POWERFUL SIMPLE CARDS you’ll love

Sometimes simple cards can be quite powerful! While using color can be incredible, have you ever given the most basic color palette a try – Black & White?

Ingrid Blackburn Simple Cards

Today, I thought it would be fun play a little with some black and white card combinations. As you’ll quickly see, these three layout concepts can be made quickly, without a lot of supplies and make quite a powerful statement.

Ingrid Blackburn Simple Cards

Some simple and classic heat embossing gives you powerful black and white simple cards. Playing with the mix of tone on tone and contrast really packs a punch, don’t you think? Have you ever tried this? Let me know in the comments!

If you want even more inspiration with simple and powerful cards, even some not so simple technique cards …. be sure to check out my youtube channel here too.

Ingrid Blackburn Simple Cards

The inspiration that was at the heart of today’s creations came from wanting to unite together behind our crafty sisters and brothers of color – in life, but also in the art industry. I wanted to stand together with you in support for the never-ending fight for equality all over the world.

Today, some crafty friends and I are hopping from blog to blog, on instagram and youtube united. The hop is beginning with our crafty friends of color, and followed by everyone else. Hope you enjoy the beautiful inspiration we all bring to you, and find yourself some beautiful crafty voices. Thank you for your support!

To continue hopping for more inspiration, CLICK HERE for Charlotte’s blog.

The hop begins on Justine Hovey’s website HERE.

Thanks for spending a few moments with me today! See you next time…

Be different – Make amazing PAPER NAPKIN CARDS with a Gelli Plate

Paper Napkin Cards aren’t what they used to be. Have you ever used napkins or other frail papers in your art? Ever had the thinnest of papers fall apart on you? Tear as you separate them?

I’m just a girl (got gwen stefani stuck in your head now?) who LOVES that look you can get from a Gelli Arts® Gel Plate – (affectionately called Gelli Plate), a brayer, acrylic paints and a few stencils. Seriously – if you’ve never tried printing with a Gelli Plate, or used paper napkins on cards, keep reading…

I’m not talking about your everyday prints. I’m talking about those layered prints, that have the positive, negative and a whole lotta grungy colored goodness going on. So what in the world does that have to do with Paper Napkins you might ask? Well, let me start at the beginning…

Paper Napkin Cards

A few weeks ago I showed in this video exactly how I make cards quickly using the top layer of paper napkins. I always find paper napkin patterns that I LOVE. It’s become a little bit of an addiction. And forget about it around the holidays….that’s a great idea by the way…a stack of Christmas Cards made from an inexpensive pack ($3 for 80 focal images!) of Paper Napkins! It’s a no-brainer…

That video shows just how easy it is to make cards from a pack of paper napkins. Spoiler alert – they don’t even use adhesive to make the panels! Now you REALLY want to see how to make cards from paper napkins, huh?

Almost always, you’re only going to use the top layer for cards. That means that you are usually left with 2 blank layers unused. I told my youtube subscribers that I’d have some fun ideas for what to do with those left over layers, and that’s where we’re at today!

So, since today we’re making happy cards, I thought why not make THREE for you! The first two use layer 2 & 3 from the napkin – you know, the left over pieces.

I have a video coming on my youtube channel in the next few weeks, and you’re getting a sneak peek at the final projects. Are you a subscriber? If so, definitely tell me in the comments!

Here’s a little something to help you GET inspired and GET creating today with your gel plate.

If you want to know how to use one…I’ve got a great how to use a gelli plate video here and this one shows a fun multi layered print that showcases 11 ways to improve your card design.

The Prints

Now you’re going to need the unprinted layers from when you separated your napkin – it’s okay if they have some ghost imaging on them. I’m going to show you two ways of getting some COOL pieces for your cards and mixed media projects.

If when making your cards, you run up against needing an easy way to separate the layers, I have a way to do that. It’s quick, easy and works every time. And the video is only 2 minutes…even better:

CLICK HERE to watch in HD on YouTube

Now that you have your layers separated, our first two projects use white, plain, layers. This is perfect for those prints that still have a ghost image on them too.

Did you subscribe to my youtube channel? I post weekly videos on a variety of card making and mixed media projects. Hope you pop by!

