Tarnished Metal Masculine Birthday Card Tutorial

Hello fellow stampers and card makers!

I am in love with this technique! Doesn't the background look like tarnished metal?

I think this technique is perfect for masculine cards - this one is a birthday card but you could make it work for any sentiment. It's so much easier than it looks and is sure to impress your friends and family.

Here's what you will need:

• embossing folder
• mirror cardstock - gold, silver, or copper
• 2 - embossing powder colors
• Stazon black inkpad
• Versamark pen

For this card, I used silver mirror cardstock with gold and copper embossing powder. Any combination works, just use what you have. The background is made with a clock embossing folder. Tip: when dry embossing with mirror cardstock use a thinner sandwich in your die cutting machine.  Thicker sandwiches will press the folder too much causing the paper to tear. Once the paper is embossed, take the Stazon inkpad and lightly drag the ink across the raised images.  This gives it an aged look.

Make sure to dry the ink before moving to the next step. I use my heat tool to quickly dry the ink. Now comes the fun part. Using the Versamark pen, color in patches on the embossed piece leaving some of the mirror cardstock exposed. Cover with gold embossing powder shaking off the excess.  The powder only sticks to the Versamark ink and then emboss with a heat tool. Repeat the same process with the copper embossing powder. Continue to add both colors until you get the coverage you like.

To finish the tarnished metal look, add more Stazon ink by apply the inkpad direct to the paper. Again, use your heat tool to dry but be careful not the melt the embossing you already applied.

Next, I added an embossed happy birthday sentiment and made a simple embellishment. I think this card is stunning and so much fun to do!

I hope you give this technique a try.

Happy Stamping!

Kathie K.

Christmas Card Fundraiser

Hello fellow card makers,

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, I find myself thinking of everything that I am so blessed to have and very thankful for.  So I am doing a very special Christmas card project this year.  I have created two different designs - see images  below - for this year's Christmas cards. This year is a little different.  I will be donating $1 from each card that is ordered to the Lydia House/.

The Lydia House is an emergency shelter for women and families that are victims of domestic violence. Some families end up staying here through the holidays and donations help bring a little holiday spirit to their lives.  The Lydia House is operated through the Open Door Mission.  Check out their website if your want to volunteer.

The first Christmas card design, Madonna and Child, has a red and gold color scheme. It is made with gold mirror paper and embossing to add a little sparkle and shine. The inside of the card reads: May the miracle of Christmas live forever in your heart.  Merry Christmas.

The second design, Woodland Winterland, use a blue and silver color scheme. The evergreen trees are adorned with silver embossing and framed with silver mirror cardstock. The inside of the card reads: May the beauty of the season bring you joy and warm memories to cherish throughout the year. Happy Holidays.

I am also offering free shipping on all orders $25 or more.  That's only 5 Christmas cards! Use coupon code Christmas2017 when you check out.

I hope you consider helping me help spread the spirit of Christmas by ordering these cards through my Etsy shop. If you prefer not order online, please email me directly handmadebykathiek@gmail.com with the quantity and design you would like or if you have any questions.

Happy stamping!
Kathie K.

Welcome Baby Cards

Hello stampers,

Several of my acquaintances have had babies in the last month. There are so many cute handmade baby cards out there but I don't have hardly any baby themed stamp sets. I made these card with stamps from "all occasion" stamp set.

The die cuts are what makes these cards extra special and precious.  I'm only showing the pink version but the boy versions are just as beautiful. It's amazing what a little pink or blue cardstock die cut with a sweet sentiment will make.

On the first card, the foot print is embossed using light pink embossing powder and Versamark ink.

Both cards are available on my Etsy Shop, Handmade by Kathie K.

Happy stamping!

Father's Day Cards

Hello fellow stampers and crafters,

I really like making masculine cards.  I think the fellas in our lives are sometimes forgotten but they really like getting cards too.  These particular cards I made for Father's Day but the tags could say happy  birthday, congrats, happy retirement, thank you or just about anything.

I did not include a lot of embellishments.  The embossing gives the cards a nice clean touch,

 Think about making more masculine cards and give these a try.  You can find more cards on my Etsy shop at https://www.etsy.com/shop/handmadebykathiek?ref=seller-platform-mcnav.

Thanks for stopping by.  Happy stamping!