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Showing posts with label Rick Adkins. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rick Adkins. Show all posts

Uplifting Card Design with The Rabbit Hole Designs

Hello, crafty friends! It's Rick here, and I'm thrilled to be sharing a charming project on The Rabbit Hole Designs LLC blog today. This uplifting card features a dynamic background using our Pinwheel 6 x 6 Stencil and a heartfelt sentiment from the Sentimentally Speaking Stamp and Die Sets. This card was such a joy to create, and I'm excited to highlight the beautiful products from The Rabbit Hole Designs that brought this piece to life.


Creating a Vibrant Background

One of the most enjoyable parts of card making is playing with stencils and inks to create unique backgrounds. For this project, I used our Pinwheel 6 x 6 Stencil to craft a vibrant backdrop. I started by ink blending with an orange ink, using my Cotton Tail Blending Brushes to achieve a soft ombre effect. The warm gradient creates a beautiful transition that really catches the eye.

Pro Tip: When working with stencils, securing them with low-tack tape can prevent any unwanted shifting, ensuring crisp and clean lines. For smooth ink blending, start light and gradually build up the intensity—it's easier to add more color than to take it away!


Adding Texture with Dry Embossing

To give the background more dimension, I dry embossed the stenciled panel using the Pinwheel Stencil. This technique involves running the stenciled panel through a die-cutting machine with a tan embossing mat (from my stash). The result is a subtle, raised texture that adds a tactile element to the card.

Aligning the stencil with the previously inked design can be a bit challenging. A handy trick is to use washi tape (from my stash) to hold everything in place, making it easier to achieve perfect alignment.


Assembling the Card

For the card assembly, I trimmed the embossed panel to 3 3/4" x 5" and matted it with a piece of black cardstock (from my stash). This matting layer provides a striking contrast, making the vibrant background pop even more. I adhered the layered piece to a top-folding A2 card base made from white heavyweight cardstock (from my stash), which is perfect for a sturdy base.

Crafting the Sentiment

The sentiment is always a focal point, and for this card, I chose a lovely message from our Sentimentally Speaking Stamp Set. I stamped the sentiment in a rich black ink (from my stash) onto white cardstock. After letting it dry, I used the coordinating die from the Sentimentally Speaking Die Set to cut it out. To give the sentiment dimension, I cut three additional layers from scrap cardstock and adhered them together.

Aligning the sentiment on the card front can be a bit nerve-wracking, but using a T-square (from my stash) helps ensure everything is perfectly straight.


Finishing Touches

To complete the card, I added some White Enamel Dots from our collection. For a cohesive look, I colored them with an orange alcohol marker (from my stash), creating an ombre effect that matches the background. Arranging them in odd numbers around the card adds visual balance and interest.

This card was such a fun project to work on, combining vibrant colors with elegant textures. The products from The Rabbit Hole Designs made it easy to create a design that's both cheerful and heartfelt. I hope this card inspires you to try out new techniques and explore the wonderful possibilities with stencils and dies.

Thank you for joining me on the blog today! If you recreate this card or feel inspired to craft something new, please share your creations. We love seeing what you come up with!


For more inspiration, updates, and news check out these awesome places! 



Affiliate Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting The Rabbit Hole Designs LLC and helping us continue to bring you creative inspiration!

Brighten Someone’s Day: Creating a Get Well Soon Card with The Rabbit Hole Designs

 Hello, crafty friends! Rick here today, writing for The Rabbit Hole Designs blog. I'm thrilled to share a colorful and heartwarming get well soon card using the fabulous Pinwheel Stencil and Sentimentally Speaking Stamp Set & Dies from The Rabbit Hole Designs. This cheerful project is perfect for brightening someone’s day with a burst of vibrant color and heartfelt sentiment.


Let’s start with the background, where the Pinwheel Stencil takes center stage. I began by placing the stencil over a 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" piece of White 80 lbs Cardstock and secured it with low tack tape. This ensures the stencil stays in place while we work on the design.

Here’s a handy trick: lightly trace the stencil pattern with a pencil before adding color. This step makes it easier to stay within the lines. After tracing, I removed the stencil and used my alcohol markers (from my stash) to fill in the traced areas. I chose a range of colors to create a beautiful, blended effect within each section of the pinwheel design.

Pro Tip: For smooth blending, start with the lightest color and gradually add darker shades. This helps create a seamless transition between colors.


To add definition to the design, I placed the stencil back over the colored areas and traced it again with an alcohol safe black pen. This step enhances the detail and makes the pinwheel design pop. After removing the stencil, I trimmed the panel down to 4" x 5 1/4". This slight reduction in size allows for a nice border when mounted on the card base.

