This week I have one more set of Christmas card ideas to share featuring the Dove of Hope bundle from Stampin’ Up! This is a gorgeous bundle of products which can be used to create cards for a variety of reasons, not just Christmas. However, today I will focus on 3 different Christmas card ideas and a simple ink blending technique.
Ink Blending Techniques
Now there are a variety of different ink blending techniques you can use to create these cards. However, today I am showcasing some NEW Blending Brushes which will be coming out in the Stampin’ Up! 2021 January – June Mini Catalog. Wahoo! The blending brushes come in a pack of 3 and have a soft velvety brush head. Yes, it’s a brush not a sponge. The brush head has such fine bristles that, upon first glance, it looks like a sponge. Now I realize many of you do not have the blending brushes yet, unless you are a demonstrator, but don’t worry! You can use this ink blending technique with sponges or sponge daubers.
This first Dove of Hope card idea features a simple ink blending technique. I consider it simple because it really just involves spreading ink color all across a 5-1/4 x 4 inch piece of white cardstock. Once you add the color, you can really decorate the card any way you want. In this case, I cut a 5-1/4 x 4 inch piece of the Plush Poinsettia Specialty Paper and adhered it over the ink blending. This particular specialty paper is transparent, like vellum, yet it has a fun textured design. The color from the ink blending shows right through the paper giving this card a beautiful look.
Ink Blending with Decorative Masks
Next, let’s talk about how to ink blend with decorative masks. Decorative masks are basically stencils you can use to add a fun design on the background of your cards. Simply lay the decorative mask over a piece of cardstock and add ink! You can sponge the ink across the decorative mask or use blending brushes. The NEW blending brush allows you to spread the ink across the cardstock smoothly and evenly. You are going to absolutely love these! Be sure to watch this video this week to see the blending brush in action!
These cards feature two ways to use the ink blending with the decorative masks. The first card features the use of ink blending in the center of the decorative mask. The second card features the use of ink blending around the outer edges of the mask. Each technique gives a little different look. Now besides learning about the ink blending technique, this week’s video also showcases how to assemble the dove. Although there are a variety of die cut pieces involved in the creation of the dove, it is pretty simple to assemble.
Tutorial and Supplies
The cards in this week’s video feature the Dove of Hope stamp set and the Detailed Dove dies from Stampin’ Up! For a complete list of supplies and all of the step by step instructions for creating these cards, feel free to download the printable tutorial.
Be sure to watch the video for tips on the ink blending technique and, of course, to see the NEW Blending Brushes in action! The NEW catalogs are available for mailing right now! So if you are not currently working with a demonstrator, feel free to request a catalog HERE. Have a fun and creative day! ~ Lynn