A project from our live show MONDAY MADNESS - Join Simon from AVAGO-INK for his last show before Christmas - Broadcast 12th Dec 22 · 12/12/2022 · watch it from 2:30

Scored Grid Christmas Card with Oriental Character - the finished project — The finished project

Create a charming Christmas card featuring a scored grid pattern background in festive red and green. The design showcases a hand-painted Oriental lady character holding Christmas berries and leaves instead of a traditional fan. Using layered panels and dimensional foam pads, you'll build depth and visual interest for a unique seasonal greeting card.

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Step by step

Cut a piece of pink ribbed cardstock measuring 5.5 by 8 inches. Place it onto a red top-fold note card with a white insert.
▶ watch this step (3:00)
Using a scoreboard, score a grid pattern on all four sides of the white card. Start from the third notch in and work inward to create a central panel area, ensuring you use the same pattern on each side.
▶ watch this step (3:45)
Score five vertical lines down the white card panel, then rotate it 90 degrees and score five horizontal lines across to create a crosshatch grid pattern.
▶ watch this step (4:30)
Apply Distress Oxide inks in Twisted Citron (light green) and Mowed Lawn (darker green) to the scored grid panel. Work the ink from the edges towards the centre to highlight the embossed detail.
▶ watch this step (6:00)
Use the darker green ink pad to add depth to the corners and edges of the inked area. Blend the darker shade along the grid lines to create dimension and definition.
▶ watch this step (6:45)
Mount the inked grid panel onto a red card base using a tape runner or wet glue. Position the panel carefully to ensure even borders on all sides.
▶ watch this step (9:30)
Stamp a Christmas sentiment onto a white piece of card using Versafine black ink, positioning it at the bottom of the panel.
▶ watch this step (10:45)
Stamp an Oriental lady character onto white card. Paint her outfit using Amalá paints in red and green tones to coordinate with your card design.
▶ watch this step (13:00)
Paint the character's hair in brown using watercolour. Add facial details with the brush. Colour the fan in green and orange to coordinate with the outfit.
▶ watch this step (17:30)
Heat-set the painted character with a heat gun until fully dry. Alternatively, use a fan to speed up the drying process. ▶ watch 20:15
Carefully cut around the oriental character using scissors, trimming away the fan and simplifying complex areas like the hair beads to create a clean silhouette.
▶ watch this step (20:45)
Attach foam pads to the back of the oriental character. Position the character above the sentiment in the centre of the card front.
▶ watch this step (23:00)
Add pre-cut green holly leaves and red berry embellishments around the oriental character using foam pads to create dimension and complete the festive design.
▶ watch this step (24:00)

Tips from the show

You can alter stamps by cutting into them to change what the character is holding, making them versatile for different card themes.
Scoring creates a good way of adding interest to background papers without making the card too thick for posting.
Leave small white areas when painting to add depth and visual interest to the design.

Scored Grid Christmas Card with Oriental Character

Step by step

Tips from the show

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