Next, I cut a strip of Vellum Cardstock about 1 3/4 to 2 inches wide and wrapped it around the card front, securing it with strong adhesive. The vellum adds a soft, elegant touch without overshadowing the colorful background. I then mounted the entire panel onto a slightly larger piece of black cardstock and adhered it to an A2 top folding card base.

Pro Tip: Use a bone folder to ensure the vellum adheres smoothly and doesn’t create any bubbles or wrinkles.


The Sentimentally Speaking Stamp Set & Dies are perfect for adding a heartfelt message. I stamped the “Get Well Soon” sentiment onto a scrap of  White Cardstock using Versafine Clair Nocturne Ink, which gives a crisp and clear impression. I used the coordinating die to cut out the sentiment and created dimension by cutting three additional layers from scrap cardstock (from my stash). Stacking these behind the stamped sentiment gives it a sturdy, chipboard-like feel, making it stand out beautifully.

To finish off the card, I added some Matte White Enamel Dots around the sentiment for a bit of embellishment. These little dots add a subtle yet impactful detail. Lastly, I used a White Gel Pen (from my stash) to add highlights to the colored pinwheel design, adding a touch of whimsy and bringing the whole design together.

Pro Tip: When adding highlights, think about where the light would naturally hit your design. This small detail can make a big difference in making your card look polished and professional.


I hope you enjoyed learning about this cheerful get well soon card. The combination of the Pinwheel Stencil and the Sentimentally Speaking Stamps & Dies from The Rabbit Hole Designs makes for a delightful project that’s sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face. Don’t forget to experiment with different color combinations and make this design your own.


Happy crafting, everyone!

Rick

For more inspiration, updates, and news check out these awesome places! 


Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the products used in this post were from my stash. I may receive a small commission if you purchase through my affiliate links at no additional cost to you.

Discover the Adventure: Creating a Clean and Simple Card with the Let's Wander Stamp Set

Hello, wonderful crafters! Rick here from The Rabbit Hole Designs, bringing you another exciting and heartwarming project. Today, we're celebrating "Let's Wander Where the Wi-Fi Is Week" with a delightful card design featuring our very own Let's Wander Stamp Set. This stamp set is perfect for those who love adventure and the great outdoors. Let's dive into the details of this clean and simple card design that’s sure to bring a smile to anyone's face.


 

The Inspiration Behind the Card

When I first got my hands on the Let's Wander Stamp Set, it immediately reminded me of my childhood camping trips with my family. We’d pack up the car, leave the bustling city behind, and head into the woods for a weekend of hiking, storytelling around the campfire, and sleeping under the stars. This stamp set perfectly captures that sense of adventure and nostalgia, making it an absolute joy to work with.


Crafting the Card

The Perfect Stamping

To start, I stamped the charming image from the Let's Wander Stamp Set onto high-quality white cardstock using a reliable black ink. This combination ensures crisp, clean lines that are ideal for coloring.

Adding Vibrant Colors

Next, I brought the stamped image to life using my favorite brush markers. Coloring is such a therapeutic process, allowing me to infuse the scene with vibrant hues and personal touches. It's like painting a picture with markers, and I love seeing the image come to life with each stroke.


Creating a Beautiful Frame

After coloring, I trimmed the cardstock to 4" x 5 1/4". To add a subtle but effective detail, I brushed the edges with a rich blue ink. This technique adds a hint of color that frames the image beautifully, drawing the eye inward.

Stamping the Sentiment

For the sentiment, I chose Versafine Clair Nocturne Ink that provides deep, crisp impressions. Stamping the sentiment directly onto the card front adds a finishing touch that ties the entire design together.

Preparing the Card Base

I crafted the card base from sturdy kraft cardstock, cut to 4 1/4" x 11" and scored at 5 1/2" for a top-folding design. Before folding, I stamped the same image from the Let's Wander Stamp Set on the inside using a soft brown ink. This adds a delightful surprise when the card is opened, showing that extra bit of thought and care.


Assembling the Card

I attached the card front to the base using 3D Foam Squares, which add wonderful dimension to the design. This is a great tip for adding depth and interest to your cards – the raised effect can really make your design pop.

Finishing Touches

To complete the card, I added a few Clear Sparkle Enamel Dots around the sentiment. These little embellishments catch the light beautifully and add just the right amount of sparkle without overpowering the design.

Final Thoughts

This project is a fantastic example of how a few thoughtful details can transform a simple design into something truly special. The Let's Wander Stamp Set from The Rabbit Hole Designs is a joy to work with, capturing the essence of outdoor adventure and childhood memories.


