Category: Distress Ink

  • Do the Slimline with Crystal Lingo | by Tracey McNeely

    Do the Slimline with Crystal Lingo | by Tracey McNeely

    Happy Spring crafty friends! Today I’m creating two slimline cards using the Crystal Lingo Stamps and dies.

    The faceted rectangle stamp in the Crystal Lingo clear stamp set is the perfect size for 8 1/2″ x 3 1/2″ slimline cards.

    For both of the my cards today I started off by white heat embossing the faceted rectangle from Crystal Lingo on to two panels of watercolour cardstock cut to 8 1/2″ x 3 1/2″.

    TIP: When embossing on watercolour cardstock I always make sure I prep the paper well with my embossing buddy and I always double stamp my embossing ink.

    I laid down a combination of Distress Ink and Distress Oxide inks on to my craft mat in a staggered rainbow. I used Kitsch Flamingo, Carved Pumpkin, and Twisted Citron Distress Oxide inks and Mustard Seed, Tumbled Glass and Shaded Lilac Distress ink.

    I spritzed some water onto the mat and then put my panel facedown into the ink and picked it up right away. I did not smoosh the ink, just straight on and off. I dried the panel thoroughly and then went back to the mat and tapped the panel around putting on a second layer. I spritzed a bit of water on my panel where the Distress Inks were to disperse them a bit more.

    Once again I dried the panel thoroughly and went back to the mat one more time but before tapping down I spritzed the craft mat a bit more to reactivate the ink and did one final layer by tapping the panel on the craft mat. I stamped and die cut the Big Lingo Type Thanks die in white and black and attached it to the card with foam adhesive!

    The second panel was actually the first panel but a little bit of Frayed Burlap was all it took to muddy up my rainbow.

    Rather than toss it away I kind of liked the masculine vibe that the brown gave to the card. So I did the same as I did for the other card.

    I dried it and added more ink until I had three layers! I die cut the Big Lingo Type Thanks using only the detailed die three times for the sentiment. I adhered the three layers together to give the die cut some stability. Trust me this takes some patience–lol! I adhered the die cut directly to the card front.

    It’s so much fun to take an image like this, emboss it and then have some fun with your inks. This technique can be done with most inks and of course a little bit of water.

    Thanks so much for joining me today and we’ll see you next time!

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  • Enchantment meets Crystal Lingo | By Amanda Wilcox

    Enchantment meets Crystal Lingo | By Amanda Wilcox

    Hello everyone! It’s Amanda from Twiddler’s Nook today with another pair of cards to share. I seem to have a hard time either making choices or letting die cuts go to waste so I rarely make just one card anymore.

    This all started with my wanting to play with the Enchantment layering dies and create the card on the left. But I couldn’t let that ring go to waste so I die cut the middle portion a second time and created the card you see on the right. I made them simultaneously so forgive me if my tutorial today flips back and forth.

    I started by die cutting all the pieces from the three Enchantment layers once and the center portion a second time. My bottom layer is Thermoweb Deco Foil Flock, the middle layer is a textured cardstock and the top is a smooth cardstock. These three together look so cool in person! Definitely worth it!

    Once these were cut, I used liquid glue to adhere all the layers together and started playing with backgrounds.

    I ended up doing some ink smooshing with my Tombow markers for the first card. I always lay down one layer of ink, dry it with my heat gun and keep layering until I like it. Then I set it aside to dry.

    While that was drying I blended tattered rose and dried marigold distress oxide inks on a panel. Then I spritzed it with water and flicked pearl watercolor on it. Once that was dry I trimmed it down to 4×5.25 inches and lined the back with foam tape to adhere to a white card base.

    After adhering my backgrounds to card bases, I stamped and heat embossed sentiments from Crystal Lingo and used the coordinating dies to cut them out. Then I trimmed the smaller ones into strips.

    Assembly was simple using liquid glue for the layerd die cuts and a combination of foam squares and liquid glue for the sentiments.

    I did the same thing for both cards and then finished them both off with some pearl baubles for a little extra shine and interest.

    I hope you found some inspiration to create something wonderful today.

    I appreciate you sharing your time with me. Have a fabulous day!

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  • Any Time Layered Hearts

    Any Time Layered Hearts

    Hi there, it’s Tracey here today with a couple square cards using the Layered Hearts dies. These began as cards for Valentines, but time got away from me. So they were finished after the 14th as cards that you can send any time of the year. Both of today’s cards are 4 1/4″ x 4 1/4″ square and although the cards are different, they both use the same process.

