Faux Cyanotypes

Hi everyone.  This month we are playing with the Faux Cyanotype Technique.  This is a photography technique that has been around for a long time.  Many wonderful art/photography techniques have been adapted for card making.  

There are two easy ways to do this as a card technique and we have included videos of both below.  The 1st technique, gives a very similar look to the photographic art form.  The 2nd technique is a version of the artform, also very beautiful.

Videos:

1)  Faux Cyanotype Technique by Tracy Evans (37:16) - just watch the first 9 min.  If you have a platform and can repeat stamp images - then you won't need to paint over top.  She does add different techniques on top and worth watching if you have time.  Or fast forward to almost the end of the video to see the finished card - worth it!

2)  Faux Cyanotypes with Masking by Understand Blue - Lydia Fieldler -  (7:27)

Supplies: (for both Techniques)

• Smooth card stock or Mixed Media paper
• Sponge brushes
• Distress ink or DOX inks in deep blue (Blueprint Sketch used in video)
• Masking tape or masking sheets ... or temporary tape to create masking
• Shape die (whatever works with your image)
• Solid Stamp image
• White Pigment ink (only for Technique #1)
• Sentiment stamp

Technique Instructions: (Technique #1)

• Make background using very saturated ink:
• Mask frame on card front and then sponge the aperature with blue ink , making sure the ink colour is very saturated and the colour is deep (or try any other colour of ink you like --- just remember you are only using one colour for the sponged background, along with White ink for the image) ... OR ...
• use your ink pad direct to paper for a strong colour for the background
• If using mask, leave in place
• Stamp your image with White Pigment ink.  Important:  wipe stamp clean after every stamping of white ink (the stamp may pick up some of the background colour and you don't want to contaminate your white ink pad).  If using stamping platform, repeat your stamping until image is bold and a good contrast to the sponged areas.
• Remove mask.
• Stamp sentiment and finish card

Technique Instructions: (Technique #2)

• Die-cut aperture from masking sheet ... or ... Mask card stock using temporary tape, leaving an aperture (vary shapes for variety)
• Lightly sponge the aperture with blue ink (or try any other colour of ink you like --- just remember you are only using one colour for both sponged background and image).
• Add layers to create the depth of colour you want for the background (light is best so the image pops)
• Leave masks in place and stamp your image overtop of aperture in the same colour used to sponge the background.  If using stamping platform, repeat your stamping until image is bold and a good contrast to the sponged areas.
• Remove masks
• Stamp sentiment and finish card

Alternatives: (both versions)

• Try doing this technique (either version) with different colours of ink --- just remember you are only using one colour of ink (plus white ink for Technique #1)

These instructions are listed on the sidebar by technique for easy reference.

Faux Cyanotype Card Samples

Christine

Loll

Susan

Pat

* * * * *

We'll be back on the 28th of March

with another technique and sample cards.

See you then!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Layered Scene Cards - Design Element

Hi everyone.  This month at Group of Cardmakers, we are playing with Layered Scene cards.  This is another Design Element that will increase you variety of options for your card designs.  There are many different ways to make these cards.  Below are samples of three different ways shared by very creative cardmakers.  Thanks to Kittie and Caroline for sharing their amazing work! 

If you have a different way you like to make Layered Scene cards, please share with us!  

Different Types of Layered Scene Cards

Layered Scene Cards - Samples by Kittie Kraft (Kittie Caracciolo)

Scenic Step Cards - Samples by Kittie Kraft (Kittie Caracciolo)

Faux Tunnel Card using Nesting Dies - KISS (Caroline Paton)

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Measurements, Scoring and Folding instructions for Step Cards:

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IF USING REGULAR CARD STOCK (NOT HEAVY) FOR YOUR BASE - you may need a brace to help keep the card standing.