Creating cards is more than just a hobby – it’s a way to share a piece of your heart with someone else. I hope this project inspires you to embrace your creativity and perhaps take a moment to wander where the Wi-Fi is weak. Happy crafting, friends! I can't wait to see what you create. Feel free to share your projects and stories in the comments below.

Stay inspired and keep crafting!

Rick

For more inspiration, updates, and news check out these awesome places! 




The RHD Affiliate Disclaimer:

We want to ensure transparency and honesty in our interactions with you, our valued readers. Please be aware that the links provided on The Rabbit Hole Designs Blog may be affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase through these links, the project designer may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support means the world to us!


We kindly request that you accept the tracking cookie for the affiliate websites. Rest assured, this will not expose your computer to viruses or compromise your information. It's a necessary step for the company to attribute the sale to the affiliate, ensuring that creators like our creatives receive their rightful commissions.


Your trust and support empower our creators to continue sharing creativity and inspiration through our blog. Thank you for being an integral part of The Rabbit Hole Designs community!

Crafting Adventures: Glamping with Tailette Stamp Set & Dies

Hey there, Rabbit Hole Designs family! Rick here, thrilled to bring you another charming project today. We’re diving into the wonderful world of crafting with The Rabbit Hole DesignsGlamping with Tailette Stamp Set & Dies. If you’re a fan of the great outdoors, you’re in for a treat. So grab your favorite beverage, settle in, and let’s get started!  

Glamping with Tailette Camping Card by Rick Adkins Over Head View

Creating a Whimsical Glamping Scene: 

I’ve always found solace in combining my love for crafting with the beauty of nature. The Glamping with Tailette Stamp Set & Dies offers the perfect opportunity to blend these two passions. Let’s embark on a crafting journey that captures the essence of the great outdoors.

Glamping with Tailette Camping Card by Rick Adkins Side View

Stamping and Coloring Techniques: 

Using The Rabbit Hole Designs’ Glamping with Tailette Stamp Set, I stamped out the adorable Tailette image and charming pine trees. Coloring these images was a breeze with alcohol markers from my stash. 

Pro tip: When coloring, start with light layers and build up for depth and dimension.

Die-Cutting for Precision: 

Thanks to The Rabbit Hole Designs’ Glamping with Tailette Dies, cutting out our stamped images was a breeze. These dies ensure clean, precise cuts every time, elevating the overall look of our project.

Glamping with Tailette Camping Card by Rick Adkins Front View

Background Blending: 

To create a dreamy backdrop for our glamping scene, I turned to my stash of inks. Blending soft clouds and lush grass with my chosen ink colors; which will added depth and dimension to our card.

Layering Patterns and Textures: 

Choosing the right pattern papers is key to creating a cohesive look. I reached for a camping themed paper pad from my stash to add texture and interest to our card front. The layering of patterns brings our glamping scene to life.

Glamping with Tailette Camping Card by Rick Adkins Close Up View

Assembling the Card: 

With all the elements in place, it’s time to assemble our card. Adhering Tailette and the pine trees with foam adhesive adds dimension and visual interest. A final touch of stamped images on the inside completes the look.

Finishing Touches and Final Thoughts: 

And there you have it—a charming glamping-themed card that’s perfect for any outdoor enthusiast. I hope this project inspires you to get creative and capture your own outdoor adventures in card form. Until next time, happy crafting!

Glamping with Tailette Camping Card by Rick Adkins

Thank you for joining me on this crafting adventure! Don’t forget to share your creations and tag us on social media. And if you haven’t already, be sure to check out The Rabbit Hole Designs for more amazing crafting supplies. You can find a full list of supplies on my blog Happy crafting!

Rick

The RHD Affiliate Disclaimer:

We want to ensure transparency and honesty in our interactions with you, our valued readers. Please be aware that the links provided on The Rabbit Hole Designs Blog may be affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase through these links, the project designer may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support means the world to us!


We kindly request that you accept the tracking cookie for the affiliate websites. Rest assured, this will not expose your computer to viruses or compromise your information. It's a necessary step for the company to attribute the sale to the affiliate, ensuring that creators like our creatives receive their rightful commissions.


Your trust and support empower our creators to continue sharing creativity and inspiration through our blog. Thank you for being an integral part of The Rabbit Hole Designs community!

Crafting a Stunning Underwater Scene Card with The Rabbit Hole Designs

Hello, crafty friends! It's Rick here from The Rabbit Hole Designs, and I'm thrilled to be sharing another creative project with you today. Get ready to dive deep into the world of card making as we explore how to create a breathtaking underwater scene card featuring our very own Salty Air Stamp Set & Salty Air Dies.

