Monday 20 May 2013

Letterpress technique ... a fun card for my little brother

Afternoon Everybody

I hope you are all having a good day.

I've been playing with ink and my Cuttlebug all-in-one to try out this letterpress effect for the background to this birthday card for my baby brother - he's 62 today :)

It needs a bit more practice, the ink, Tim Holtz Peacock Feathers distress ink, is maybe not as evenly distributed as I'd have liked but otherwise I like the effect.

Loved the Docrafts stamp and had a great time colouring in the letters with various toning ProMarkers and, to borrow a friend's term - you know who you are - I tickled the bubbles with Crystal Stickles :)

The inside is lined with smooth white card - stamped up with some of the bubble - for two reasons ... one, to cover the pins of the brads - can't have my brother injuring himself - and the other, white is simply better for writing a message on.

Materials:

  • smooth card, teal and white from Papermill Direct
  • white Neenah Solar Smooth card for topper and inside of card
  • Tim Holtz distress ink, Peacock Feather and Cuttlebug's All-In-One True Love embossing folder for letterpress effect
  • Docrafts Papermania Typograph Brother stamp, Memento Tuxedo Black ink pad and ProMarkers - Turquoise, Duck Egg, Cool Aqua, Tea Green, Blender - and Crystal Stickles for topper
  • Hero Arts Classic Messages Happy Birthday, Stampin' Up label punch for greeting
  • Memento Dual Marker Bahama Blue to stamp bubbles inside
  • 4 small toning brads for front 

It's been a gorgeous day here, so much so, the EM has dared to plant up his sweet peas. Now we just have to keep our fingers and toes crossed that we don't get a late, late frost.

My plan for this evening is to make a card for my middle granddaughter - she will be thirteen soon. It's not an age I'm accustomed to making cards for so I'm deliberating on what would be the right style of card for her. I'm thinking Forever Friends - or would she consider that too babyish ... oh dear, decisions, decisions!!!

I think a nice cup of tea is called for :)

Take care all and happy crafting,

9 comments:

Sandra H said...

Hi Elizabeth, Oh your brother will be so happy to receive his card its gorgeous the blue tones are lovely one of my fav colours and nice to see a little sparkle too its truly lovely x

Krisha said...

I really like this card, and how you made it. I'm sure your baby Bro will like it too.

Di said...

Brilliant card Elizabeth! Love the 'tickling' you did :)

And in the letterpress technique it seems you were brave and inked the 'raised' part of the folder. I've only ever tried that by brayering the side with the indentations in - which means you do get very even cover (but yours looks fine to me) and of course with a lot of folders the background will be inked rather than the actual design.......if this makes sense.

It doesn't make sense to me - off to my bed I think!!

Hugs, Di xx

Jackie said...

What a lovely card, it's quite different :o)
Jackie xx

roffeycreations said...

I love the colours you have chosen Elizabeth - blue/silvery effect and I havent put ink in my folders yet - will one day!! Thanks for stopping by my place - cheers Mxx

Jules said...

Hi Elizabeth

A great card for your brother .. .. love the colour.

As for your Grand-daughters card. I think everyone loves Forever Friends at any age!!

Hope you have a good day.

Love Jules xx

ps. Tom Cruise does't do anything for me so he can come and stay with you .. .. but sounds like we will have to share Marti!! LOL!!!

coops said...

stunning card Elizabeth.really fab design and I love the blue colours :D

xx coops xx

Anonymous said...

What a fab idea, I have this embossing folder and the family stamps, got a sons birthday coming up, might just give this a go, thanks Elizabeth :)
Karen xxx

scrappymo! said...

This Brother image is great. It really catches your eye and is a great centerpiece to your card!