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Supplies:  Layered Cards 

• Heavy card stock for base is recommended
• Regular card stock for all stamping and die-cutting
• Stamped or die-cut images
• Colouring supplies (inks / markers)
• Pop dots or foam (optional).  If using foam inbetween your layers, you may want to use a smaller size for your card in order for it to fit into a standard size envelope.  Recommended:  Use layers 5 1/4" x 4" for A2 envelope.
• Sentiment stamp
• Finishing embellishments 

Technique Instructions:  Layered Cards

• Create base layers for your card design (if adding foam between layers, recommended you make your card base width 1/4" shorter to fit in envelope)
• Create your stamped or die-cut images.
• Dry fit before assembly is recommended
• Adhere your layers and images in a tiered design.  You can adhere them with glue or double-sided tape, or you can layer them with foam for added dimension
• Add sentiment and finishing embellishments

Supplies:  Step cards

• Heavy card stock for base (or regular card stock, but you will need to create a brace to keep the card from sliding open)
• Optional:  Regular card stock for creating panels on your step cards.
• Regular card stock for all stamping and die-cutting
• Cutter (optional)
• Scoring board and scoring tool
• Bone Folder
• Stamped or die-cut images
• Colouring supplies (inks / markers)
• Pop dots or foam (optional)
• Sentiment stamp
• Finishing embellishments 

Technique Instructions:  Step Cards

• Follow diagrams above for size of card base and measurements for cutting, scoring and folding
• Create your images and embellishments for your card
• Add sentiment and finishing embellishment

Supplies:  Layered Cards using Nesting Dies (Faux Tunnel Card - easy version of a Tunnel Card)

• Heavy card stock is for base is recommended
• Regular card stock for layers
• Nesting Dies (optional)
• Stamped or die-cut images
• Colouring supplies (inks / markers / etc.)
• Pop dots or foam (optional).  If using foam inbetween your layers, you may want to use a smaller size for your card in order for it to fit into a standard size envelope.  Recommended:  Use layers 5 1/4" x 4" for A2 envelope.
• Sentiment stamp
• Finishing embellishments 

Technique Instructions:  Layered Cards using Nesting Dies (Faux Tunnel Card)

• Using your nesting dies, cut at least 2 or 3 card fronts using the various sizes, making sure to layer the shapes so they are create an even tunnel effect.  Cut a background for your layered design
• Stamp and colour images and either die-cut or fussy-cut them to place inside the card in layers - dry fit before assembly is recommended.
• Layer your card fronts with the smallest opening at the back and the largest at the front.  You can just tape them down, or you can add pop-dots or foam to give them more dimension.  Add in images.
• Add sentiment and finishing embellishments

These instructions are listed on the sidebar by technique for easy reference.

Layered Scene Cards Samples

Loll

Basic Step Card

Layered Scene Card

Faux Tunnel Card

Christine

Pat

* * * * *

We'll be back on the 28th of February

with another technique and sample cards.

See you then!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Acrylic Painting on Coloured Cardstock

Hi everyone.  This month we are Acrylic Painting on Coloured Cardstock.

Videos:

How to Stamp on Paint with Perfect Results by Andy Skinner (9:37)

Supplies:

• Coloured Cardstock
• Stamps - Outline Images
• Archival ink (Ranger) - light gray, black
• Acrylic Paint (all brands work)
• Paint brushes
• Sentiment stamps

Technique Instructions:

• Start by stamping your image in light permanent ink (Ranger Archival works great).  Watering Can Gray used here.  Leave your image in your stamping platform!
• Decide which parts of the image you want to colour and use your acrylic paints and paint brushes to fill them in.  Make sure your painting is opaque and doesn't go over the lines of the image.
• Once your image is dry, stamp again using Black Archival ink.  Check image and stamp again if you need to make the image stronger in places.
• Let it dry before touching your image.

These instructions are listed on the sidebar by technique for easy reference.

Acrylic Painting on Coloured Cardstock Samples

Susan

Christine

Pat

* * * * *

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

We'll be back on the 28th of January with another

technique and sample cards.

See you then!

Stenciling with Mica Powders

Hi everyone.  This month we are Stenciling with Mica Powders.  You can use any mica powdered inks for this technique.

There are two types of mica powdered inks:

1. One with a binding agent - adhesive included in the powders (Perfect Pearls, Mica Minerals, etc.)
2. One without a binding agent - adhesive needs to be added (Arteza, Pearl-Ex, etc.)

Listed below are instructions on how to add mica powders for both types.

If you do make cards, please join us by adding to the linky at the bottom of this post.  We'd love to see what you make!!

Different suggested ways to do the technique or try your own way!

Mica Powders with Binding Agent

Video:   For Mica Powder with binding agent:  Stenciling with Mica Powders by GiogioCraft (1:29)

Supplies: (for Mica Powders with binding agent:  Perfect Pearls, Lavinia Mica Minerals, etc.)

• Mica Powders such Perfect Pearls
• Versamark (or other clear ink)
• Soft brush for Mica Powders (small detail brushes work well for smaller areas so you don't need to mask)
• Card stock (light or dark).  (Dark card looks best with Mica Powders.)
• Stencil
• Swiffer cloth or large brush
• Water mister

Technique Instructions - with binding agent (Perfect Pearls, etc.)

• Place stencil over top of card stock, add tape to secure to work surface
• Press Versamark (or other clear ink) over stencil
• Optional:  Remove stencil and clean; place cleaned stencil back over top of image, lining up carefully.  This will contain the powders and usually means less cleanup afterwards ... OR ... mask areas and brush on one colour of mica powders at and time; remove masks and repeat until all areas of the stencil are covered (this works well if you have a lot of small areas in your stencil design).
• Use soft brush and mica powders (with binding agent) to brush over image (small detail brushes work well from smaller areas so you don't need to mask).  Clean brush between colours by brushing onto paper towel.
• Remove stencil and tap card stock on work surface to remove excess powder
• Lightly brush with a piece of swiffer cloth or large brush, to remove any excess powders that remain
• Lightly spritz with water and let dry before finishing your card

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Mica Powders without Binding Agent

Video:  For Mica Powders without binding agent:  Stenciling with Mica Powders by Michelle Short (15:10)

Michelle uses Essential Glue Pad.  You can also use Versamark and sticky embossing powder (Sticky Powder from Ranger; or Heat & Stick from SU!; or any other brand of sticky embossing powder).

We recommend Sticky Powder (Ranger).

Supplies:  (for Mica Powders without binding agent:  Pearl-Ex; Arteza; DreamWeavers Metallic F\X; LuminArte Mica Powders, etc. )

• Mica Powders such as Pearl-Ex 
• Versamark (or other clear ink) with Sticky Embossing Powder (Ranger) or Heat & Stick powder (SU!) ... OR ... **Essential Glue Pad
• Soft brush for Mica Powders (small detail brushes work well for smaller areas so you don't need to mask)
• Card stock (light or dark).  (Dark card looks best with Mica Powders.)
• Stencil
• Heat Tool
• Swiffer cloth or large brush

**  Essential Glue Pad can be found at these stores:  Ecstasy Crafts (Cda); Simon Says Stamp (US)

Technique Instructions - without binding agent (Pearl-Ex, Arteza, etc.)

• Place stencil over top of card stock, add tape to secure to work surface
• Press Versamark (or other clear ink) over stencil; remove stencil; then sprinkle card panel with Sticky Embossing Powder or Heat & Stick; use heat tool to melt powder
• Wash stencil and dry; then place back over card stock, lining up the image; tape to secure
• Use soft brush and mica powders to brush over image (small detail brushes work well from smaller areas so you don't need to mask). Clean brush between colours by brushing onto paper towel.
• Optional:  mask areas and brush on one colour of mica powders at and time; remove masks and repeat until all areas of the stencil are covered.
• Remove stencil and tap card stock on work surface to remove excess powder
• Heat image for just a few seconds to set the mica powders into the sticky powder - very important - let cool
• Wipe with a piece of swiffer cloth to remove any excess powders that remain.

These instructions are listed on the sidebar by technique for easy reference.

Stenciling with Mica Powders Card Samples

Robyn (Waterlily Cards)

Guest Designer

Loll

     

Susan

  

Pat

Christine

  

* * * * *

We'll be back on the 28th of December with another

technique and sample cards.

See you then!

Sharing ...

 

Hilary                                        Hilary

  

Robyn O.                                  Robyn O.