• Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube

Papercraft with me

- Tracy Elsom

  • Home
  • Daily Blog
  • Project Gallery
  • Stampin’ Up! Online Store
  • About me
  • Get in touch
  • Join Stampin’ Up!

Cracked Ice Background Effect

December 18, 2018 2 Comments

I’m in a hurry to get this blog post finished as we’re under a winter storm warning and the snow’s picking up.  All the schools in the area are closed so they’re only expecting it to get worse.  Although it’s only a week away, I was reminded that Christmas is not the only celebration at this time of year.  People get married, have babies, and birthdays too.  So I thought I’d create a birthday card today with what I can only describe as a cracked ice background.

Winter birthday card created using the Perennial Birthday Stamp Set over a cracked ice background effect.

CRACKED ICE BACKGROUND EFFECT

I had an idea to create a subtle background layer in cool winter colours.  So I started with a piece of Saran Wrap (cling film) and scrunched it up into a loose ball in my hand.  The technique is not new, I just gently tap the Saran Wrap onto an ink pad and then onto my project.

I always do a test on a piece of scrap paper with this technique just to make sure that the colour I’ve chosen works.  I’m glad I did because my original choice was Coastal Cabana, but it was too bright.  Instead I went with Balmy Blue, but my initial test showed even that was too dark.  As it’s a fairly new ink pad there was too much ink and the effect just wasn’t subtle enough.  No problem, my next test was to stamp on the scrap paper again without adding more ink to the Saran Wrap.  That was perfect.

I took a layer of Whisper White Card and proceeded to tap the Saran Wrap on the ink pad, then onto scrap paper and finally very gently onto the card.  As I was working I realised that the white card combined with the pale, pale blue ink was creating a sort of cracked ice background effect.  I’ve never noticed this before when stamping with Saran Wrap, but perhaps it was due to the colour.  Whatever it was I loved what was happening.  In fact I loved it so much I stamped around the edge of another layer of Whisper White Card.  Then I stamped all over the flap of a Whisper White Medium Envelope too.

Close up of cracked ice effect created using ink and Saran Wrap.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

For my sentiment I chose the Perennial Birthday Stamp Set and the large happy birthday.

I wiped a strip of Thick Whisper White Card with an Embossing Buddy to remove any oils and static from the surface.  Then using VersaMark ink I stamped the sentiment.  Next I sprinkled the sticky ink with Silver Stampin’ Emboss Powder and then tapped off the excess.  Finally I removed a couple of stray specks of powder before melting the rest with my Heat Tool set on 2 (high).

TIP – When I’m planning to lift a sentiment on Stampin’ Dimensionals or something similar I use thick card or stick two layers of card together.  This helps stop the sentiment from buckling or collapsing when the project is assembled.

To complete my sentiment I used the corner rounder on the Detailed Trio Punch to punch the top right and bottom left corners.

As this was a winter birthday card I decided to add some snowflakes.  So using my Big Shot and Magnetic Platform I cut a piece of Balmy Blue Card with the medium snowflake die from the Seasonal Layers Thinlits.  Then I cut two of the smallest snowflakes from Silver Glimmer Paper.

SIMPLE LAYERS

I chose Balmy Blue Card for my card base, and started by cutting and scoring it on my Stampin’ Trimmer.  Then I folded the card along the scored line and sharpened the crease with a Bone Folder.  The cracked ice background piece was fixed to the front using Multipurpose Liquid Glue (Tombow).

Close up of winter birthday card created using the Perennial Birthday Stamp Set over a cracked ice background effect.

Next I added Stampin’ Dimensionals to the back of the sentiment.  I placed the Balmy Blue snowflake onto the background layer and then pressed the sentiment over the top.  The Stampin’ Dimensional behind the top left corner would hold the snowflake in place as well as the sentiment.

Next I fixed the two silver snowflakes on top of the sentiment with tiny dots of liquid glue.   Finally I added a medium (4 mm) clear Rhinestone Basic Jewel to the centre of the silver snowflakes.  The front of the card was now done.

All I needed to do now was use liquid glue to fix the other Whisper White layer inside the card base and my project was finished.

I simply love this card.  The cracked ice background with the delicate die-cut snowflakes really does provide a winter feel.  What’s more, despite being blue, this card could be for a male or female.  What do you think?

OK, I’ve managed to get the blog written, and I’m not going to push my luck any further.  I think it’s time for another coffee followed by a couple of hours in the craft studio.  I hope you’ll join me here again tomorrow for another new project.

PRODUCT LIST

Balmy Blue 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

Balmy Blue 8-1/2″ X 11″ Cardstock

Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

Whisper White 8-1/2″ X 11″ Card Stock

Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock

Whisper White 8-1/2″ X 11″ Thick Cardstock

Silver Glimmer Paper

Silver Glimmer Paper

Medium Whisper White Envelopes

Medium Whisper White Envelopes

Balmy Blue Classic Stampin' Pad

Balmy Blue Classic Stampin’ Pad

Perennial Birthday Wood-Mount Stamp Set

Perennial Birthday Wood-Mount Stamp Set

Perennial Birthday Clear-Mount Stamp Set

Perennial Birthday Clear-Mount Stamp Set

Rhinestone Basic Jewels

Rhinestone Basic Jewels

Embossing Buddy

Embossing Buddy

Versamark Pad

Versamark Pad

Silver Stampin' Emboss Powder

Silver Stampin’ Emboss Powder

Heat Tool

Heat Tool

Big Shot

Big Shot

Big Shot Magnetic Platform

Big Shot Magnetic Platform

Seasonal Layers Thinlits Dies

Seasonal Layers Thinlits Dies

Detailed Trio Punch

Detailed Trio Punch

Stampin' Trimmer

Stampin’ Trimmer

Bone Folder

Bone Folder

Liquid Multipurpose Glue

Liquid Multipurpose Glue

Stampin' Dimensionals

Stampin’ Dimensionals

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)

Like this:

Like Loading...

