Notice that I used different masks on each card! A new color always brings fresh perspective…and in this case it brought Fresh Freesia as well. Which color scheme do you prefer? For more card ideas using Fresh Freesia, click here.
Your Honeybee Home Bundle
If you love these cards and need the supplies to create them, now is a great time to check out my online store. Sale-A-Bration is happening! With a qualifying order of the Honeybee Home Bundle (and an add-on item like the Playing With Patterns Resin Dots used on these cards), your order will qualify you for a FREE Sale-A-Bration selection. That’s right… a stamp set, some paper…you decide what your freebie will be.
But hurry, Sale-A-Bration ends on February 28, 2022. Don’t miss out on this honey of a sweet offer. You will soon be creating bee-utiful cards of your own!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
The variety in the Basic Pattern Decorative Masks is wonderful, and this set has something for everyone. Part I in my mini series on Decorative Masks focused on the Dot Mask, and creating a textured background. In Part II, I covered the Victorian Mask and the spritzing technique.
This post will cover my favorite, and the easiest technique, sponging! I think you will soon discover all the wonderful possibilities the world of sponging can open up.
Sponging Technique
I have been a huge fan of sponging since my very early days of stamping. There are currently two different options to sponge with in the Stampin’ Up! catalog, Stampin’ Sponges (item #141337) and Sponge Brayers (item #141714). These two items do the same job, but much differently.
Sponges are some of my favorite things in the craft room! Just add ink.
Stampin’ Sponges
Why sponges? They are small enough to apply ink to the edges of any paper cut, and you have more dexterity in applying ink via the pressure of your own hand.
When I use a sponge, I dab it onto the ink pad, picking up as much or as little ink as I like. It is easy for me hold the paper I want to sponge and add ink at the same time. Reloading the sponge with additional ink is a breeze.
A Sponge In Every Color
Stampin’ Sponges come as a set of 3. But these large rounds are not meant to be used as full circles. First, I cut each sponge in half. From there, each half is cut into thirds, and this creates 6 wedges of sponge all together from one round.
I like to designate a sponge wedge to every ink color individually. I never have to clean my sponge (by rinsing it with water and waiting for it to dry) or wonder what color I used it for last.
Using a label punch (mine is long retired but I like the consistency), I punch a coordinating piece of cardstock color. Once the label is folded in half, I use a sharpie to write the ink color name on it. Lastly, I staple it to the top of my sponge, leaving the large base open on the bottom.
My Sponge Storage
How do I possibly store a sponge wedge for every color? I currently have 6 plastic bins (the kind used for beads or stitching thread) at my disposal. Once upon a time they were very organized by color families and easy to locate at a glance. Families have changed and grown, and I have some catching up to do in the organizing process, but this still works for me!
Some prefer to keep sponges generic to reds, pinks, blues, greens etc, rather than having one designated for each specific ink color.
Sponge Brayers
Sponge Brayers took the place of the hard rubber brayer in2016. These brayers come in a set that contains 2 handles and 4 sponge heads. This makes it easy to change them out during a project. When I am done using the brayer, I run it under cold water to rinse out the ink. Next, I squeeze out the sponge, and let it finish air drying.
FUN FACT: I have a cat that thinks my sponge brayer heads are edible. I have a sponge that is missing chunks out of it. Lesson learned, I keep them out of her reach now.
To use the brayer, you need to “load” the sponge head with ink by rolling it repeatedly over the ink pad. This is a lot like loading a paint roller when you paint your walls. It is hard to tell how much ink is actually on the brayer at any given time. I find testing the ink saturation first is best.
Sponge brayers are meant to be used while the paper is flat on your work surface. This makes them perfect for use with the Basic Pattern Decorative Masks!
Set Up For Sponging Success
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 Mask Mosaic design 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.
Now for the real fun, adding ink. I started with the lightest of my color choices, the Crushed Curry (yellow) and applied the ink via the brayer to the top third of my cardstock.
After my sponge brayer was low on ink, I ran it across my paper to “faux clean” it. Then, I started the same process with the Pumpkin Pie (orange), overlapping the Crushed Curry just a bit to blend the two colors.
Lastly, I moved on to the Cajun Craze (rusty red). By overlapping the Pumpkin Pie, I was able to get some great gradient colors.
***It is important to note that moving from lighter to darker ink colors without cleaning or changing the sponge head is okay. Do not ever go dark to light in this manner, you will end up with muddy discolored ink pads!
This is a great example of starting the sponging process well off the intended paper. The first time the sponge hits anything, it produces very dark ink. By giving the sponge some lead up time, you avoid a dark line of ink that is hard to blend in.
Fabulous Fall Card
The ink choices I used with the Basic Pattern Decorative Mosaic Mask brought on thoughts of Fall. So, I turned to the stamp set Gather Together (item #150589, which is making a come back in the August-December 2020 Mini Catalog) and my favorite, the Forever Fern Bundle (item # 154094). Combined with a card base in Cinnamon Cider and an additional layer in Merry Merlot, this sponged piece was set up for success.
I stamped the berry image from the Forever Fern Bundle in Cajun Craze Ink and die cut it with the coordinating die. I am a huge fan of this stamp in any color!
Additional pieces cut from the Forever Flourishing Dies provided lots of foliage for my card. From the large fern die, I only needed the top portion, so I trimmed away some of the bottom of my Old Olive Cardstock.
Crushed Curry and Merry Merlot Cardstock complimented additional die cuts. Luckily, this die set includes 4 of the small leafy dies, so one run thru my die cutting machine garnered me all of them at once!
New to the 2020-2021 Annual Stampin’ Up! Catalog is their Velveteen Cardstock (item #153557). This soft flocked paper is fun to touch, and the Cinnamon Cider color was perfect for my card and some die cuts.
Like a frugal crafter, I made the most of this expensive paper, getting my die cuts in the smallest use of paper. Waste not, want not!
Additional Elements
The focal point of my card is the sentiment “Gather Together”, and I stamped it in Merry Merlot Ink before punching it out with the 1-1/2″ Circle Punch (item #138299). From a piece of Merry Merlot CS, I punched a 2″ circle (item #133782) and embossed it with the Tasteful Textile 3D Embossing Folder (item #152718).
A fancy card calls for some fancy paper, and I used a Forever Gold Laser-Cut Specialty (item #152493) accent tag. I also pulled out the Forever Greenery Trim Combo Pack (item #152475).
Is there a thing as too many gold accents on a card? I thought not, so added in some Metallic Pearls (item #146282) and applied them with the help of my Take Your Pick Tool (item #144107) for easy transfer.
I store my embellishments on cardstock paper in Standard (DVD style) Stamp Cases (item #119105).
Putting It All Together
When I assembled this card, I started with the Vanilla 1/2″ ribbon, and ruched it along to the edge of my sentiment piece. First, I dry fit my gold laser-cut label and marked the edge with my pencil. Next, I applied a small strip of Tear & Tape Adhesive (item # 138995) where the ribbon would go.
I removed the tape’s front facing sticky strip, then stuck the ribbon down while making small scrunches. This tape allowed me to pull up the ribbon and start over or adjust as needed.
I wrapped the excess ribbon around the back of my Merry Merlot Cardstock.
From here, it was a matter of getting all my die cuts lined up in a manner that I liked. I took advantage of more Tear & Tape Adhesive to anchor the ends, which would eventually be covered by my sentiment.
Gather Together
This finished card is elegant and refined, and the Mosaic Mask from the Basic Pattern Decorative Masks made the perfect back-drop. Sponging any ink in any colors will yield you fantastic results as well! Here’s another look at the finished card!
Looking for sponges, inks and masks to add to your craft room supplies? Check my online store, https://juliemakson.stampinup.net/ anytime. And be sure to come back for the grand finale in my Mini Series on Basic Pattern Decorative Masks and another technique in using them!