For these two Paper Napkin Layers, you’ll need to create a fun pattern on your gel plate with whatever medium you want. I used a Gelli Arts® Gel Plate, a Brayer, Acrylics, stencils and items that create texture – like the above one – large bubble wrap.

Don’t leave your napkin down too long, pull your print right away. Be careful, as it’ll be wet and napkins can tear easily. This one below tore. To fix it, I adhered it next to each other. It ended up creating this cool torn look.

Notice the cool texture from the napkins? The pattern from the embossed edge? I’m telling you – it’s the COOLEST textured look.

And you don’t need anything complex for a sentiment. I used some go to sentiments like the ones from the stamp set Fluttering Friends.

Custom Gloss Spray Prints

For the third project, get a little creative and create your own papers – who needs to buy those?!! USE WHAT YOU HAVE. First up, try stamping with your favorite background image in archival ink on the napkin layers or tissue paper.

I had the need to be a little creative for about 20 minutes one day. Look at all these you can create! I used LOTS of backgrounds by Catherine Pooler, some Unity stamps (see those flying keys…love a good nod to Harry Potter) and a few other favorite stamps.

This way, when you need something interesting for a project, you have a cool stash. Best part, you’re using what you already have – doesn’t get better than that! Isn’t that cottage garden background by Catherine amazing!

For this project, I thought it would be fun to use one of my favorites (not pictured above) – Rondi’s Window Background Stamp. I love this background stamp. You can create some of the most gorgeous cards with this stamp. Now, I got a little creative here, and didn’t use a gelli plate! GASP!

Instead, I thought it would be fun to break out some of my new Dina Wakely Gloss Sprays and see how well they color fragile papers. Isn’t that tie dye effect just gorgeous?!! I love that hello die by Catherine Pooler, it’s the perfect compliment to backgrounds!

And speaking of the PERFECT compliment. Like those super THIN stripes? That’s the single best background stamp you could EVER own! It’s by The Ton and Effie outdid herself on that one. They are thin, perfectly thin and the best compliment to any background. Enough to hold interest, yet not steal the show.

Hope you enjoyed those!!

The Happy Hop

It’s been quite an interesting few months, and we all have been cooped up in our homes! A few companies decided that we all need a little joy and happiness.

Can you believe there are 146 stops on the hop – seriously…can you believe THAT?!! Crazy, right?

Be sure to hop on next to the incredibly talented Kevin Bray Here!

Happy hopping, be sure to subscribe to my youtube channel for weekly inspiration, and stay safe!

5 Card Ideas

5 card ideas

5 card ideas with 4 new ink colors in the Spa line of ink by Catherine Pooler. BOOM! Or as my good crafty friend Laurel Beard likes to say...BOOM BOOM! That's right, Catherine released the final four colors to complete the Urban Oasis collection. … [Continue reading]

I’ve Moved

SO....did you know that I've MOVED! Yup, my new (yes, I know this is the second time this year), let's try that again....my NEW instagram account is.... @IngridBlackburn Be sure to stop by, follow and like a few of the photos. I'm taking a trip … [Continue reading]

Easy Gelatos Techniques

faber castell gelatos

Easy Gelatos techniques are something that everyone should have in their crafty toolbox. So my goal is to teach you several quick ways to punch up your backgrounds and projects with this video tutorial. Because everyone needs to know quick easy ways … [Continue reading]

Mixed Media Cards | Backgrounds, Elements and Finishing Touches

How to create DIY Mixed Media Cards and Elements

Today I have a cool mixed media cards tutorial for you. Even if you aren't necessarily into mixed media, or the thought of it scares you - there are LOTS of little golden nuggets in this tutorial. You'll find little techniques that you can adapt for … [Continue reading]

How to Draw Underwater Scenes with Colored Pencils

Have you ever wanted to draw underwater scenes or just create your own little world? You'd be surprised at just how easy it actually is with Colored Pencils. No, you don't have to be an artist - so those of you who immediately said - but Ingrid, I … [Continue reading]

Easy DIY Beach Cards

Ever wanted to create some easy DIY beach cards? We're in the height of summer and what says summer more than a day at the beach! This week I'm playing along with the Unsinkable Release over at Catherine Pooler Designs and I have several cool cards … [Continue reading]