Today, I’m using Distress Oxide ink to create a gradient between two colors and blend them in the middle of the two. You can do this with other inks as well. Distress Ink works well too, but the Oxide ink has a creamy look to it. It’s probably best to use an ink that doesn’t dry very quickly in order to get a better blend. Pigment inks work well for this as do hybrid inks. The butterfly and the brick wall were done with a technique of dry embossing using a stencil. Check out the video to see how it’s done. Then, check out the information below it to see a bookmark you can make as a gift that goes with the card.
I used the same inking technique on the front and back of the bookmark pictured below. Then, I used the same flower stencil seen in the video with a water brush to pick up some of the ink. The water didn’t stay neatly within the stencil outline, so it’s hard to tell they are flowers in the background. However, it still creates some layers and interest on the bookmark. If you don’t like the look of it, you could use some white ink and stamp some flowers. Next, I stamped a sentiment and some butterflies using memento tuxedo black ink. Once it was all dry, (you can use a heat tool to dry it), I brushed some liquid matte medium to seal it all in on the front and the back. Last, I added some sparkle to the butterflies using a Wink of Stella clear brush pen. The measurements of the bookmark is 1.75″ x 5.5″ so it will fit in the card to mail to the recipient.
Affiliate Links:
(I receive a portion of the sale on any purchase you make using the Amazon and Share a Sale links below)
********Cardstock**********
Neenah Solar White Classic Crest 110lb Cardstock (for the card base): https://amzn.to/3ljFvfv
Neenah Bright White 65lb Cardstock (for the stencil/embossing): https://amzn.to/3acTHTI
********Tools**********
Fiskars Sure Cut 9″ Paper Trimmer: https://amzn.to/2WzlUhq
Tidy Tray to catch embossing powder: https://amzn.to/3t1gBX2
We R Memory Keepers Precision Press Stamping Platform https://amzn.to/3pmcItB
Heat Tool: https://amzn.to/3olLnpT (Similar to the one I used)
We R Memory Keepers Brad Setter and Piercing Tool: https://amzn.to/36ePBt5 (I used it to clear away embossing powder from the letters in the greeting)
Sponge Daubers (with storage box and pigment ink): https://amzn.to/2YhmocM
Marvy Uchida Jewel Picker (used to ink center of flowers): https://amzn.to/3qXNodH
********Stencils**********
Sorry, but the stencils I used in the video have been discontinued. I have linked alternatives below. Please note that the butterfly stencil I used has fairly continuous lines from middle to end of the wing so the gradient between the two colors is more noticeable. The alternative listed below is as close to the one I used that I could find in size and style. It’s not exact and you may choose to search for a different one that may be more to your liking.
Kaisercraft 12 x 12 Stencil with brick pattern: discontinued ALTERNATIVE: https://amzn.to/3prptmw
Kaisercraft 12 x 12 Stencil with butterfly: discontinued ALTERNATIVE: https://amzn.to/3ojD51L (You would need to cut it in half to fit in the Spellbinders platinum 8.5 inch machine shown in this video
********Stamps**********
Fiskars Stamp Set “Up in the Air” (Happy Birthday Stamp): https://amzn.to/3a9KYSf
Hampton Art “Flower Joy” (Inside greeting stamp): https://amzn.to/36hTbTE ********Embossing********** Judikins White Opaque Embossing Powder: https://amzn.to/3a9O4pl
Anti-static pouch: https://amzn.to/3cgrTk5
********Ink**********
VersaMark for embossing: https://amzn.to/39k9uRz
Versa Fine Black Onyx Ink for inside greeting: https://amzn.to/36exdAI
Distress Oxide Ink Spiced Marmalade: https://amzn.to/3a765Vn
Distress Oxide Ink Cracked Pistachio: https://amzn.to/2KSmaFR
Distress Oxide Ink Worn Lipstick: https://amzn.to/2YjsrgT
OR you could buy the whole bundle: https://amzn.to/3iQEyvi
OR you could buy a set of sponge daubers and pigment ink:https://amzn.to/2YhmocM (It comes with a storage case for the sponge daubers)
Wink of Stella Glitter Brush: https://amzn.to/3opeHvQ
********Adhesive**********
Scor-Tape: https://amzn.to/36g11Ne
Blue Painters Tape: https://amzn.to/2YkBKND
********For the butterfly bookmark**********
Neenah Solar White Classic Crest 110lb Cardstock (for the card base): https://amzn.to/3ljFvfv
Hampton Art Layer Butterfly Stamp Set (for the sentiment): https://amzn.to/39pVoOF
Art C Stamp and Adhesive Stencil (butterfly stamp): https://amzn.to/3t27SDM
Distress Oxide Ink Spiced Marmalade: https://amzn.to/3a765Vn
Distress Oxide Ink Cracked Pistachio: https://amzn.to/2KSmaFR
Distress Oxide Ink Worn Lipstick: https://amzn.to/2YjsrgT
Flower Stencil: Unavailable (purchased at Dollar Tree)
Memento Tuxedo Black Dye Ink (to stamp the sentiment and butterflies): https://amzn.to/2M3Tlai
Mod Podge Matte Finish: https://amzn.to/3ol1vI9 to seal in the color on front and back of bookmark
Sponge Daubers (with storage box and pigment ink): https://amzn.to/2YhmocM This is a great deal. If you don’t want the ink, you can search for just the daubers for less.