    The Kinsley Heart and the Petal Heart layer sets are beautiful whether you use all three layers together or just the top for a delicate look! I love this die set because even with all three layers you can still see the amazing stitched lines on the bottom layer!

    To make the pink heart using all three layers of the Kinsley Heart layers dies. I began by blending a panel with Distress Oxide Inks–Spun Sugar, Picked Raspberry and Seedless Preserves. This will be the background for the layered heart and the bottom layer of the letter dies. It was cut with the largest heart in the Perfect Hearts die set. The layers of the Kinsley heart were cut from white cardstock and glued together. The ‘xoxo’ was cut using the Mod Alphabet die set. The bottom layer from the ink blended panel and the top from white cardstock.

    Before attaching the layered heart and ‘xoxo’ to the card base it was spritzed with Distress Oxide Spray in Picked Raspberry. I sponged a bit a pink ink on the centre of the heart for interest.

    The green card used the Petal Layers die set, but only Layer A for a more delicate design.

    Just like with the pink card I blended a panel with Distress Oxide Inks, this time I used Tumble Glass, Cracked Pistachio and Peacock Feathers. I used the panel once again for the layered heart and the bottom layer of the letter dies. Layer A of the Petal Heart layer set was cut from white cardstock. The ‘xoxo’ was cut using the Mod Alphabet die set. The bottom layer from the ink blended panel and the top from white cardstock.

    This time before attaching the heart and ‘xoxo’ to the card base it was spritzed with Cracked Pistachio and Peacock Feathers Distress Oxide Spray.

    So quick and so fun to use similar supplies and the same basic techniques to make two cards to you can use to Share Handmade Kindness!

    Thank you so much for stopping in to craft with me, see you next time.

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  • Linear Triangle Duo | By Amanda Wilcox

    Linear Triangle Duo | By Amanda Wilcox

    Hi again! It’s Amanda from Twiddler’s Nook today featuring a couple of new products available in the shop. I was very interested in this new linear triangle die so I cut a couple out and started playing around, which is how I figured out today’s fun design. I hope you like it.

    I started by blending distress oxide inks in aged mahogany, fired brick and tattered rose on 4×25.5.5 inch panels.

    Then I die cut the linear triangle from 2 shades of teal cardstock – twice each so I could make both cards at the same time.

    I spritzed the inked panels with water, glued down the linear triangles with liquid glue and splattered them both with gold watercolor.

    While the watercolor was drying, I stamped sentiments from the new Crystal Lingo set and heat embossed them. The big words are in gold on white paper and the smaller sentiments are in white on black paper. I die cut the large words, cut strips from the small ones and lined the backs with foam squares.

    Last, I just removed the release paper and attached my sentiments to the card fronts. Here is the portrait version.

    And my favorite part about this design is the linear triangle die is how well it works both ways. Here is a landscape one so you can see how the panels fit the card fronts.

    Such a fun combo to make. Also, very easy to swap out sentiments and colors for different occasions and needs. I love cards like that. Don’t you?

    I appreciate you sharing your time with me. Have a fabulous day!

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  • Hugs and Kisses | by Tracey McNeely

    Hugs and Kisses | by Tracey McNeely

    Hi there crafty friends, it’s Tracey here with you today. I used the Dahlia Heart Layer dies to create a slimline Valentines card. Using one sheet of white cardstock I was able to make my card base which is 8 1/2″ x 7″. The remaining piece of cardstock left was 8 1/2″ x 3 1/2″. I trimmed a 1/4″ off of the length and now had the perfect sized mat for the front of my card.

    I started by ink blended a panel of Bristol Smooth cardstock using Distress Oxide Inks–Spun Sugar, Picked Raspberry and Festive Berries. Once the panel was blended I tapped some watered down Perfect Pearls over the panel to add some interest and set it aside for now.

    Using the Dahlia Heart Layer A die, I cut a heart near the upper portion of the 8 1/2″ x 3 1/2″ panel.

    I trimmed my ink blended panel down and adhered it to the back of the front panel that I cut the heart from.

    Next I used the Dahlia Heart Layer A die and cut it from gold sparkle cardstock. I added liquid adhesive to the back of the gold sparkle heart and I inlaid it into the heart cutout. I panel was adhered to the card base leaving a small 1/8″ border.

