“Owl” make a fun card for you today! {Stamp School}

Hi friends! Today I am going to show you how you can stamps as pattern for painting with acrylics. This is really useful because you can extend an image to fit a shape or in this case a die.

I had always loved this gothic arch die set that I got ages ago in the bargain bin at a stamp show but the challenge came in finding stamps that filled the space well. Nothing ever seemed to fit right and the shape looked awkward on a card. I thought this owl and castle stamp would be perfect with this theme so I decided to make it work and ll show you how in today’s video! BTW if you don’t have a gothic arch die simply fold a piece of paper in half and draw half an arch and cut it out, open it up and you have a template to trace. Easy peasy!

How fun would this be as an invitation to a Halloween or Harry Potter themed birthday party? Tutorial sponsored by Top Flight Stamps! Use coupon code thefrugalcrafter10 to save 10% on your order!

Supplies from Top Flight Stamps:

• Hocus Pocus Stamp from IndigoBlu
• Fresco Finish Acrylic Paints
• Stamp Mat

Other supplies (some may be substitutes as dies were discontinued):

• Feather die
• Gothic arch nested die (I could only find this one)
• Banner die
• Heavy weight black and cream cardstock
• Grey cardstock
• Prismacolor colored pencils (black, white grey)
• White gel pen
• 6″x6″ stencil of rock wall cracks
• Paintbrushes
• Foam tape
• Double stock tape (ATG)
• Cosmetic sponges for stenciling
• Sea sponge for stippling the rocks *Always wet and wring out the sponge before using and rinse afterwards to you can use the sponge for years. You can also tear up a kitchen cellulose sponge to get the same effect.
• Stamp-a-ma-jig *You can probably use a hinged stamp positioner too but this in my favorite, it is cheap and easy and small to store! *Here is a more indepth tutorial on how to use a Stamp-a-ma-jig and also a way to DIY one using Legos.

A viewer on YouTube asked if he could use gouache instead of acrylics and yes, you sure can! When in doubt, try it out (it’s only a piece of paper after all!) I hope this project got you thinking about new ways to build cards and use your stamps! Let me know what you think of this project in the comments below and if you liked it please share it with a friend or pin it on Pinterest, there are handy sharing buttons below this post:) Happy crafting!

Sponsored by Top Flight Stamps. Affilate links used.

 

Stamp Giveaway (Worldwide!) & Acrylic Block Stamping-Stamp School

Hi friends! Today I am sharing a really fun and colorful cardmaking technique! The stamps I am using are from ArtNeko and they will be giving away the stamps I used on today’s project to one lucky reader. To enter the contest simply leave a comment and I will pick one lucky commenter next Wednesday! Good luck!

These card were so fun to make and I think a batch of these colorful creations would make a lovely gift or craft fair item too. If you are new to stamping I suggest you invest in mini ink cubes instead of full size pads because the raised top pads can ink any size stamp and you can have a big variety of colors in a small space and on a tiny budget. I also recommend buying reinkers as they get dry. There are many good brands but I like the Memento pads because I can always find reinkers at stamp shows if I need them. Here I have my mini ink pads in an empty Project Life page protector box and I have them all out and ready to go. Convenient huh?

Simply watch the video to see how it’s done!

Sponsored by Art Neko! *Save 10% off your next order of any size or get free shipping on orders over $50 (whichever discount is greater you get!) just by mentioning thefrugalcrafter!

Supplies:

• Stamps from ArtNeko: Fish, Fishing Boat, Octopus
• White heavyweight cardstock or smooth watercolor paper like Canson XL
• Mini Ink Cubes
• Black versafine ink
• Acrylic blocks
• Spray bottle with water
• Black pen (micron .04)
• Sequins 
• Nautical wood shapes These are the Kasiercraft ones I used but they are sold out:(
• Pattern paper 
• Envelope punch board (optional)
  *OR check out my no-template envelope trick in this video!

Directions:
1. Cut and score card bases. I took 8.5″ x 4.25″ cardstock and folded it in half for my cards. Also make envelopes to match.

2. Select an acrylic block and cover with ink from mini ink pads. spray with water (generously) and press on card bases. Let dry. Repeat for all card bases.

3. Stamp a focal image on each card with black ink.

4. Glue on wooden charms, add sequins and penwork if desired.

I have to be honest, some projects just give me joy to make and this was one of them. Sitting down with ink and making a (small) mess with colors and ink was the perfect way to decompress after a tough day. Creating can give us that releif from stress and worry that we so often need. Just like excersize rejuvinates out body creativity calms the soul (and it is a heack of a lot more healthy they eating a bag of potato chips LOL!) Don’t forget to leave a comment for a chance to win and til next time happy crafting!

Got 10 Minutes? Make a card!

Hi friends! Today I am going to share an inexpensive to make limited supplies card. I love to have a few quick and easy cards to make when time runs short but I still want to get crafty!

Watch the video and see how easy it is!

This video is sponsored by Rubber Stamp Tapestry  Use coupon code: LINDSAY17 – 20% off peg stamps and peg stamp sets on orders of $10 or more. Coupon expires July 3, 2017

Supplies:

• Peg Stamp set Delicate Rose 
• Unmounted Stamp Set Hello from Holland
• Stamp mount
• Kraft cardstock
• Basketweave embossing folder
• Blending brushes
• Dye inks (colors)
• Black waterproof ink 
• Clear marker waterbased blending pen
• White cardstock or watercolor paper
• Ribbon
• Post-it notes

Directions:
1. Stamp bicycle and hello with waterproof black ink on watercolor paper or cardstock.
2. Use a post it note to mask the basket and handle bars then stamp roses.
3. Color image with a clear marker and inks. *Press ink pads to a stamp mount to make a palette.
4. Emboss a 4″x5 1/4″ kraft panel and ink with a blending brush. Ink background of car as well with the blending brushes.
5. Wrap embossed panel with ribbon and tie a bow at the edge. Adhere to an A2 kraft card and then adhere your stamped panel on top.

A lovely card in minutes with limited supplies! If you had time to watch this video you have time to make this card. Happy crafting!

Fancy Card Edges: Stamp School!

Hi friends! A fun and simple way to dress up a card is to shape the edges. You can use scissors, punches, or even die cuts to do this. After shaping the edges you can embossing them as well to enhance the effect!

Learn this technique and make this quick and easy card today!

Video!

This video is sponsored by Rubber Stamp Tapestry! Use coupon code: LINDSAY17 – 20% off peg stamps and peg stamp sets on orders of $10 or more. Coupon expires July 3, 2017

Supplies:

• Peg Stamp Set Sugar Peas
• Peg Stamp Set Between The Paving Stones
• Unmounted set Live, Love Be Thankful
• Unmounted Set Uplifting Sentiments 
• Memento Dye inks
• White Cardstock
• Circle Punch 1 1/4″ and 1 1/2″
• Lace
• Hot glue and double-sided tape
• Scalloped border die cut (or use scallop scissors)
• Border embossing folder

Remember if you don’t have dies you can hand cut your edge like I showed in this tutorial.  I hope you enjoyed this video and til next time happy crafting!

 

Colored Pencil Tips & Inky Backgrounds on Kraft Cardstock {Stamp School}

Hi friends! Today I will show you how to make this card and share tips on coloring with colored pencils.

Watch the video for step by step instruction.

Sponsored by Art Neko  and B Muse *Save 10% off your next order of any size or get free shipping on orders over $50 (whichever discount is greater you get!) just by mentioning thefrugalcrafter!

Supplies:

• Stamps from Floral Sheet 1 (also available individually)
• Collage papers
• ATC Supplies
• Distress oxide inks
• Colored pencils (Chameleon color Tones, Review coming soon!)
• Brown dye ink
• Painters tape
• Bakers twine
• Glitter enamel dots

Colored Pencil Tips!

1. Go lightly at first. This will allow you to build up color and blend.
2. Match your pencil strokes to what you are coloring. Overlapping ovals work best for most subjects but if you have strong linear lines like the veins in a flower petal make your coloring linear to match.
3. Try coloring on colored cardstock, it will make less work for you as the areas you don’t apply pencil too will still have color.
4. Apply firmer pressure for final details. You can also color firmly over an area with a light shade (this is called burnishing) to fill in the tooth of the paper and get a smooth solid color.
5. If you are having trouble getting color to laydown on your paper choose a paper with more tooth or feels a bit rougher. You don’t want the super smooth paper you use for markers.

I hope you give some of these techniques a try! If you don’t have distress oxides and want to try the inky background techniques you can use chalk and pigment inks or ink the area up with white pigment ink and sponge dye inks on top. You know what I say? Use what you have! Happy crafting!

 

 

DIY Ombre Backgrounds Using Mini Ink-Pads! {Stamp School}

Hi friends! Today’s tutorial is going to help you get more use from the supplies you already have and save you some money too!

I love to make gradient backgrounds with my brayer and rainbow ink pads. I do not, however, like how expensive the rainbow and ombre ink pads are and if you think about it they are kind of limiting in their use. I had a brainstorm the other day: How about we line up the mini ink pads we already have and use them instead of rainbow pads? And guess what? It worked like a charm! If you have Versamark (resist or other embossing ink) you can stamp a design on the paper before inking for a cool resist look. Ready to play? Watch the video to see how!

Video!

This video is sponsored by Rubber Stamp Tapestry! Use coupon code: LINDSAY17 – 20% off peg stamps and peg stamp sets on orders of $10 or more. Coupon expires July 3, 2017
OR
Spend $50 or more (on ANYTHING) and get our Garden Veranda Peg Stamp Set FREE! Use coupon code: VERANDA at checkout! Coupon expires July 3, 2017

Supplies:

• Glossy Cardstock (Kromecote) *Glossy photo paper will work but the results will be a bit different, the stamped image will be lighter but not as white as with glossy and the ink will have a harder time to blend but it is still a pretty look.
• Stamps from Rubber Stamp Tapestry: Sunny Daisy, Brambly Rose, Falling Leaves and Uplifting Sentiments
• Dye based mini inks (Memento)
• Versamark ink (clear resist ink)
• Versamark pen
• Soft 4″ rubber brayer (Speedball)
• Other items for cardmaking: Cardstock, frame die, adhesive, button

 

Tips:
1. Make sure the Versmark ink is dry before you brayer on the ink.
2. Use dye inks for for brayering over resists.
3. Tack down your inkpads to a stamp block for easy of use. I used poster putty for this (AKA blue tack)
4. If you are using regular cardstock or photo paper keep in mind that the Versamark Watermark pen will not work, go for the Versamark pad.

I hope you give this a try, and let me know what you think! Have a great weekend and happy crafting!

 

Lovely, Easy & Frugal: Chalk Cards {Stamp School!)

Hi friends! If you have some chalk in your craft stash I encourage you to try this tutorial!

You are going to want decorator chalks (they come individually or in a palette like eye-shadow) or chalk pastels, not chalkboard chalk for this technique. You will also need something to apply the chalk with, I used daubers from Darice but I also like to use small white pon-poms, Q-tips or even make-up sponges. If you have tried something else that works let me know in the comments!

This video is sponsored by Rubber Stamp Tapestry! Use coupon code: LINDSAY17 – 20% off peg stamps and peg stamp sets on orders of $10 or more. Coupon expires July 3, 2017

Supplies:

• Stamps: Celery Rose Peg stamp set, Delicate Rose Peg Stamps, Falling Leaves unmounted stamp set, Uplifting Sentiments Unmounted
• Chalks
• Versamark inkpad
• Cardstock in white, pink, yellow and green (pastel shades)
• Die cuts of your choice (shapes and accents)
• Dye inks (Memento) Colors: Angel Pink, Rosebud, Espresso, Desert sand, New Sprout
• Brad and brad decoration
• Glue
• Double stick tape
• Foam squares

Directions for applying chalks:
1. Stamp image with Versamark ink.
2. Dab on chalk with a sponge, pom-pom or q-tip
3. Rub with applicator to set. You can wipe off excess chalk with a tissue.

You can also use this technique with mica powder too, simply brush it over the clear stamped image with a soft brush and the shiny stuff will stick to the wet ink and leave a pretty shimmy design, it works best on black cardstock. Thanks for stopping by and til next time happy crafting!

