My Penance For Neglect

Yes, I confess, I have been a neglectful blogger, but it doesn't mean I haven't been busy... Lots of paperwork, classes to prepare and teach, and most importantly, prepping images for an upcoming "new release" -- I tend to get on a roll with this activity, and become completely absorbed and all-consumed...

I don't want you to think, however, that I've forgotten those of you who faithfully drop by to check out what's "in the works," so even though I can't share what I'm currently doing, here's a look-see at the Valentine I gave my hubby last week -- Didn't dare post it at the last tea party for fear the intended recipient would decide to visit, and spoil his surprise...

What I really like about this card are its possibilities... a Valentine to be sure, but think about weddings or anniversaries... Keep the metallic ink, paper layer, and ribbon, while changing the base color to almost anything, and you've got "easy elegance," with maximum appeal. 

Cardworks:
Stamps - Heart Collage and WD-28Vert. Love Comes
Ink - Brilliance Galaxy Gold
Pearl-Ex (gold) - applied while ink is wet
Scoring Tool - after script has been stamped, smaller red layer is scored 1/4" from each edge
1/8" Eyelet Tool (hole-maker), or Long-reach Punch -  used to make hole for the ribbon AFTER all layers are attached.  Caution:  When hole-punching, make sure to "open" card, and punch though layers and front flap only. 
Other - Fun Foam, 1/2" Sheer Ribbon, and Charm (keys)

The "how to" is really just basic stamping, inking and layering, but the real "fun" comes in by incorporating the fun foam -- found in almost any store carrying "kids" crafting supplies.  It comes in flat, spongy sheets, and is available in oodles of colors.  When working with fun foam:

• Work on a flat, smooth, heat-resistant surface.
• Cut a  piece of the foam slightly larger than the stamp you will be using.
• Use a heat tool, and really "warm" each side of foam, then concentrate a little more heat on the area you want to impress... foam may change color, and should start to curl slightly.
• Immediately impress a dry stamp* into the heated foam -- press firmly, and hold for a slow count of ten. 
• As foam cools, stamp will release easily.
• Allow foam to cool completely. 
• If not happy with the impression, re-heat foam, and re-impress.
• Cooled foam can be cut, inked, glittered, etc. as desired, BUT make sure to use only air-drying products - DO NOT heat set.
• Fun foam can be attached to other surfaces, using a variety of adhesives -- permanent, double-sided tape was used on this card, but a small amount of tacky glue also works well.
• For all products (inks, glue, etc.), remember fun foam is porous, and as such, takes extra drying time.

* When impressing fun foam an inked stamp can also be used, but have the image all "inked and ready" before heating the foam.

If you've never stamped on fun foam, give it a try.  It really is a lot of "fun," and there's an added bonus... The stamped creations are flat and extremely lightweight -- perfect for sending through the mail.

Comments

[Heidi K]

How pretty! I have never tried the fun foam either but now I will have to!

[Sarosa]

Great card!

Thank you so much for posting this information; I bought fun foam years ago for our children's church program, but the only thing I've ever used it for with stamping is creating a temporary stamp pad for a color mix. I've been in a rut with stamping lately, putting together pieces of cardstock, then just staring at them, lol, so this just might be the inspiration I need to actually FINISH a card!