Zoe’s super stencil technique!

Hi everyone. I just love Angela’s stencil designs, and have made this card using a clever embossing technique. Here’s a short how-to so you can create a unique and striking 3D effect using your Folksy Charm collection!

First, I created an 8 inch card base using one piece of A3 card. You could use two pieces of A4 card joined together if you prefer. I also cut a piece of coordinating card to 7.75 inches square to layer over the card blank. Next , I created a background using watercolours as a wash, blending colours as I went.  I left this to dry, and then trimmed to a 7.5 inch square.

Using my die cutting machine, I made a plate sandwich in the same order as if I were embossing with a die.  My sandwich (from top down) was; top plate, a piece of thick card, plastic shim, the Folksy Meadow A4 Craft Stencil, the wash background card, rubber embossing mat and finally the cutting plate. I used thick card because the stencil is thinner than a die so I needed to bulk the sandwich up a bit to ensure the stencil embossed deeply into the card!

I then passed the sandwich through the machine and, after removing the stencil, gradually applied a gilding wax/polish to the embossed areas. I find using my hands allows me to control the pressure, but you could use a blending tool if you prefer not to get messy!

Next, I made an A5 card using a piece of card from the Ocean Mist A4 Gradients Card Pack.  Using my Folksy Charm Dolls Die Set, I took the medium-sized doll and lined the straight edge of the die along the fold of the card. I applied a little low-tack tape to keep the die in place, and then die-cut the doll.

I also cut the coordinating doll body overlay, headscarf, face and knot from co-ordinating papers within the Folksy Charm 8x8in Paper Pad.

I stamped the face and other decorative elements from the Folksy Charm Stamp Set, and glued all the pieces in place with tacky PVA. I used the flower stamp to add extra interest to the tummy, using two colours of ink for the flower and leaves.

I stamped the ‘Happy Birthday’ sentiment on the inside of the doll, then layered up my base card before placing the doll card on top. To finish the card, I cut a banner shape from white card and stamped a sentiment from the Folksy Charm Stamp Set on to it. I then glued it in place with some 3D glue gel, so that it was slightly raised to create a 3D effect.

I hope you like my card, and enjoy trying out this embossing technique using your own stencils!

Zoe x