    The hugs sentiment is from the Jumbo Lingo Hugs die. I cut the base layer from my ink blended panel and the top layer with the same gold sparkle cardstock I used for the heart. It was attached to the card using small pieces of foam tape.

    To finish off the card I splattered a bit of yellow gold metallic watercolour on to the card front. Then I embossed the XOXO using gold pearl embossing powder.

    Thanks so much for stopping in today and crafting with me. There is lots of time to make some Valentines cards for your loves or for friends. Have fun and get creative with your Birch Press Design dies. Enjoy the rest of your day and well see you next time!

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  • Ombre Kinsley Heart || by Crystal Komara

    Ombre Kinsley Heart || by Crystal Komara

    Hello crafty friends! This is Design Team member Crystal Komara here with you today sharing a beautiful Valentine’s Day card featuring the latest new release products from Birch Press Design. The focal point of this pink ombre card is the ink blended background peeking through the Kinsley Heart Layering Plate.

    On a 5 1/4″ x 4 1/4″ piece of Bristol smooth cardstock I ink blended Distress Oxide inks in the colors Spun Sugar, Worn Lipstick and Candied Apple. I began with the lightest color (Spun Sugar) at the top of the cardstock and the richest color (Candied Apple) at the bottom.

    Using 80 lb. Neenah Solar White Crest cardstock, I die cut the top layer (Layer A) from the Kinsley Heart Plate.

    I placed this intricate heart layer directly over the ombre background adhering it with LineCo ph neutral bookbinding glue (my go-to liquid adhesive).

    Using the Lingo Thanks stamp set, I stamped the word “love” in Versamark ink on ballet pink cardstock and heat embossed it with white embossing powder. I used the coordinating Lingo Thanks die set to cut it out. I also stamped the sentiment “you’re in my heart” in Versamark ink on fuschia pink cardstock and heat embossed it with white embossing powder as well. I die cut one large white heart to serve as the center focal point of the card. I adhered the sentiments to the lower right corner of the heart using 3M foam adhesive. Lastly, I added a few iridescent sequins with glue dots to the card for added dimension and sparkle.

    I hope you will enjoy these beautiful new products from Birch Press Design! Thanks for visiting and have a wonderfully creative day!

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  • Using Your Dies to Create a Scene

    Using Your Dies to Create a Scene

    Hi there, it’s Tracey back here today and I have a quick tutorial to show you how I got inventive with my dies to help me create a scene on a grassy field.

    I started off with a panel of Bristol Smooth cardstock, my favourite for use with Disress Oxides inks. All my colouring today was done with Distress Oxide inks. I ink blended my grass at the bottom of my panel using Pine Needles and Lucky Clover inks.

    I wanted to create clouds for my sky but I didn’t have a cloud stencil or die. So I used the Regal Peacock dies set, Layer A to make my own stencil.

    I cut the tail using lightweight cardstock, and turned the tail on it side and blended a cloudy sky using Tumbled Glass ink. Moving the stencil along from left to right, carefully turning it to fit the cloudy scene I was trying to make. Now that my background is done I set it aside to dry while I worked on the rest of the card.

    The pumpkin and stem from the Pumpkin Lacework stamp set were stamped and clear embossed on Bristol Cardstock once again. I blended Wild Honey, Spiced Marmalade and Carved Pumpkin ink over the embossed pumpkin to add a bit of shading and dimension. I blended Peeled Paint and Frayed Burlap ink over the pumpkin stem. I cut the ink blended shapes out with the coordinating dies.

    The leaves that are around the base of the pumpkin are from Layer B of the Autumn Breeze dies set. After I cut the panel, with Bristol Smooth cardstock, I ink blended the individual leaves in autumn colours.

    I cut the wavy banner die from the Christmas Ornaments and Labels stamps set from white cardstock. Then I stamped a sentiment is from the You Are Awesome stamp set on to the banner. When I picked up the banner I got a bit of orange ink on to the one side of the banner. No need to start again, I just blended orange ink all around the banner. So now it is just between you and me!

    It was so fun to create a my scene using just what I had on hand. The peacock tail die came in handy to create those clouds in my scene. I  hope I have encouraged you to look at your supplies a bit differently. Just another way to maximize the use of what you have.

    Thanks so much for stopping in today and have a wonderful week!

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  • Distressed Autumn Breeze by Jeanne Jachna

    Distressed Autumn Breeze
    by Jeanne Jachna

    Hi friends! I hope you’re having a great day! Fall is in the air and I’m enjoying the crisp cool nights and seeing the leaves turn color!

    Birch Press Design is known for it’s innovative layered die sets, and honestly I think they keep getting better and better.

    The sets are really versatile and more detailed. I used only two of the three dies in the set and covered the panels with distress ink before stacking them. I love the contrast of blue and orange. The yellow panel you see is the card base.

    I really wanted you to get a close look at the detail on these panels. All three of the panels in the set have a beautiful pierced design. You can see the swirls on the blue cover panel that inspire the name of the set “Autumn Breeze”.

    I inked the Thanks Honey Script die with Blueprint Sketch Distress ink to match the ink on the cover panel. The stamped sentiment is from the Lingo Thanks stamp set.

    Autumn always gets me thinking of Thanksgiving – and I start counting my blessings. I just want you to know that I am ever so grateful for your friendship now and always. Hugs to you for always making me smile!

    Finished Size 4.25 x 5.5″

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  • Rainbow Joy Snowflake | by Tracey McNeely

    Rainbow Joy Snowflake | by Tracey McNeely

    Hi there crafty friends, its Tracey here today with a tutorial on how I created this pretty rainbow snowflake using the newly released Pinpoint Snowflake die.

    I divided up the snowflake into 6 equal parts. Using Post-it Tape for masking along the straight pierced lines I ink blended each section with a different colour of Distress Oxide ink.

    After I ink blended the first section using Pink Raspberry and then I removed the tape to reveal a crisp line.

    I moved the tape to cover the section I just blended and masked off the second section. I ink blended the next section with Spiced Marmelade using the same Post-it tape. Removed the tape and set up for the next section using the same Post-it tape once again.

    I continued around the snowflake for the remaining three sections–Twisted Citron, Peacock Feathers and Wilted Violet. I used new Post-it tape for the last three sections so there was minimal contamination of colours.

    Ooops took this next photo from the wrong angle!

    To make this snowflake into a card I die cut the Pinpoint Radial Plate from white cardstock. I trimmed it down to 5 1/4″ x 4″. Taking an 1/8″ of of each side so the centre of the radial is still in the centre. I finished by adhering the snowflake to the radial panel over the card base with foam tape.

    For the sentiment I used the Big Joy Sugar Script dies. The word was cut with silver sparkle cardstock and the shadow cut from white. They were glued together and then adhered to the centre of the snowflake with foam tape once again.

    To finish it off I tucked a few sparkling crystals around the sentiment.

    Thanks so much for stopping in today I hope you give this technique a try. You can mask off and ink blend any shape or cover die that you have. It’s addictive, I promise. See you next time!

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  • Just One Layer | by Tracey McNeely

    Just One Layer | by Tracey McNeely

    Hi there and Happy Fall! It’s Tracey here today and as I was blending my leaves for today’s post the leaves outside my window are almost blending just as fast. Just like a light switch summer turned off and autumn has arrived.

    For today’s card I used only one die, Layer B, from the Autumn Breeze Layer dies. A brilliantly designed set of three dies that all work together but can each work independently of one another giving you options to showcase two different scenes. Layer B can be used all on it’s own and cuts all these beautiful stitched leaves.

    I cut a panel from Bristol Smooth cardstock and I ink blended each individual leaf using Distress Oxide inks. I used Squeezed Lemonade, Wild Honey, Spiced Marmalade, Candied Apple, Fired Brick, Ripe Persimmon, Peeled Paint and Walnut Stain to create a variety of different coloured leaves.

    I cut another A2 sized panel of Bristol Smooth cardstock and then ink blended a background using more Distress Oxide inks. I started with Crushed Olive and then brought in some Peeled Paint from the edges and finished off with some Walnut Stain just on the edges.

    I covered the card front with a piece of gold paper from the Polished Foil pad and then I adhered the green ink blended panel over top. Each one of the blended leaves was inlaid into the die cut. The gold splatters were created from red gold metallic watercolours.

    Once dry I added a sentiment from the Pumpkin Lacework stamp set. I used the ‘Fall is in the air’ quote which I gold embossed on brown cardstock and die cut it with the co-ordinating Pumpkin Lacework die set. The sentiment was added with foam tape to complete the card.

    Thank you so much for stopping by today and I really hope I tweeked your interest to look at your layered die sets a bit differently. What you can do with only one layer?

    Happy Crafting!

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