Fun folding cards with StencilGirl® stencils

Hi everyone, Ann Barnes here today, sharing some fun folding cards that I created with StencilGirl® stencils and embossing. I love handmade cards. There's something about knowing that someone took the time to create a piece of art to express their wishes. I recently wanted to send an artist friend of mine a note, and as I searched my stash of handmade cards, I decided it was time to update my collection. This particular friend tends to use a lot of stencils in their art, so I thought it would be fun to create some cards with my StencilGirl® ATC Mixup Alphabet stencil designs.

Both my most, and least favorite thing about the ATC Mixup Alphabet stencils I designed for StencilGirl® is the fact that each letter has a different patterned interior. While I love that this makes each letter unique, it also can present a challenge when trying to use multiple letters to spell a word as a whole and have it look uniform in appearance.

I envision a folding card, where each of the letters unfold (think concertina) to create a word. This type of card will be perfect for mailing in an envelope with a simple stamp as its folds onto itself, ending up flat. To make this possible, I cut 4 inch tall, long (24 inch) strips of Bristol board. Ultimately, the length of each card will depend on the number of letters the word is comprised of, but since I had an extra large pad of Bristol, I figured cutting full length strips would allow the most options for word length. When I have multiple strips cut, I decide which words I would like to create. For these cards I made THANKS, HELLO, and CONGRATS.

I want each word, when unfolded to flow seamlessly, and read as a whole. While considering different ways to achieve a uniform appearance, I decide to start with coloring all the bases/backgrounds the in the same color. I select the word, choose the corresponding letter stencils and line them up along the strip. Then, using a pencil, I trace just the outside (and inside if applicable) edges. I do not trace the designs inside the letter. When the stencil is lifted, you have a general outline of each letter.

Using watercolor, I paint inside each of the letters and allow it to dry.

Next, I align the stencils back over each letter, one at a time. Using an embossing ink pad and a sponge applicator, I pounce embossing ink through the stencil onto the watercolored letter. After lifting the stencil off the paper, I cover with Distress embossing glaze and shake off any extra powder.

 

 Then using a heat tool, I set the embossing powder, I continue this process with each letter in the word until all are complete.

Once the heat embossing has cooled, I align the strip and score vertically between each of the letters. This will facilitate the next step, folding. With the score lines in place, You can fold the card forwards  and backwards, alternating. At this points you can leave the card as is, include your handwritten note and send it in an envelope; however, when I envisioned the cards, I imagined mainly letters unfolding to reveal a word. This requires an extra step.

Sketch a line around each of the letters, allowing for a white edge. Be sure that between each letter there is a section that remains joined together at the fold. Keep the spacing uniform around each letter.

Using scissors or an Exacto knife, cut away the extra sections of paper. Enclose your personal message, fold the card and place into an envelope.

This technique can be used with any type of embossing powder. I chose to use the glaze because I love that it is translucent and allows the watercolor to show through, it also allows the designs to fade more into the background without appearing too dominant. Simply adding interest to each letter.

You can easily create cards using any combination of letters, and the folded words could be used in so many different ways. I love how these cards turned out. I am now considering making a few words that I can work into my art journal pages. The possibilities are truly endless!

Thanks so much for stopping by today, 

I hope that you are inspired to pull out your stencils and get creative. By the way, my stencils are on sale for the next two weeks. Just use the code AB20 for 20% off. 

 

~Ann