Technique Talk: “Relax” Card Video Tutorial

Happy Friday everyone! Today I would like to share with you a new feature that I’m introducing to the PCL blog called “Technique Talk”. The purpose of this feature is to spotlight a variety of different stamping and card making techniques and demonstrate how to incorporate one or more of them into a finished card.

Depending on your interest level, at this point in time I am considering offering the “Technique Talk” as a regular feature on the PCL blog. So after reading the post and watching the video – please leave me a comment letting me know what you think!

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Today’s “Relax” card is jam-packed with techniques! Here’s an overview of the techniques I incorporated into this card:

Using a MISTI

For those of you that are not familiar with the tool called MISTI – it stands for the “Most Incredible Stamping Tool Invented”. It is a stamp positioning tool invented by My Sweet Petunia – and I definitely have to give her props because it is indeed fabulous!  Although it is more of an investment than other stamp positioning tools that you may be familiar with (Stamp-a-ma-jig and the Fiskars Stamp Press) – it takes precision stamping to a whole new level.  I’ll be talking about the MISTI more in an upcoming “Tool Talk” segment (another new feature that will be making it’s appearance on the PCL blog).

In this video you’ll actually see me use the Fiskars stamp press in conjunction with the MISTI to apply a pattern to the sun image.

Kissing with Stamps

See the sun? This was originally a solid image stamp.  I inked it up in a yellow ink and then applied a pattern to it by stamping an alphabet background stamp directly onto it using an orange ink (all supplies listed at the bottom of this post). This is a super fun technique called Kissing with Stamps – you can create an endless variety of images with your existing stash simply by combining your solid image stamps with background pattern stamps.

Double Embossing over Dye Inks

The beauty of working with dye based inks for stamping is that they are quick drying. The downside is that because they dry so quickly you can not heat emboss with dye inks.  To solve this problem I stamped the sun image using VersaMark ink (a watermark ink that is slow drying and ideal for embossing) directly over top of the “Kissed” sun image and then heat embossed it with clear embossing powder. The MISTI was critical for helping me achieve perfect placement when stamping the second sun image directly over top of the first.

In terms of the double embossing – I wanted to be able to create a thicker, glossier embossed image.  In order to do so, while my first layer of embossing powder was still molten from the heat tool, I quickly sprinkled a second layer over top  – which stuck to the molten embossing powder – and heat embossed it.

Using Positive and Negative Masking 

To create my mask I used one of the Spellbinders Edgeabilites dies. I placed the scalloped die horizontally across my masking paper and die cut it using my Big Shot.  This created two masks – one with the scalloped border, and the second piece (the negative of the mask) with the inverted scalloped border.  I then used both those pieces to mask off segments of my card stock.

Sponging an Ombre Background using Dye Inks

The ombre effect was created by sponging on three different colors of dye ink using a mini ink blending tool.  The two intermediate colors – the second and fourth scallop up from the bottom – were created simply by deepening the color with additional sponged layers.

So now that I have given you an overview of the techniques incorporated into this card, here is a video tutorial for those of you that are visual learners and like to see it demonstrated.  It is on the longer side as this is an advanced level card.

Please leave me a comment letting me know what you though of today’s “Technique Talk” Feature and whether this is something you would like to see regularly on Paper Crafter’s Library. If I see enough interest I will continue to offer this as a regular feature.

Here is a list of supplies I used:

* Please note that I am an affiliate of Simon Says Stamp and may receive a small commission if you make a purchase.

73 replies on “Technique Talk: “Relax” Card Video Tutorial”

  1. Love this video Andrea! I’m all about techniques, so keep ’em coming! My favorite part was the work you did on the sun using the Misti, first with the kiss technique and then covering with versamark to emboss. Absolutely brilliant!

  2. Really enjoyed this video . You always go into such great detail on your techniques that make them easy to follow. I think this is a great addition and especially using the MISTI (I just bought mine ) Looking forward to what else you have in store for us !

  3. Yes , please do more technique talk videos . This one was most informative . Thank you .

  4. Love this type of video as I’ve been crafting for several years. I’m always searching for new techniques to try… keeps life interesting!

  5. great class enjoyed all the different methods you used. would like to see more. thank you.

  6. These are some great technique instructions, Andrea! I enjoy your videos & your straight forward commentary. I think it makes following your instructions so much easier. I look forward to seeing more in the future.

  7. Beautiful card and wonderful video! I enjoyed your Technique Talk and would appreciate more of these videos! I learned a lot – thank you!

  8. LOVE Technique Talk!!! Great video and very informational!! I like that you go into detail on each technique and it is good for beginners or advanced stampers! Love my MISTI and had forgotten about the kissing technique! Thanks for such a great video! Please do any more!

  9. Great card! I love the idea of “Technique Talk”…whether you offer new techniques or a refresher, it’s all good. Hopefully, you will include mixed media, canvas’ and altered art techniques as well as cards:)

  10. Very interesting card. I like the subtle differences that make a dramatic end point. Thanks

  11. I love, love, love techniques. I have had a stamping club for 10+ years and many of the same ladies have been with me all 10 years. I get excited when I can teach my “old dogs” new tricks! Your stamping ideas are fabulous as well as your composition. You are one AMAZING woman, Andrea! Thanks for always being so generous with your creativity and organization!

  12. Oh please, more techniques. I love reading how to do something, and then being able to finish up and clarify the fine points by watching a video on the same subject is so helpful. Thanks for taking the time to do both.

  13. Wonderful video Andrea. Really enjoyed the “technique talk”. Reviewing old techniques is always a great idea, as sometimes we forget the simpler things. Thanks and keep the creativity coming!

  14. It was wonderful, your the best! I would need to play with masking part of video many time before using on card that has other tips, some new to me. God Bless

  15. Simply wonderful! Thank you. Would love to see the “technique talk” as a regular on the site!

  16. Great card! I love the idea of “Technique Talk”. This is a great reminder of things we have learned in the past but have not used. I am looking forward to more great videos.

  17. Brilliant video. Thank you for the very clear instructions on each technique. Look forward to seeing more.

  18. Yes, please! More technique features! I think new ideas are what keeps us, who have been stamping for a long time, interested and energized and enthused.

  19. Thank you for the video. I have never double embossed and can’t wait to try it. I also like to use the versa mark inks. I especially like the brown on ivory cards.

  20. Wonderful new feature.
    Always love seeing or
    re-learning techniques!
    Carla from Utah

  21. Yes I love techniques. I started following you when you started the videos with your art journal. Love them!
    I have a dauber top bottle of goosebumps sitting on my desk for probably a year now. Would love some ideas to use this product!
    Thanks *Ü*

  22. Yes, love techniques! Always watch your art journal videos. I have a bottle of goosebumps sitting on my desk for a year now, would love some ideas on what to do with it!
    Thanks, Susan *Ü*

  23. I enjoyed your video very much and was reminded of a few techniques that I will be using now. I am looking forward to many more Technique Talk videos.

  24. I really enjoy using the Misti for anything! Any techniques you can show on using it, would be great! I love your work and appreciate you sharing your talent with us!!

  25. Thanks so much for the great ideas-hope you will share more in the future!

  26. Enjoyed the video. I, too, love to elaborate on a simple project…..whether it be a card, or my bears. You can change so much with just a few additional ideas of your own. Hope you share some more of these ideas.

  27. Yes, yes, yes! I love learning new techniques – even revisiting the ‘old’ ones, because if I haven’t used it in a while, I may be forgetting something. I would really appreciate a ‘technique talk’ portion added – and a ‘tool talk’ would be great, too! Thanks for thinking of us 🙂

  28. You’ve been making these video tutorials for some time…and I see all of them as a version of “Technique Talk.” I always learn, or review, whenever I come to this site. Loved to see that it’s possible to change your mind in the middle of a project…also possible to figure out how to deal with little mishaps, like the yellow ink smudge. The MISTI seems to have a valuable place in our tool inventory. thanks so much for demonstrating the importance of a tool that allows us to add precise layers to a stamp. Very interesting…thanks!

  29. I LOVE techniques!!!! Great video and thanks for demonstrating the MISTI tool, I’ve heard about it but not seen it in use. Hmmmm, another must have tool? I look forward to more techniques in the future.

  30. Lovely card! I love, love, love techniques. Please keep them coming. Tool Talk is a great idea too. Been thinking about the Misti. Gonna have to get off the fence and get one.

  31. Love it…..a great way to have a refresher course on the techniques and how to intermix them on one card. Your directions were the best. Looking forward to more..

