Mother’s Day Cards

Happy Monday everyone! After a nice sunny weekend I am ready to get back to the studio! I have another Mother’s day project to post. My latest thing is making cards with personal photographs on them, and I discovered an interesting technique to make the photos look aged! Why are artists always trying to make things look older and aged? I don’t quite know, but I guess it’s our love of vintage that drives us!

Materials:

• Patterned Papers by Creative Imaginations and Scenic Route Paper Co. 
• Daisy Stamp by Rubber Stampede
• Silver Pigment Ink
• White Iridescent Glitter
• Vintage Buttons
• Gold Photo Corners
• Daisy Ribbon by Making Memories
• Lace Photo Corners by Anna Griffin
• Green Ribbon and Silk Flowers from Local Craft Store
• Alphabet Stamps by Hero Arts
• Black Dye Ink
• Vintage Post Card
• Personal Photo
• Coffee-Dyed Tag ** To coffee-dye tag: Dissolve one tablespoon of instant coffee in half a cup of warm water. Once the water starts to cool, hold tag by the string and dip into the liquid. Place tag on paper towel to dry. Once dry, press tag flat with iron on medium heat.
• Tools: Scissors, Stipple Brush, Computer, Photo Paper, Adhesive

Instructions:

• Scan a personal photo and vintage postcard of your choice. Save pictures in sepia-tone or black and white and print onto photo paper. 
• While ink is still wet use a stipple brush and rub across the photo to scratch the surface. Use varying amounts of pressure depending on desired look. Trim photos and set aside.
• Cut and tear patterned papers and collage onto card fronts. 
• Paint the “M” with glue and add iridescent glitter. Allow to dry. 
• Add photo corners to photos and adhere in place.
• Add ribbons, daisy trim, silk flowers and vintage buttons for embellishment.
• Stamp phrase onto coffee-dyed tag and attach button as shown. Adhere inside card. 
• Stamp Daisy in silver pigment ink and sprinkle lightly with glitter. Use stipple brush and stipple with silver ink around image. 
• Write Happy Mother’s Day over stamped image and add button for embellishment. 

Personal photos make the perfect additions to any card. Try this scratch technique with various types of ephemera to give your card a vintage look. 

More projects to come, 

Lindsay Haglund

Managing Editor