RELAX & CREATE - DIY STENCIL

I have used the Classic Block Alphabet Die set for SOOOOOOOOO many cards—it’s one of my most used die sets!!! I spelled out what I wanted to say on a card front sized piece of stencil blank (Plaid brand, I think, found at Walmart years ago and squirreled away) and ran it through my die cutting machine.

The spray adhesive I used to help mount it temporarily in place is an old can (talkin’ 4-5 years old . . . sad); after one use, the stencil lost all tackiness. ARGH!!! So, I may need to get a fresh can or try Aleene’s Tack-It-Over-and-Over again, brushing a thin coat on the back side of the stencil. Any suggestions welcome!

I frequently make my own “disposable” stencils from card stock, sometimes even just typing paper, but it’s cool to have one more permanent, that I can use over and over again, clean up without damage. Especially if it’s a sentiment or word I use pretty often. HelloOOoo, staple word. (grin)

Hope you found this enjoyable and relaxing!

Stay well, keep bein’ crafty!

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SUPPLIES:

• Modern Succulents by Julie Ebersole, Essentials by Ellen Clear Stamps

• Classic Block Alpha by Julie Ebersole, Essentials By Ellen Designer Dies

• VersaFine Clair Ink Pad, Nocturne

• Clear Fine, Avery Elle Embossing Powder

• Dual Speed Heat Tool, WOW

• Garden Party, Catherine Pooler Ink Pad

• Eucalyptus, Catherine Pooler Ink Pad

• Life Changing Blender Brush - 2 Pack, Picket Fence Studios (LCB-2)

• Solar White - 25 pk, Neenah Classic Crest Cardstock

• Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock, Pale Rose, 10 pk

• Crystal Clear Hearts, Essentials by Ellen Embellishments

• Scrapbook Adhesives Crafty Foam Tape, White

• Magnetic Cutting Mat & Ruler, Heidi Swapp Tools (work surface)

• Tonic Comfort 8.5 Inch Guillotine Paper Trimmer by Tim Holtz

• Stainless Tweezers, Elisa's Backporch Design

• Platinum 6 Die Cutting And Embossing Machine, Spellbinders Tools

Disclosure: I use affiliate links in my posts; if you see something you like, want or need, and purchase via my links, I receive a small commission, which I use to buy coffee, which fuels my creativity and provides energy to make more card ideas. And, pay the rent.

BLOOMIN' GOOD DAY

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Those Picket Fence Life-changing brushes literally have changed my ink-blending life. I didn’t have paper in these exact colors so I faked it! •chinkle• By that, I just mean that I white embossed the sentiment multiple times (from Everyday Punnies) onto white card stock, trimmed it apart into strips and then used the brushes and Catherine Pooler Inks to blend over the top.

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I ALWAYS struggled with the ink blending tool no matter how much I practiced. (insert frowny face) There’s something about the handle on these brushes, tho, that makes a huge difference for me—my grip is naturally, and almost unconsciously, loose and the flexibility of the handle prevents me from applying too much pressure, especially wonderful when I’m trying to achieve a “pale” blend. Super satisfying. •fist pump•

Hope YOU are having a bloomin’ good day and thanks for stopping by!

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SUPPLIES (affiliate links used wherever possible):

• Everyday Doodles & Punnies, Essentials By Ellen Stamp & Die Combo

• Everyday Doodles by Julie Ebersole, Essentials By Ellen Clear Stamps

• Everyday Doodles by Julie Ebersole, Essentials By Ellen Designer Dies

• Everyday Punnies by Julie Ebersole, Essentials By Ellen Clear Stamps

• Neenah Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, 25 pk

• VersaMark Ink Pad

• Stampendous Embossing Powder, Detail White, 0.76 oz.

• Hero Arts Embossing Powder, Detail White

• Avery Elle Embossing Powder, Pure White Fine

• Catherine Pooler Ink Pad, Mint To Be

• Catherine Pooler Ink Pad, It's A Boy

• Catherine Pooler Ink Pad, Melon Ice

• Catherine Pooler Ink Pad, Limoncello

• Catherine Pooler Ink Pad, It's A Girl

• Catherine Pooler Ink Pad, Bellini

• VersaFine Clair Ink Pad, Nocturne

• Scotch Foam Mounting Tape

• Life Changing Blender Brush - 4 Piece Broad, Picket Fence Studios (LCB-4)

• Life Changing Blender Brush - 2 Pack, Picket Fence Studios (LCB-2)

• Life Changing Blender Brush Set, Picket Fence Studios (LCB-full)

• Hero Arts Embossing Gun (Wagner)

• My Sweet Petunia MISTI Laser Etched Stamping Tool (8-1/8 X 10-1/2)

• Crafter's Companion Gemini Junior