Materials Used:

Let's gather our supplies for this aquatic adventure:

Setting the Scene:

Imagine the tranquil beauty of the ocean – that's the vibe we're capturing in this project. Begin by ink blending the background with three shades of blue ink, gradually transitioning from dark to light to mimic the depths of the sea.

Adding Movement:

To infuse our scene with energy and motion, we'll utilize The Rabbit Hole Designs' Splish Splash 6 x 6 Stencil. By blending ink over the stencil with the CottonTail Blending Brushes, we'll create the illusion of rippling water, adding depth and realism to our card.

Bringing it to Life:

Now it's time to bring our underwater world to life! With the Salty Air Stamp Set, we'll stamp images of seashells, fish, seaweed and the mermaid onto our cardstock. Then, using watercolor pencils, we'll add color and dimension to each element, creating a stunning watercolor effect.

Creating Texture:

No underwater scene would be complete without sandy shores! Using white cardstock, we'll cut out sand mounds and ink blend them using the CottonTail Blending Brushes with various shades of brown ink for texture. By layering these mounds with dimensional foam adhesive, we'll add depth and dimension to our card.

Pro Tips for Card Makers:

  • Blend ink in a circular motion for seamless backgrounds.
  • Use a light touch with watercolor pencils for a soft, natural look.
  • Strategically layer dimensional adhesive for added dimension without overcrowding your card.

And there you have it – a breathtaking underwater scene card that's sure to make a splash! I hope you've enjoyed diving into this project with me. Remember, the possibilities are endless when it comes to card making, so don't be afraid to let your creativity shine.

Stay tuned for more inspiring projects and card making tips from The Rabbit Hole Designs. Until next time, happy crafting!

Rick


The RHD Affiliate Disclaimer:


We want to ensure transparency and honesty in our interactions with you, our valued readers. Please be aware that the links provided on The Rabbit Hole Designs Blog may be affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase through these links, the project designer may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support means the world to us!


We kindly request that you accept the tracking cookie for the affiliate websites. Rest assured, this will not expose your computer to viruses or compromise your information. It's a necessary step for the company to attribute the sale to the affiliate, ensuring that creators like our creatives receive their rightful commissions.


Your trust and support empower our creators to continue sharing creativity and inspiration through our blog. Thank you for being an integral part of The Rabbit Hole Designs community!

Above & Below Water Slimline Scene Card

Hello and welcome to the Rabbit Hole Designs blog; it's Rick back with you again today and I am sharing a slimline scene card that will take you both above the water surface and below. This was actually very easy to create it was a mater of putting the elements in the right place and changing the tones and values of the ink blending from the sky and underneath the water.

Easy and Beautiful With Sympathy Card: Harmony Stamp Set

Hello and welcome to The Rabbit Hole Designs blog; it's Rick back with you again today.   I am going to share an easy and pretty quick (depending how you want to color) sympathy card using the Harmony Stamp Set and the Splish Splash 6 x 6 Stencil from The Rabbit Hole Designs. Along with a few inks pads, and a few other simple tools, that you may already have on hand.


The first thing that I did for my card was to stamp out the image from the Harmony 4 x 4 Stamp Set, Illustrated exclusively by Tatsiana Zayats for The Rabbit Hole Designs, in an alcohol marker friendly ink on my favorite white cardstock. My go to ink for this is black alcohol marker friendly ink.  I encourage you to use your favorites when you make this card.  Use what you know works for you and your coloring style.  

Once I had the image Harmony Stamp Set stamped out I started the coloring process. I used my favorite alcohol markers for this. But, use what you have in your craft room or craft area.  I knew I wanted to do something with a transition of color from the beautifully drawn flowing tail to the body. So, I went with a few shades of blues that would blend nicely at the end of the tail. And then I used a few purple shades to transition the blue into the reds I used on the body. Between the purple and red areas I just went back and forth with my markers adding layers until I achieved the blend that I was going for with a seamless transition. Sometimes with alcohol markers you have to do this to get the look you want. So, don't be afraid to go over the area you're working on a few times. You may have to give it a few minutes to dry each time between layers and come back. This way you don't over saturate the paper to quickly and get bleed out. 


Once I had all the red colored in on the fish (beta or koi). I colored them as beta fish today. I picked colors that I knew would work well with the other colors I had already colored on the fish from the Harmony Stamp Set. I picked a yellow-green for the leaves and a lighter purple color to color the flowers. I stamped the sentiment in the middle of the two beta fish before moving on. Once the coloring was completed I could cut out the image. I did not used the coordinating Harmony Dies for this, but you could if you wanted to. And just stamp the sentiment after the fact. I just traced around the stamped and colored images with a pencil very lightly and used my paper snips to cut inside the lines leaving a slight boarder.

