I previously did a basic engineering tree christmas card which was a single layer card and I did it mainly to enter a CAS christmas card challenge. However as part of the creative process, I wasn't fully happy with it and as I mentioned in my blog post, I honestly felt it could be improved. So, I decided to try and improve the card. As you'll see below, the main change is adding a blended background to the tree but I think it improves the card a lot.
For the process video showing how I made the improved engineering tree christmas card, click on the following link or watch the video below:
The first step in making this card was to make a cardboard mask. I spent a lot of time getting a nice triangle to arrange my engineering stamps into and I liked the size and shape so to save time, I cut a piece of card that covered the 'tree triangle' on the original card.
 |
| Making a triangle mask |
I then used that triangle cut out as a template to mask around on the new card front. I used 300gsm white card stock cut to A6 size for my card front taped to the inside of my stamping platform, which is a We R Memory Keepers precision press. Quite simply, I placed the triangle where I wanted my tree shape and taped around it with washi tape. Now I know where to arrange my engineering tool stamps and I can ensure that I get a crisp triangle image for my tree. The bonus of creating the triangle cut out is that I can now create other christmas cards with a similar design and tailor the theme of the tree to different genres, crafts or industries depending on who the recipient will be.
 |
| Washi taping around triangle mask |
After masking it was time to create the blended background. I stuck with the traditional green hue for the tree and used three Ranger archival inks, "Olive,"Leaf Green" and "Sap Green." To do the blending I used a blending brush I bought off Aliexpress.
 |
| Colour blending the tree |
Next step is to stamp the engineering tools inside the triangle tree shape to make this an engineering tree christmas card. I arranged stamps from Altenew's Engineers Rule stamp set inside the triangle with slight overlap over the edge to try and fill the triangle as much as possible. Then I closed the door on my stamping platform to collect all the stamps.
 |
| Placing small engineer tool stamps in triangle |
Using my Jet Black Gina K Designs Amalgam ink, I inked and then stamped the stamps. I ink and stamp the stamps a few times to make sure I get I good image. I also pressed down hard on my platform and rubbed it with my sleeve to ensure even contact across all the stamps. To make sure I didn't accidentally stamp onto areas outside the triangle, I strategically placed a couple of post-it notes.
 |
| Placing post-it notes to protect card front outside of triangle |
 |
| Used gina k designs amalgam ink in jet black to stamp images in triangle |
Grabbing a baby wipe, I clean the stamps and then grab the smallest image (a screw) and placed it onto an acrylic block. I then tried to fill the gaps inside the triangle using this little stamp.
 | |
| Using small stamp and acrylic block to fill in the gaps |
To finish off the card front I decided to stamp "merry christmas" under the triangle (this stamp is from a stamp set I bought off Aliexpress). I chose this particular stamp because the size and arrangement of the text meant I could stamp it under the triangle to symbolise the stump of a tree. I stamped this sentiment stamp using a Stazon ink pad in 'Saddle Brown' and an acrylic block.
 |
| Stamping 'merry christmas' below tree |
 |
| Used StazOn in Saddle Brown ink for sentiment |
As I wanted a border or mounting for the card front, I decided to trim down the card front.
 |
| Trimming the card front to fir card base with border |
Finally, I use double sided tape to attach the card front to a dark green A6 card base. I used 180gsm card but I should have used a card base with more weight as it did feel a little floppy.
 |
| Using double tape to adhere card front to card base |
And that's another finished card!
 |
| Finished blended engineer tree christmas card |
Here is another card I made using the same technique. Instead of engineer tools stamps I used summer themed stamps to give it a warm summer christmas feel. I'll link to the blog post of how I made that card here too once I complete the post.
 |
| Summer Christmas Tree Christmas Card |
If you are interested in my original engineering tree christmas card, click on the following link: https://craftyepicurean.com/cas-engineer-xmas-card/
If you want to see the process video for the original card click the following link or watch the video below: https://youtu.be/un6lx4D1nJI
No comments:
Post a Comment