Related

Filed Under: Birthday Cards, Cards, Techniques Tagged With: birthday, cracked ice technique, custom background, Detailed Trio Punch, embellishment, emboss, Perennial Birthday, Seasonal Layers Dies, winter

Previous
Next

Comments

  1. geraldine homenchuk says

    December 18, 2018 at 9:51 am

    I love the look too and can see where this would make an awesome background for some snowman scenes I have in my head. Thanks for reminding us of this “cool” technique Tracy, and do be safe and warm through the storm. TFS

    Reply
    • Tracy Elsom says

      December 18, 2018 at 9:55 am

      Thank you Geraldine. I’m going to have to look through some old projects where I’ve used Saran Warp to create a background. It’s got me wondering whether the effect has always been there but I’ve just never noticed it because of the ink colour I chose at the time.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

About Me

Profile photo of Canadian Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator Tracy Elsom

Host Code Jan

Use my Host Code GT2GSB3B when ordering Stampin' Up! products via my online store in Canada up to January 31st for a chance to win free products. #papercraftwithme

Sale-A-Bration 2021

Place a qualifying order and choose free products from this exclusive collection (promotion ends 28 February 2021) #papercraftwithme

2021 JJ Mini

Click here to see the Stampin' Up! January to June 2021 Mini Catalogue

Join Stampin’ Up! in Canada

Join Stampin' Up! and my team of Crafty Canadians for discounts, free products and more. www.papercraftwithme.com

Paper Pumpkin Kits

The February 2021 Paper Pumpkin kit 'Bouquet of Hope' will contain everything you need to make 9 cards with coordinating envelopes (3 each of 3 designs). Subscribe by February 10th 2021 (supplies may be limited towards the end of the subscription period)

Stampin’ Up! 2020/21 Annual Catalogue

Link to the English Canadian version of the Stampin' Up! 2020/2021 Annual Catalogue

Beginner Brochure 2020/2021

Link to the English Canadian version of the Stampin' Up! 2020/2021 Beginner Stamper Mini Brochure

Storage By Stampin’ Up!

New modular storage from Stampin' Up! holds new style ink pads, ink refills, markers, Stampin' Blends and so much more.

Let’s Be Social

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube

Need Hosting?

Web Hosting

LEGAL STUFF

All images are copyright Stampin’ Up!® 1990-2020 (unless otherwise stated).

As an independent Stampin’ Up!® Demonstrator all content on this website is the sole responsibility of me, Tracy Elsom.  Stampin’ Up! does not endorse the use of, or content of, any classes, services, or products offered here.

Unless otherwise stated, all cards and other items showcased on this web site are designed and created by me for your personal use, inspiration and enjoyment only, and may not be copied for sale, publication, contest entry or classes. Thank you.

Pages

  • About me
  • Daily Blog
  • Get in touch
  • Join Stampin’ Up!
  • Project Gallery

Get my Newsletter

For news and exclusive content

For blog updates use the earlier blog opt-in form.

Instagram

@papercraftwithme

Here's a cute gift tag for a dog or a do-over. #p Here's a cute gift tag for a dog or a do-over.  #papercraftwithme #pamperedpets #papercrafting #handmadegifttags #doglover #paperpiecing #stampinupcanadademonstrator #stampinupcanada #stampinup #madeinnovascotia
"May your comeback be bigger than your setback" sa "May your comeback be bigger than your setback" says it all really. #papercraftwithme #wonderfulasyou #papercrafting #cardmaking #handmadecards #simplestamping #stampinupcanadademonstrator #stampinupcanada #stampinup #madeinnovascotia
Simple bookmark using the new Treasures of Life St Simple bookmark using the new Treasures of Life Stamp Set from Stampin'Up! #papercraftwithme #treasuresoflife #stampinblends #papercrafting #handmadegifts #booklover #love #stampinupcanadademonstrator #stampinupcanada #stampinup #madeinnovascotia
Hey, Chick! Look who's coming back. #papercraftwit Hey, Chick! Look who's coming back. #papercraftwithme # heychick #papercrafting #paperpiecing #handmadecards #cardmaking #chicken #stampinupcanadademonstrator #stampinupcanada #stampinup #madeinnovascotia
Whether you're decorating a notebook or Post-it no Whether you're decorating a notebook or Post-it notes, why not ink the edges to coordinate with the cover design. #papercraftwithme #campology #papercrafting #handmadegifts #notebooks #camouflage #stampinupcanadademonstrator #stampinupcanada #stampinup #madeinnovascotia

Copyright © 2021 · Papercraft with me · Hello You Designs

%d bloggers like this: