Frosty in a Frame Christmas Card

This little Frosty stamp is so adorable. I love the sketched look. I wanted my coloring to have a similar look so I used a slightly textured paper with my trusty Faber-Castell Polychromos colored pencils. I matched the colors to the Doodlebug Design background papers. The list of colors is near the end of this post, following the list of supplies. Clear Wink of Stella adds a subtle shimmer to the snowman (unfortunately it doesn't photograph well; see closeup below).

Affiliate links may be included in this post. I participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program that provides a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites at no cost to you. This helps offset a small portion of my crafting addiction... uh, hobby. See notice at bottom of blog for a longer description.

Making the Card

1. Cut white cardstock 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 inches; fold in half to form a 4 1/4 inch x 5 1/2 inch card base. Cut blue cardstock 4 x 5 1/4 inches. Adhere to card base. Cut plaid patterned paper (Doodlebug Design Polar Pals) 3 3/4 x 5 inches. Adhere to card base.

2. Cut blue cardstock 2 1/2 x 5 inches. Cut tree patterned paper (Doodlebug Design Polar Pals) 2 1/4 x 5 inches. Adhere to center of blue. Adhere to card base where shown.

3. Use Stamp Platform or stamp positioner to stamp Frosty in Small Frame with Jet Black Archival Ink on Strathmore 500 Bristol Vellum Surface paper. Note: you could use regular cardstock but I like the extra tooth and texture this paper provides; it may need to be stamped a couple times due to the texture. Color with colored pencils. I used Faber-Castell Polychromos; the list of colors that I used is below the list of supplies. Add Clear Wink of Stella to white parts of snowman - it's subtle; you can barely see it in the photo (it looks better in person). Let it dry and add more if desired. Die cut with 4th largest Nested Square Die.

4. Die cut blue cardstock with 3rd largest Nested Square Die. Adhere colored Frosty in Frame using dimensional/mounting tape - leaving room to slide the sentiment banner under.

5. Use Stamp Platform or stamp positioner to stamp Merry Christmas with VersaMark Ink (or other embossing ink) on blue cardstock, leaving enough room to trim and add tail. Emboss with Snowflake Embossing Tinsel. Note: using the Stamp Platform or stamp positioner allows you to stamp again if you don't like the first result. Trim and cut tails. Adhere to card where shown, between the snowman and its mat.

6. Use Aspen Flurry Punch All Over the Page on white cardstock to create snowflakes. I actually used the Punch Around the Page Snow Flurry punch but it is no longer manufactured, although you can still find it on eBay or other places online. Adhere snowflakes to sticky side of Post-it Tape. Apply Star Dust Stickles. Let dry completely. Adhere where shown (I used tweezers to place each snowflake with a dab of glue).

Supplies

• Rubbernecker Stamps: Frosty in Frame Small (23-09), Merry Christmas (980-12)
• Rubbernecker Stamps Dies: Nested Square Die Cut Set (5001D)
• Cardstock: White, Blue
• Paper: Strathmore 500 Bristol Vellum Surface
• Patterned Paper: Doodlebug Design 6x6 Pad Polar Pals (5038)
• Archival Ink: Jet Black
• Colored Pencils: Faber-Castell Polychromos
• Wink of Stella: Clear
• Powder Tool
• Heat Tool
• VersaMark Ink or Other Embossing Ink
• Embossing Powder: Snowflake Embossing Tinsel (Ranger)
• Stickles: Star Dust
• Martha Stewart Snow Flurry Punch Around the Page or Aspen Flurry Punch All Over the Page
• Post-it Tape
• Dimensional/Mounting Tape

Faber-Castell Polychromes Colored Pencils Used:
Cold Gray III 232, Black 199, Terracotta 186, Deep Red 223, Purple Violet 156, Violet 138, Helioblue-Reddish 151, Cobalt Blue 145, Sky Blue 146, Cobalt Green 156, Chrome Oxide Green Fiery 276

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Rubbernecker Stamps Christmas Tree with Frame

This card features the Watercolor Christmas Tree 2-part stamp by Rubbernecker Stamps. This is a fun technique to do, especially with Color Burst powders. I used a porcelain petal palette to mix up a bunch of greens to paint on the solid tree part of the stamp. I love how they mixed in the final version. I used masking fluid on the light bulbs to protect the colors. As finishing touches, I added Glossy Accents to the lights for shine and dimension, plus Crystal Stickles on some of the dots in the background - creating my own glitter paper!

Affiliate links may be included in this post. I participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program that provides a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites at no cost to you. This helps offset a small portion of my crafting addiction... uh, hobby. See notice at bottom of blog for a longer description.

Making the Card

1. Cut black cardstock 7 x 10 inches; fold in half to form a 5 x 7 inch card base.

2. Cut "At Home" (Christmas lights) patterned paper 4 3/4 x 6 3/4 inches. Cut five lights from string of Holiday Lights (Jolee's by You) leaving some string on each end. Optional: use a yellow alcohol marker to color clear light. I used Copic Y18. Adhere ends behind upper corners of "At Home" paper. Adhere to card base. Note: Use a strong glue to glue down bulbs so they line up across the top.

3. Cut black cardstock 4 1/8 x 5 1/2 inches. Cut "Presents" (dot side) patterned paper 4 x 5 3/8 inches. Prep paper with powder tool. Use Stamp Platform or stamp positioner to stamp Merry Christmas Frame with VersaMark ink (or other embossing ink) on dot side. Emboss with black embossing powder. Add Crystal Stickles to random dots inside frame. Adhere to black cardstock. Adhere to card as shown (I lined it up so there was the same amount of space on bottom and sides, leaving top a little larger).

4. Rub Powder Tool over a piece of Stamping Watercolor Paper. Use Stamp Platform or stamp positioner to stamp lights from Watercolor Christmas Tree stamp in center using VersaMark ink (or other embossing ink). Emboss with black embossing powder. Using a very small brush (e.g. size 00), color bulbs as shown using Color Burst like watercolor. I used: Chartreuse, Gamboge, Lime Green, Ultramarine Blue, Cadmium Scarlet, and Marigold. Allow to dry. Note: I used a porcelain petal palette to mix all my colors.

5. Add dots of masking fluid to each bulb. Allow to dry.

6. Use Stamp Platform or stamp positioner with tree part of Watercolor Christmas Tree stamp lining up with lights. Color stump with Burnt Umber Color Burst, making it darker on one side for shadow. Stamp stump. Wipe off stamp with damp cloth. Use a variety of greens to cover tree part of stamp, making it darker on the same side as you made the stump dark (do not color over stump area). I used Color Burst colors: Lime Green, Chartreuse, Olive Green, Terre Verte, and Pthalo Green (you probably only need a couple of these - just add some brown or other colors to vary shades). Stamp tree. Clean stamp. Use a brush to fill in any spots as desired. Optional: flick dark color green over tree - it doesn't show well on mine but it does add a bit more texture. Note: I used a porcelain petal palette to mix all my colors.

7. Once dry, use your finger to roll off masking fluid. Fussy cut or die cut tree. Add Glossy Accents to each light bulb. Let dry completely. Adhere tree as shown using dimensional/mounting tape.

Supplies

• Rubbernecker Stamps Stamping Watercolor Paper Uncoated 110# 
• Watercolor Christmas Tree (954)
• Watercolor Christmas Tree Die Cut (954D)
• Merry Christmas Frame (987)
• Color Burst
• Porcelain Petal Palette (Optional)
• Cardstock: Black
• Alcohol Marker (Optional): Copic Y18
• Holiday Lights (Jolee's by You/EK Success)
• Patterned Paper - My Mind's Eye Winter Wonderland: At Home (WW1057), Presents (WW1059)
• Stamp Platform or Stamp Positioner
• VersaMark Ink or Other Embossing Ink
• Embossing Powder: Ranger Super Fine Detail Black
• Powder Tool
• Heat Tool
• Masking Fluid (Molotow Pump Marker 2mm)
• Dimensional/Mounting Tape
• Glossy Accents
• Stickles: Crystal

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Distress Ink Trees in Snow

I love the look of watercolor cards, especially for Christmas and the holidays. This one has the look of watercolor but is very easy to make. I used Distress Inks, although you could use traditional watercolor paints. The two part Watercolor Forest by Rubbernecker Stamps makes it super simple to create the trees; the background is just a few colors semi-randomly applied. A couple sprays of Sheer Shimmer Spritz makes this card look magical (unfortunately the shimmer doesn't show up well in the photos).

Affiliate links may be included in this post. I participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program that provides a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites at no cost to you. This helps offset a small portion of my crafting addiction... uh, hobby. See notice at bottom of blog for a longer description.

Making the Card

1. Cut white cardstock 7 x 10 inches; fold in half to form a 5 x 7 inch card base.

2. If necessary, cut watercolor paper about 5 x 7 inches. Use painter's tape for a delicate surface to tape down to a craft mat, making sure the tape seals well to the edges. They will be cut off but the tape will hold the paper more flat if the contact is good.

3. Use an old toothbrush or old firm paintbrush to flick masking fluid all over the surface of the watercolor paper. If you get a few splats that are too big, just wait until they dry, roll them off with your finger, then flick a few more dots in those locations.

4. Once masking fluid is try, use a spray bottle or Mini Mister to spray the entire surface lightly with water. Use Shabby Shutters Distress Ink (top edges) and Peeled Paint (centers/bases) on the smaller trees from the Watercolor Forest stamp set. Spray lightly with water and stamp where shown (i.e. lower left, leaving room below for snow banks and to the left for the top layer of trees, which will be offset) - you may want to leave the stamp in place for a few seconds before removing. This helps the dye ink to soak in a little more. If the image beaded up in places, use a waterbrush or watercolor brush to spread the ink around inside the tree areas.

5. Use Forest Moss Distress Ink on the larger trees from the Watercolor Forest stamp set. Spray lightly with water and stamp offset from the first set of trees a bit over to the left. You may want to dry with a heat tool.

6. Spray lightly over the sky area above the trees. Starting with Weathered Wood Distress Ink, tap some on a craft mat, palette, or acrylic block. Use a waterbrush or a watercolor brush to add water to the ink then apply it below the trees to create snow banks as shown. Hint: you may want to apply lines of water first so it will bleed a little as you apply. Next apply it around the tops of the trees, leaving some white as a buffer. You may touch it in a couple places to get the inks to blend, if you like that look. You can add more or less water depending on how much you want the ink to travel or bleed. As you move away from the trees up into the sky area, start adding more and more Faded Jeans. Move the brush around sort of randomly to make some areas darker than others. Add small amounts of Dusty Concord as well (sparingly). The top areas should be darker. You can dry one layer and add another on top (again leaving some areas lighter) to darken it even more and give it a more painterly look. Be sure the area where you will stamp the sentiment is dark enough so that the white heat embossing (next step) will pop. Let dry or dry with heat tool.

7. Use your finger to rub off all the masking fluid. Remove tape. Check to make sure the watercolor panel is clean before proceeding. Trim panel to 4 1/4 x 6 1/4 inches. Using VersaMark Ink (or other embossing ink), stamp "Laughter and Joy" sentiment in upper right corner as shown.

8. Spray entire panel with Sparkle Sheer Shimmer Spritz - at least a foot or more away. You may want to apply a couple coats. I recommend doing this over a craft sheet or a sink. Allow to dry.

