Technique of the week

Here is a simple and really fun way to jazz up your Cricut projects. It's fun because you can be as creative as you want using ink pads, stamps, paint, watercolors, etc!

You'll need a few different Distress inks, a blending tool and sponges for each color, and two background stamps. First cut out your Cricut image using white paper. After it's cut out, leave it on the sticky sheet and take it to your workspace.

I used the "Summer in Paris" cartridge to cut out a detailed Hot Air Balloon.

You should start with this . . .

Start by inking up your blending tool. (make sure to use a different sponge for each color)

Then start blending working from the outside of the image and moving in. Use very light pressure. It's better to start out light, because you can always add more.

When you have the first color the way you like it, start adding more colors.

Repeat the same process with your second image(usually the overlay)

Next use your background stamps to create some texture. Stamp on cut outs.

Peel off the unwanted portion of the cut out, and SLOWLY remove the image. Because you have been pressing down on the image, it will be a little hard to remove. I like to work with an exacto knife to get the image up in one piece.

Next I stamped a background on a coordinating piece of paper, added a flower, pearls, a stamped phrase, and ribbon for a complete card!

Distress Inks are available at the Shack for $5 each. Ranger's Blending Tool is also $5 and a pack of 20 blending foams is $5. Call Stacy at the Shack and have her send some out to you! 541-994-7002