Nordic Star Heat Embossed Heart Aperture Card

A project from our live show FUNKY TUESDAY - FREE WORKSHOP with the Awesome Sarah Gray - Broadcast 18th OCT 22 · 10/18/2022 · watch it from 8:45

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Create a striking Nordic-inspired card featuring a dark blue cardstock panel with a subtle clear heat-embossed star pattern. The design showcases a heart-shaped aperture revealing decorative patterned paper, layered with delicate die-cut trees and houses, and finished with a glittering heat-embossed festive sentiment. This elegant card combines sophisticated embossing techniques with dimensional die-cut elements for a beautiful winter-themed greeting.

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Step by step

1. 

   Position the Nordic star stencil onto a piece of dark blue cardstock. Secure the stencil in place with tape, ensuring it is centred with even spacing around the edges.

   ▶ watch this step (10:15)
2. 

   Apply Versamark embossing ink to the white cardstock using a blending tool, working carefully over the positioned stencil to capture the Nordic star pattern. The slightly sticky ink will help the embossing powder adhere in the next step.

   ▶ watch this step (11:15)
3. 

   Remove the stencil carefully to reveal the inked floral pattern. Heat emboss the design using clear embossing powder and a heat gun to create a glossy watermark effect on the dark blue cardstock.

   ▶ watch this step (13:30)
4. 

   Die-cut a large heart aperture from the dark blue embossed panel using a heart die. The heart shape will be cut out, leaving a frame.

   ▶ watch this step (17:15)
5. 

   Select a patterned paper from the White Magic paper pad and position it behind the heart aperture on the navy card. Choose a design with a subtle plain background to frame a focal area of the pattern within the heart opening.

   ▶ watch this step (17:45)
6. 

   Die-cut tree elements from white cardstock using the Tree Line dies from the Country View die set. Layer the white die-cut trees over patterned paper sections from the card, positioning them to create a decorative border along the top of the aperture.

   ▶ watch this step (20:15)
7. Die-cut small house shapes from white cardstock. Layer the die-cut houses onto red card backing to create contrast and make the window apertures stand out. ▶ watch 25:00
8. 

   Apply embossing ink to selected areas of the patterned paper using a Versamark pen. Heat emboss with glitter powder for added shimmer. The finished piece shows 'noel' text and decorative snowflakes embossed on the navy background.

   ▶ watch this step (26:00)
9. 

   Die-cut a festive word from white cardstock and layer it multiple times to create substance. Apply embossing ink to the layered word and heat emboss with glitter powder for a sparkling finish.

   ▶ watch this step (30:00)
10. 

    Assemble all elements onto the navy patterned card base. Position the white decorative leaf die-cuts in the bottom corner of the heart aperture. Use foam dots to add dimension when attaching the elements.

    ▶ watch this step (31:00)

Tips from the show

• Use a dedicated brush for embossing ink as it has a sticky nature that affects brushes differently than other inks.
• When cutting around die-cut shapes to hide paper behind them, angle your scissors slightly inward so the paper disappears behind the die edges.
• Apertures frame your design and guide the viewer's eye, making them a reliable default when uncertain about card composition.

More from this show

• Quick Secondary Heart Aperture Card
• Inky Background Slimline Card with Layered Country View Scene

Written up from the show itself. See every guide from our shows · free how-to guides · watch live on My Telly