A few weeks ago I needed to make two graduation cards. I don't make grad cards often, so I don't have any stamp sets specific to the occasion. I do have an image here and there in all-occasion sets, but rather than search for those I decided to do something a little less traditional: mixed media cards.
I have to say that I'm really pleased with how these cards turned out. I used gel prints for the backgrounds -- I chose prints that were monotone with subtle patterns -- and used a stitched rectangle die to cut them to A2 size. Then I started adding all the creative goodness.
First I used a polka dot stencil from the Art Layers Stencils by Vicki Boutin with sprays to add pattern to the lower right quadrant. For the "celebrate" card I used iridescent spray (Altenew), and for the blue card I used Two-Tone Ocean Blue and Gold Metallic Spray (Hero Arts). The iridescent spray is hard to see in the photo above, but you can see it a little better here:
Then I used the Collage Backgrounds Hero Transfers (Hero Arts) to add bits of the map and text images. With another stencil from the Art Layers Stencils, I added texture with Gold Hero Paste (Hero Arts) to three areas on each card. I also used my finger to lightly rub gold paste directly on each background. It's subtle, but it catches the light in person.
When the paste was dry I used the Empowered Words stamp set (Unity Stamp Company) to add three encouraging sayings to each card: "Trust your heart," "Find your voice," and "Believe that you can and you will." At this point I decided that the green card needed a little something extra since the polka dots are hard to see. I decided to die cut some leafy branches from lightweight metallic green paper. It was perfect.
For the main sentiments I die cut "hooray" and "celebrate" once from gold card stock and twice from black. I layered the pieces together and glued one to each background. Using foam tape I added a sentiment strip (Taylored Expressions) below each word. I attached each background to a top-folding white A2 card base and finished them off with sequins/clear droplets.
Although it's time-consuming to make mixed media cards (a lot of time deciding and then drying), I had a really good time creating them. I'm even debating doing something like this for my June Christmas cards. I'd better get busy!
Thanks for stopping by!
Wow! That's lots of work on those beautiful cards! I like the gold accents, they make the card shine, literally! Like you say, they do take time to create, but it's so worth the effort! Both are gorgeous cards and I don't have a favourite because they are both so good! I'm not surprised you had so much fun creating them! Thanks for sharing! Have a fab week!
ReplyDeleteSunshine.
Thank you, Sunshine!
ReplyDelete