Mixed Media & Stampin’ Down the Middle

I’ve been patiently anticipating the opportunity to create all the autumn stamping projects I’ve had stored in my head and it’s time to get them from my head to paper today. One of my very first Papercrafting Playdate Videos (#3) focused on a stamping technique and card template called Stampin’ Down the Middle 4 in 1. This is one of my favorites because it combines basic stamping in all its glory AND makes multiple cards at the same time. Love it!

As soon as I saw the Gorgeous Leaves Bundle I had visions of all the colors these leaves would get to be stamped in, and I knew I wanted to revisit the Stampin’ Down the Middle 4 in 1 Technique. (If you haven’t watched this first video then jump over to YouTube and give this one a watch then come back and continue today’s mixed media additions.) Leaf images are just natural for collaging because our eyes already automatically see leaves congregating in all different directions, colors and textures.

I wanted to step up this technique/template to make it different and a bit extra so I decided to add some additional layers onto the cardstock in the style of mixed media. Mixed Media is the combination of two or more artistic mediums into one piece of art. Now of course adding the extra bits eliminates the simplicity of using only stamps, ink, and paper from this project, however it is very satisfying to create. I threw in one of my new Fall Color Inkspriations, a card holder to give the cards in, and today’s project was born! Take a look at the video replay of my Facebook Live and download the pdf for your personal files so you can try this very fun project!

 Mixed Media Additions

• Dies to cut outline images out of cardstock or DSP
• Embossing Paste, palette knives, silicone craft sheet and Decorative Masks
• Spritzer filled with rubbing alcohol and Classic Ink Refills
• Wink of Stella
• Embossing Powder & Versamark Ink
• Gold Leafing and Heat & Stick Powder

Once you have your basic Stampin’ Down the Middle piece of cardstock all stamped with the collage technique it is time to add some mixed media effects. Think about the layers you want to add and start with the cardstock die cuts. Everything else like heat embossing and embossing paste will add dimension must be added as final steps.

The first thing added is die cut leaf shapes from the Gorgeous Leaves Bundle. These die cuts need to be adhered securely so that when you cut your paper into fourths to make the card fronts the die cuts do not tear. I used Adhesive Sheets adhered to the cardstock before I used the dies to attach these securely. You can also use Liquid Glue sponged evenly on the backside.

Next I added some Shimmery Embossing Paste over my stamped and die cut images. This is so much fun to play with and definitely makes you feel like an artist! I mixed a small amount of the paste with 1 drop of Pool Party Classic Ink Refill to give it a tint that would match my project. Then I applied it through a stencil (decorative mask) with a palette knife in different areas making sure to get some in every section 2-3 times. Let dry completely before the next step.

I used a simple tag punch (Essential Tag Punch) to make a place for the card’s sentiment and added these with dimensionals to make them pop! These beautiful card fronts just need to be added to card bases and are ready for the mail! But wait, there’s more! How about an easy card holder made to match the set of cards so they can be given as a gift???? Yes, please! Keep reading.

All these cards need is a cute card holder box to put them in! This easy card box is great for giving cards as gifts to others too. It fits 4-5 cards and envelopes with ease. Download the pdf tutorial for your files.

Product List

Paper Trimmer [152392] $25.00	Silicone Craft Sheet [127853] $6.00	Palette Knives [142808] $5.00	Shimmery White Embossing Paste [145645] $9.00	Basic Pattern Decorative Masks [150697] $8.00
Gorgeous Leaves Bundle [158609] $44.00	Pumpkin Pie Classic Stampin’ Pad [147086] $7.50	Bermuda Bay Classic Stampin’ Pad [147096] $7.50	Early Espresso Classic Stampin’ Pad [147114] $7.50	Cinnamon Cider Classic Stampin’ Pad [153114] $7.50
Pool Party Classic Stampin’ Pad [147107] $7.50	Rhinestone Basic Jewels [144220] $5.00	Stampin’ Spritzer [126185] $3.00	Versamark Pad [102283] $9.50	Essential Tag Punch [153607] $18.00

Use October’s Hostess Code 3T3NRNKS for ordering online and receive a holiday card kit from me in the mail!