At this point I started working on my background panel. I used the Splish Splash 6 x 6 Stencil along with three shades of Distress Oxide Inks (listed below in the Materials Used Section) and my CottonTail Blending Brushes to ink blend over the Splish Splash Stencil. I started with the lightest color first and then added the darker two shades to the outside edge of the stencil to create a center vignette on the card and draw your eyes to that area. Next I added a second layer with the Splish Splash Stencil but I turned it 180 degrees and flipped it over to add a second layer the exact same way. But this gave me a second layer of ink blending which allowed the colors in some areas to be darker as you can see in the picture if you look closely.


After my ink blending was completed I cut down my panel to 4" x 5 1/4" and attached it to an A2 size white card base.  I then added the focal panel of the stamped and colored beta fish from the Harmony Stamp Set to the card front with foam adhesive. To finish off the card I added a few white gel pen details to the fish for my highlights and sprinkled around a few of the Clear Sparkle Enamel Dots next to the sentiment.

And there you have it my friends that's how you can create a quick and easy with sympathy card using the Harmony Stamp Set and the Splish Splash Stencil. I hope that you have a wonderful day, and remember do something crafty today! 

Happy Crafting

Rick

The RHD Affiliate Disclaimer:

We want to ensure transparency and honesty in our interactions with you, our valued readers. Please be aware that the links provided on The Rabbit Hole Designs Blog may be affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase through these links, the project designer may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support means the world to us!


We kindly request that you accept the tracking cookie for the affiliate websites. Rest assured, this will not expose your computer to viruses or compromise your information. It's a necessary step for the company to attribute the sale to the affiliate, ensuring that creators like our creatives receive their rightful commissions.


Your trust and support empower our creators to continue sharing creativity and inspiration through our blog. Thank you for being an integral part of The Rabbit Hole Designs community!

Deco Flower Clean & Simple Card

Hello and welcome back to the blog; it's Rick back with you again this week to share another crafty project using the fabulous products from the Rabbit Hole Designs.  This week I have a CAS card to share with you using the Deco Flower 6-Layer Stencil Bundle.    My sentiment for this clean and simple card design comes from the Namaste 4 x 6 Stamp Set.  Here's a look at my clean and simple card design.  


 To start off my card design I used a blue ink for to ink blend the "sky" and a green ink for the "grass" using my CottonTail Blending Brushes.  I gave the "grass" a slight hill shape with the ink blending since I knew I wanted this to be a CAS card.  Once I had the background ink blended I started working on my focal images with the Deco Flower Layer Stencil Bundle.  I used a piece of 5 3/4" x 5 3/4" white cardstock and placed the first layer of the stencil on top and started the ink blending process.  I picked some spring colors of ink for the ink blending; and worked my way through all the layers.  Once the ink blending was completed I took the matching die from the Deco Flower Layering Stencil Bundle and cut out three of the flowers.  The great thing about starting out with the larger piece of white cardstock is I have plenty of room to die cut more of these loverly spring flowers for more cards.  


Before I started the die-cutting process I flicked on some clean water on my ink blended background to create a little texture.  After I had my spring florals die cut out I placed them on to the card base using some of the small foam adhesive squares from the Scrapbook Adhesives 3D Foam Micro Squares.  I placed the three floral die-cuts onto the center of the panel without attaching them first.  I placed my card front in my stamp positioning tool and stamped my sentiment from the Namaste Stamp Set in Versafine Clair Nocturne Ink right above where my center flower was going to go.  I then removed the backings from my die cuts and attached them to the card front.  I finished off my card by adding a few Clear Sparkle Enamel Dots sprinkled around the card.  

Thanks for dropping by today I hope that you have a wonderful and creative weekend.  

Rick

Affiliate Disclaimer:

We want to ensure transparency and honesty in our interactions with you, our valued readers. Please be aware that the links provided on The Rabbit Hole Designs Blog may be affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase through these links, the project designer may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support means the world to us!

We kindly request that you accept the tracking cookie for the affiliate websites. Rest assured, this will not expose your computer to viruses or compromise your information. It's a necessary step for the company to attribute the sale to the affiliate, ensuring that creators like our creatives receive their rightful commissions.

Your trust and support empower our creators to continue sharing creativity and inspiration through our blog. Thank you for being an integral part of The Rabbit Hole Designs community!