Do More with Your Ink Pads! Stamp School!

Hi friends! If you are new to stamping you probably don’t have every coloring tool out there. You might also limit your supplies due to storage space and budgetary concerns. Maybe you have everything you could ever want but you want a small kit of supplies that you can take on the go with you so you want your supplies to do double duty. Whatever the reason I am going to show you 3 different ways to use your ink pads to color your stamped images.

I will show you 3 methods of coloring in this video!

Sponsored by Art Neko *Save 10% off your next order of any size or get free shipping on orders over $50 (whichever discount is greater you get!) just by mentioning thefrugalcrafter!

Supplies:

• Stamps: Bird and nest from the Flowers and Whimsy set
• Dies: Spellbinders
• Bristol (what we stamped on) Canson XL
• Stencil brushes (small sizes)
• Color duster (Judikins)
• Sponge tip daubers (Darice)
• Waterbrush: Pentel
• Card bases: Micheals (or make them from cardstock)
• Patterened paper: DCWV
• Dye ink in several colors
• Burlap ribbon
• Bakers twine
• Doily
• Black Pigment ink (VErsafine onyx black)
• Black detail embossing powder
• Homemade anti-static tool (cornstarch in a fabric pouch)
• Adhesive (glue-zip-dry, Tape ATG)

Examples

This first example was colored by using small stiff bristles stencil brushes. You can get a similar look by using cotton swabs to apply the ink.

This example was done with a sponge applicator. You can get a similar look with sponge tipped eye-shadow applicators. The daubers I used in the video are called Embossing Brushes  (even though they are not a brush) and are made by Darice and came in a pack of 16 for around $5

The final example is watercolor and this is a great option if you don’t have many ink pads because you can mix colors easily on a palette before bringing the brush to paper.

Directions:
1. Wipe bristol board with corn starch pouch. Stamp with black and heat emboss with black powder.

2. Die cut stamped panels. Cut mats for the panels if desired.

3. Assemble cards, all but the stamped panels, and set aside.

4. Color each panel as shown in the video experimenting with the different ink applications.

5. Glue stamped panels to cards.

I think limiting your supplies expands your creativity! If you have any clever ideas for getting more from your ink pads or other supplies let us know in the comments! Happy crafting!

Paper Pieced Embossed Background Card!

Hi friends! Are you looking for a way to use up your scraps and create a pretty background? Try this!

You can see how I made these cards start to finish in today’s video!

This video is sponsored by Rubber Stamp Tapestry! Use coupon code: LINDSAY17 – 20% off peg stamps and peg stamp sets of orders of $10 or more. New stamps are being released soon, sign up for the Rubber Stamp Tapestry newsletter for bonus free projects and fun news! Coupon expires July 3, 2017

Supplies:

• Peg Stamp Sets: Sunny Daisy, Wisteria frame, Summers End
• Dye Ink (Memento)
• Gelly Roll Glaze Pens (for sentiment)
• Pattern paper scraps (I chose pastel yellow, pink and greens)
• Cardstock scraps in similar colors as pattern paper
• 5″x7″ Kraft card base ad envelope
• Black/white.cream Washi tapes
• Burlap ribbon
• Die Cut Felt (Quees & Co.)
• Buttons
• Twine
• Adhesive: ATG tape and Zip Dry liquid glue
• Silk flower
• Hexagon Punch (Fiskars) 1 1/2″
• White sketching paper or thin cardstock for making background
• Embossing folder

Directions:
1. Punch a bunch of hexagons from several pattern paper scraps.

2. Stamp small images on colored cardstock with a darker shade of in of the same color and punch out.

3. Arrange the paper pieces on white paper and glue down.

4. Trim paper to fit card based (4 1/2″ x6 1/2″) and emboss with an embossing folder if desired and adhere to card.

5. Embellish with ribbons, twine, buttons and flowers.

6. Write your sentiment slowly with a glaze gel pen, let dry, trim and adhere to project.

This is a great project to use up scraps, I hope you give it a try and til next time happy crafting!