  32. AWESOME!!!! Loved the video. Inspires me to want to go and try these new techniques.
    Thank you and keep up the hard work!

  33. Thank you! Technique videos are always so helpful. I was struggling with a design element on a card I was making and used the double embossing idea from the video! This was just what I needed to finish my card. Your card is so cute and I hope to see more technique videos!

  34. Andrea
    What is not to love about a card with such depth and technique. I loved everything about the card. Keep those amazing techniques coming!!

  35. Really well thought out video and explained everything so well. Would love to see more. Elise

  36. I really enjoy watching your videos. I have learned many different techniques from you and most of them have worked (I must take the blame for those that did not). Every time I watch one of your videos I am impressed with how good you really are. I have learned much from watching them and I am so happy that you offer them.
    Thank you.
    Carol

  37. Thank you for your very clear description of what you are doing. This would certainly help many new folk to stamping and the varied techniques we use. It’s also good for us who need refreshers.

  38. I LOVE the idea of showing (video) and telling about all the techniques!!! Really like the ombre effect you used; I have forgotten many times to use this! Thank you!!! Your directions are awesomely easy to follow and you voice is so easy to listen to as well.

  39. I liked this post. It reminded me of some techniques I haven’t used in awhile. Now I’ll get them out and polish them up.
    Keep up the techniques post.
    thanks.

    1. guess I should add that I don’t really use the videos. I only go to those if I don’t understand the written directions. Please don’t leave off the written part of the explanation.

  40. Thanks so much for the posting. It’s great.

    I hope you do make it a recurring posting, I love the info! I’m new to this so everything is a new technique as far as I’m concerned.

    Barb

  41. Love this card! So full of different techniques! Love them and love Technique Talk!
    Hope to see more !!!!

  42. Thanks Andrea! I love that you get so many techniques into one card and the card still looks clean. I tend to forget about all the techniques I’ve seen, so this is a great tool for me to remember to try them out. And your instructions are soooooo easy to follow. Thank you!

  43. Wonderful video Andrea. I like that you always speak clearly and explicitly so your instructions are easily understood. Although this card includes several techniques, you manage as usual to make them simple to replicate with step-by-step instruction.

  44. Love how you did the ombre look using paper to mask it. Also thought the way you did the sun was cool using the letter stamp. Thanks you for these cool techniques!

  45. Love the “technique talk” video. You’re never too old to learn something new!!! I purchased the MISTI a few weeks ago but haven’t had much time to play with it. ANYTHING you show using it will be greatly appreciated.

  46. Very informative! Love techniques and look forward to tool tutorials. Great features. Thank you!

  47. Really enjoyed your technique video. Learned a number of new things. This is a first for me seeing a MISTI
    being used. I had actually not heard of it before. Very informative. Thanks for sharing.

  48. I loved all the info and so many techniques packed into one card! I would love to see more of this!

  49. This segment is going to be a great addition!!! It’s nice to be reminded of the old and introduced to the new techniques that are out there. Thank you.

  50. Don’t really care to have an expensive tool that I can’t afford (the MISTI) pushed in my face during the videos, but the idea of “technique talk” is a good one. I love all the techniques in stamping and I think they are what make cards special. I can’t just do a plain card anymore. My cards have to have the wow factor of some great techniques or I wouldn’t feel good about sending them to my friends and family.

  51. I love the card totally awesome. I hope you share more video with new or other techniques. I have the blending tool and have had problems using it so this was nice to watch someone else use it. I feel it is a excellent idea to share new tools that are out there even though some might that get the newsletter might not be able to afford them. If those new items aren’t shared how are your suppose to learn what is new on the market. I asked for a MISTI for Christmas last year from my hubby. In my opinion it’s the best tool every invented. It has so improved my image stamping.

  52. I really enjoyed watching all the techniques used and the clear instructions you gave while doing it. Please continue to do these technique videos! I am very interested in them. Thanks Pat

  53. Enjoyed this video very much. I have an art degree but am lacking in good technique. My favorite part was how you made the sun. This is what I need the most. Very easy to watch and learn.

  54. Always looking for new techniques to create my cards with. Keep them coming.

  55. WOW. I love all the techniques. But that means I have to buy more stuff! Oh no! Keep the techniques coming – I love it.

  56. Love the video and always love seeing techniques – even if I have seen them before and haven’t tried them lately.
    Keep up the good work. It’s what makes PCL worthwhile.

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