Wednesday 28 August 2013

Mixed Media Christmas Card Set for Scrapmatts {Plus Tutorial}





Hello there!  Happy Hump Day!!  I wish it wasn't here yet as I have so much to do I feel a little panicked, like I am drowning!! It's very difficult to say no to great opportunities you've wished for for years & people tell you to enjoy the moment when it finally arrives but all these things are easier said than done.  


I am always torn between how to balance my studio time with my computer time & how to split my time between different design teams, comment support, etc.  It only seems to get harder as time goes by but I believe in "Kairos Moments" & striking while the iron is hot so I am trying to juggle it all & work out my "Anything"!!



I made a set of 3 Christmas cards for Scrapmatts, as one of my Design Team given assignments this month.  I did not relish the thought at all as I don't enjoy making cards & I don't manage to make them quickly either!  It turned out really fun though!!


I decided it was time to work out how to create a card that stayed true to my scrapbooking style.  I have been all about that for the last few weeks & am very happy with the results.  


Suddenly my style has fallen into place after years of roller-coaster riding & it's a huge relief to me!  Of course I decided to settle on something using what comes most naturally to me - lots of mediums, texture & clustering with a real artsy feel to it.


I love the look of long, narrow cards so made my own template & cut these out of plain white cardstock.  They measure 9 inches down & 4.5 inches across the back.  The front measures 3.5 inches as there is a 1 inch strip showing (the back is wider than the front).


I really enjoyed working with this different format.  It made things more interesting for me & I love the way the cards turned out.  I cut & made each card individually but next time I would like to try decorating them all together before folding & cutting, to compare.


MIXED MEDIA CHRISTMAS CARD TUTORIAL
{10 EASY STEPS TO MAKING YOUR OWN!}

Step 1.  Cut cards to size using measurements provided
{I added an extra half inch to the back so that I could 
fold a seam under the visible strip - it just looks nicer}


2.  Start by choosing & using a stencil, together with some
 texture paste, somewhere on the front of each card then dry off.


3.  Choose & use 3 different colours of mist.  (I chose 3 from Lingy's Stamp Gang). Purple, green & gold.  Apply in short bursts, tipping your card vertically to cause drips & spraying with water for the pooled effect.  Use your heat tool to dry off & also to channel the direction of your drips & shape of your pools.


4.  Ink up a background stamp with archival ink 
& stamp randomly in a few places on the front
 of your card.  Don't forget to include the 
side-strip in all these steps too.


5.  Use a toilet roll dipped in white acrylic paint
 to create a few random circles here & there.

6.  Cut down your mesh tape to be slightly narrower 
than the side-strip of your card then adhere.  

7.  Paint your chipboard, dry off & adhere.

8.  Stamp a frame in which to place your sentiment.

9.  Mount onto gold cardstock.

10.  Add your titles using alpha stickers or chipboard words
then fussy-cut around your title & adhere into position.

Supplies List for Christmas Card Set

White cardstock - American Crafts
Gold Cardstock - Coredinations
Spray inks/mists - Lindy's Stamp Gang
Fibre Paste - Golden Gel Mediums
Stamp - Prima 2013 Vintage Vanity Collection
Frame stamp - Prima
Ink - Black Archival from Ranger
Mesh Tape - Hardware store
Chipboard - Scrapmatts
Paint - Gold Paint Dabber by Ranger
Black alphas - Creative Memories
Rhinestone flourishes - Flourish with a Bling

These definitely aren't the fastest Christmas cards to make this season but I reckon they are pretty original & will give your non-scrappy friends & relatives a good idea of "what you do" :)




22 comments:

Unknown said...

Your cards are just fabulous, Helen!!!!! The non traditional colors are way cool, love them!!! I know what you mean about balancing everything, it can be a struggle but so rewarding, right?! You are doing a fantastic job, I'll say :) :)

Desire Fourie said...

oh wow these cards are stunning and such a visual treat. You have also photographed them beautifully.
Hugs Desíre {Doing Life}

juscrap said...

Wow!!!! great cards Helen!I really love this! i would like to use this Mesh Tape but i never saw it to buy. :*

Lizzy Hill said...

Loveloveloooooove!!!!! Course, I'm fond of brights & despite the purple (!!!!:):):):)!!!!!)....YUM...that pop of orange is gorgeous & the layering superb... Glad you've "hit your stride" :):):):)

ALINE said...

Beautiful!

Julie Tucker-Wolek said...

Wowwwwwwww! These are gorgeous! I love love love love the colors and the layers!!

Sandie said...

What amazing cards Helen, so arty and such gorgeous texture... each is just gorgeous. I can relate to the throwing oneself in all directions at times, to get through the tasks that need to be done.... that is why I go quiet at times, till I catch up! LOL

Mitralee said...

The purple, green, and gold are very striking! Love that combo! KUDOS to you to making them your style! That ROCKS!

You will get your stride shortly, you always do even when things are crazy!

Will be hunting down a package of gold doilies to send your way. Have a small pile of stuff already!

alexandra s.m. said...

Totally amazing Helen!
Thank You~

Denise van Deventer said...

Great cards Helen...like the colours you used! Beautifully done! It's scary to think that christmas is around the corner, and I am feeling a little panicked myself that I have a lot to do before then! But I have every confidence in you...you will get everything done that you need to, by the end of your week! ;-)

Helen Wallace said...

I really admire the amount of art you create, as well as running your own site. The cards are gorgeous, love the non traditional colours and the mixed media..take care and .just remember to breathe :)

Val-Belle said...

OK so I hear on the whole balancing act thing I also have to factor in a 60 child that is never going to grow up and leave home too... he is very demanding as lots of 'children' are :P I love the whole Kairos moments thing. I also 'like' but not love making cards because for me 'most' people don't appreciate them for what they are. I do however love your cards they are amazing... how long did they take you to do though???? Love that you incorporated your style too.. Always be true to yourself. <3

Ava Gavloski said...

helen you did magnificent work on these cards, made with love, you can tell!!!

Sandi Clarkson said...

Oh, I hear you on the time juggling dilemma. For me, I've decided less is more right now! Lol. Your cards are sooo you and do reflect that artsy side. So worth the time invested! Glad I got to see them.

dstandard said...

These are amazing!! Totally gorgeous - love all your details!

yyam said...

Oh wow. These are beautiful. Fabulous textures and the colours are so eye-catching.

Linda Eggleton said...

Such a beautiful set of cards, Helen...love this colour combo & your texture & media use is amazing!

Eila Sandberg said...

Very artylicious with the non traditional colours! and really so true to your style Helen. xoxo

sandi said...

Wow Helen! These are just beautiful! Each just catches your eye!

Marilyn said...

Fabulous cards Helen!! love that it has non usual colors for Christmas and look sensational. the textures looks fantastic in your cards. Oh yes I don't know how to split the time... take care!xoxo

Sabrina Scrapbook said...

Loving the gorgeous color combo!

Lynette Jacobs said...

Real works of art and so very true to your style.