A Pair of Mixed Media Cards for Dad

Yesterday I spent some time making cards for my dad, with two special dates coming up very close together. Father’s Day is on 6 September, and his birthday follows just a few days later on 10 September. Because I need to post both cards—and NZ Post can be a little slow these days—I’m trying to be organised and get them sent early.

I decided to go with a mixed media theme for both cards, beginning with the Father’s Day design. 

I started with a piece of ombré patterned paper from Uniti in shades of blue and purple, then cut it using Gina K Master Layout 1.

To build up the background, I used the Circle Disruption stencil from AALL & Create and added areas of blue and purple ink with my blending brushes. I also brought in Memento Toffee Crunch, along with Altenew Cloudy Night and Cloudy White inks, to add extra depth and contrast.

For the embellishments, I die-cut several black cogs using Paper Rose Studio cog dies. I randomly dabbed them with embossing ink, then heat embossed them with WOW Metallic Copper Sparkle powder for a worn, metallic effect. A few dots from a gold Posca pen added the final touches of shine.

I finished the card with a pre-printed sentiment from a Uniquely Creative digital kit, then matted the panel onto black card before attaching it to a white card base.

I carried the mixed media look through to Dad’s birthday card as well, this time creating a bold blue-and-gold panel. I ink-smooshed the background using Catherine Pooler Juniper Mist and Distress Oxide Chipped Sapphire, which gave the piece a rich, layered feel.

Next, I used a Craft Giraffe splatter stencil with Versamark ink, then added Ranger Gold embossing powder for texture and shimmer. Once the panel was ready, I punched out a pile of 1-inch squares and arranged them diagonally across a die-cut panel.

To complete the card, I backed the panel with dark blue card, attached it to a white base, and added a sentiment cut from gold mirror card. 

Both cards have the same mixed media feel, but each one has its own personality. Now I just need to get them safely into the post and hope they arrive in plenty of time!