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!