Fun Techniques with Masking, Watercoloring with Markers, Distress Oxides and No-Template Envelopes!

Hi friends! Today we are going to explore our supplies and make a stack of fun Happy Birthday cards!

These are addictive and the thing I love about batch projects like this is how you can practise a new skill and end up with a practical stack of cards because who doesn’t need a stack of birthday cards on hand. The would make great craft fair items too! I know these cards look pretty simple but I have packed this tutorial full of real-time step-by-step techniques that I hope you will find useful for your next card project.

Video!

This tutorial is sponsored by Top Flight Stamps! SAVE 10% off your next order with coupon code: thefrugalcrafter10 *USA orders of $50+ ship free!

Supplies from Top Flight Stamps:

• Katzelkraft Monsters Stamp Set

• Katzelcraft Torn Paper Stamp Set

• Katzelkraft Clouds stamp (used to look like aged plaster!)

• Carabelle Studio Stamping Mat

• Also Shown: Kazelkraft Cats, Katzelkraft Dogs

• *Note, all Katzelkraft stamps are sold unmounted. I used EZ Mount foam to mount them so they would cling to my stamp blocks. To use simply stick the rubber sheet to the sticky side of the foam and trim around the rubber design to make a cling mount stamp.

Other supplies:

• Watercolor paper (arteza-stamp on the smooth side)

• Kraft cardstock 

• Ranger Archival black inkpad 

• Distress Oxide inks in Abandoned Coral (or fired brick) and Spiced Marmalade

• Mini ink applicators

• Arteza real brush pens

• Small flat waterbrush (prima or arteza)

• Stitched/pierced dies Square and Circle

• Patterned scrapbook paper to match your ink and marker colors

• Post-it notes

• Gel Pens

• Acrylic stamping blocks 

• Crop a dial

• Eyelets 

• Adhesive ATG gun & foam squares

• Other: Spray bottle of water, paper towel

In this video you will learn the following techniques: 1. Stamp masking 2. Coloring and blending water-based markers 3. How to make an envelope for any size card without a template. 4. Distress Oxide techniques

Another thing I like about making batches of cards is that it is more efficient. You are getting the supplies out and making a mess anyway, might as well make it worthwhile. The first card takes the most time but the following card are made much quicker because you have figured out the design, colors and materials. I hope you give these techniques a try and til next time happy crafting!