Well I can't believe it's December already. How did that happen?!
This month we have a theme of "Ink it!" where I challenged the team to use some sort of ink technique (or paints, pastes or sprays) in a card of any theme. The results are impressive as usual! For my card and video I'm teaching a fun Double Spinner Tag Card.
This video is longer than usual because of the ink techniques, so here are your section stops for sliding ahead: 1:55 for Ink it! 5:00 for Cutting the Window! 5:52 for Double Spinners! 12:21 for Decorating the Spinners! 14:52 for Finishing the Card!
This card is made using the large tag, hinge and hole protectors included in the Tag Book die set. You can alternately create your own tag-shaped card measuring 3" x 6" when closed. The front decor is made using the Wine Charms die set, plus a frame from the Spinner Square.
As the card opens, the scene visible through the window starts to come to life. The wine bottle starts to pour and a wine glass spins into view. This is accomplished with two Spinner Square mechanisms.
Once open, the scene is revealed. The greeting is a Riley and Co. Funny Bones stamp.
A piece of embroidery floss acts as the pouring wine. The leaves are from the Autumn Elements die set, meant to give the feel of grape vines.
The nice thing about this double spinner tag card technique is that it's so universal for any theme imaginable. Don't like wine? (Wait . . .what?!) Try it in a different theme. Here's a holiday version using the Flowers and Bee die set instead of the Wine Charms. By cutting the petals into points, the flowers resemble poinsettias. The same maple leaf as in the wine card can be trimmed into holly leaves.
For this version I added scalloped squares from the Spinner Square set to each of the spinners. They start to move as the card is opened.
Once opened the greeting is revealed. The stamp is Verve, from my stash. The banners come included with the Tag Book die set. Papers are very old holiday designs from my stash.
Ready to give this technique a try? Here are links to the products used on the two versions shown.
Check out the clever inky ideas by the design team. In each case, click their name to open a new window with their blog post. On their blog posts you'll find more photos, supply lists, instructions and even videos about their cards.
Helen Cryer inked her background in a gorgeous ombre effect for this Sleigh Pop-up card. The colors are hip and happy and I love the addition of the ribbon bow to the featured present below the greeting. I say it every month, but this card is Helencredible!
Kelly Booth created this stunning Tag Book which started all white before she layered on the ink for a festive bright blue background. She even inked the ribbon to match! I love the details on this, including the frosty glittery trees and reindeer from the Christmas Animals set. Perfection!
Irene Mendes combined the Charm Accordion die set with houses from the House Pivot Panels die set for this fabulous 4-page staggered accordion. The details, like one plaid page, bows above the pivots, dimensional snow and little plaid houses are darling!
Shelly Hickox knows her way around inks! For this gorgeous Twist Panel card she created the backgrounds with stamps and inks plus she has great tips for how to highlight stamped images after watercoloring. The stacked foiled Alphabet letters for the JOY greeting are brilliant!
Lois Bak created an amazing northern lights effect for this pretty house-on-a-hill card. The Tree Pop-up adorns the yard with a tire swing providing the perfect perch for gazing at the night sky. Really lovely!
Sandy Diller has posted a full video tutorial for this marvelous Circle Charm scene. Her video shows how she makes foam stamps from the snowflake dies to stamp, emboss and ink the bright blue snowy background. Love her addition of the little animals to the scene!
Frances Byrne knows how to create a scene! This month is no exception with this fabulous glimpse at the north pole preparations for team Santa. Frances used the Katherine Label to animate the greeting as the card is opened. She also embellished the landscape with die cut evergreen trees.
Karen Aicken combined the most beautiful colors for this Sleigh Pop-up card. I love the black sleigh filled with shiny treasures. The background and the sleigh are both inked with stencils for a custom look. Gorgeous!
Summer Hills-Painter has the perfect idea for dressed up gift card giving. She created a magical winter wonderland on the front of the card with the Outdoor Scene die and a snow-splattered sky. Inside the card she's featured the Gift Card Label.
Fran Sabad wraps us up this month (and year!) with this absolutely adorable Tag Book featuring an inked background and some very cute snowmen stamps. She also used our big script Merry Christmas and the Nature Edges.
Have a wonderful December and we hope you'll join us next month (and year) on Wednesday, January 2, 2019 for our next challenge, with a theme of "NEW!" - everyone will be trying something new - either a technique, color scheme, theme, style, etc.
Happy Crafting!