9. Cut blue cardstock to 4 1/2 x 6 1/2 inches. Adhere watercolored image to blue cardstock. Adhere to card base.

Supplies

• Rubbernecker Stamps: Watercolor Forest (972), Laughter and Joy (982-05)
• Watercolor Paper: Fabriano Hot Pressed Extra White
• Cardstock: White, Blue
• Distress Inks: Shabby Shutters, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss, Weathered Wood, Faded Jeans, Dusty Concord
• Masking Fluid
• Sheer Shimmer Spritz: Sparkle
• Painter's Tape: Delicate Surface
• White Embossing Powder
• VersaMark Ink or Other Embossing Ink
• Craft Mat
• Waterbrush or Watercolor Brush
• Spray Bottle or Mini Mister
• Heat Tool

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Cute Witch Using Copics: Collaboration with Feliza Estrada

While watching YouTube late one night, I came across the art of Feliza Estrada. Her illustrations are so adorable; I contacted her to see if she would like to do a collaboration. She said she would be interested so we started to make plans. Since Halloween is just around the corner, we thought it would be the perfect theme. She drew this cute witch with her broom, black cat, and pot of candy (her video is below). I scaled it for a card, printed it on alcohol marker friendly cardstock, and colored it with my trusty Copic markers (plus a few ultra fine tipped Sharpies for the candy).

Affiliate links may be included in this post. I participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program that provides a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites at no cost to you. This helps offset a small portion of my crafting addiction... uh, hobby. See notice at bottom of blog for a longer description.

Making the Card

1. Cut dark blue cardstock to 7 x 10 inches; fold in half to form a 5 x 7 inch card base.

2. Cut blue cardstock about 5 x 6 3/4 inches. Unfortunately the Martha Stewart Spider Web punches that I used are discontinued, although you can still find them or other Halloween themed ones. You could use a die cutting machine to cut a similar web pattern around the edges. Note: I couldn't find the brochure that came with the punches so I sort of winged it on the size; it's not perfect but worked OK. Use the punches to punch around the blue cardstock. Adhere to card base (see step 5 for the liquid adhesive that I use for small areas).

3. Print image on alcohol marker friendly cardstock. I'm not sure if Feliza, the illustrator, is going to sell or otherwise make this image available. If she does, just note that you may have to resize it for your card. You can use any Halloween themed stamped image or digital image - just be sure the ink is also alcohol marker friendly or use a laser printer (many ink jet printers do not work well with these markers). Watch the following video to see how I colored the image using Copic Markers and Sharpies. I used a white Sakura Gelly Roll pen for the highlights in the eyes.

4. Trim colored image to about 3 1/4 x 5 1/4. Die cut light purple cardstock with largest Romantic Rectangles. Adhere image to it.

5. Add some double-sided tape to the back of the light purple cardstock. Stick one end of the black/gray/white twine in it and wrap as shown, sticking the other end in some tape as well. Adhere to card base: I recommend Lineco liquid adhesive in a Fineline applicator bottle to get around all the small lace edges.

6. Attach spider shape token to twine as shown using antique silver jump ring.

Watch how Feliza Estrada draws her image in this video:

Supplies

• Alcohol Marker Friendly Cardstock: X-Press It Blending Card
• Copic Markers/Sharpies
• Copic Multiliner .2, .05
• Cardstock: Dark Blue, Blue, Light Purple
• Crop-A-Dile Corner Chomper 1/2"/1/4"
• Spellbinders Dies: Nestabilities Romantic Rectangles (S5-090)
• Martha Stewart Punches: Punch Around the Page Spider Web
• Black/Gray/White Twine
• Idea-Ology Tim Holtz Shape Token: Spider
• Idea-Ology Tim Holtz Jump Ring: Antique Silver
• Lineco Adhesive
• Fineline Applicator 20 Gauge
• Sakura Gelly Roll: White Gel Pen

Copic Markers Used

• Dress, Bow: V99, V95, V93, V91
• Skin: E00, E000, E0000, E13, E11
• Cheeks: E95, E01 - Blend with skin colors above
• Inside Cat Ears/Cat Nose/Girl's Tongue: RV32, R56
• Cat, Shoes, Hair, Cauldron: N9, N7, N5
• Ground/Shadow: N7, N5, N3, N1
• Eyes: YG95, YG67
• Broom Stick: E27, E23, E59, E34, E29
• Bristles: E29, E49, E47, E35
• Background: B99, B97, B95, B93, B91
• Colorless Blender - Used to lighten areas, blend, and fix mistakes.

Sharpies: Green, Yellow, Orange, Yellow-Orange



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