Elephant Balloon Stencil Card with Two-Tone Background

A project from our live show CATCH UP with Simon for MONDAY MADNESS in the How To Craft Network Studios 18th Oct 21 · 18/10/2021 · watch it from 1:30

Create a vibrant birthday card featuring a stencilled balloon background in green and pink, layered with a stamped and watercoloured elephant character holding a customisable balloon. The stencil creates a soft, blended 3D effect that frames the main image beautifully.

You will need

465778 TV - GOSSIP GLITTER CARD 170gsm - Rubelite - 030219aSEE IT 465784 TV - GOSSIP GLITTER CARD 170gsm - Tourmaline - 030219dSEE IT Versafine Ink Pad - Onyx Black - 300921CSEE IT Ranger Stickles - Silver Glitter Glue - TV - 181021ZSEE IT

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Step by step

1. Secure a balloon stencil to a glass mat with tape, positioning it level with the bottom edge. ▶ watch 2:15
2. Tap green mini pigment ink pad onto the left side of each balloon through the stencil, blending lightly for a soft effect. ▶ watch 3:00
3. Switch to pink ink and apply from the right side of the balloons to create a two-tone gradient blend. ▶ watch 4:15
4. Carefully lift the stencil to reveal the coloured balloon background panel. ▶ watch 5:30
5. Trim the stencilled panel to size using scissors or a trimmer. ▶ watch 5:45
6. Mount the stencilled panel onto a glitter card base using glue. ▶ watch 6:30
7. Glue coordinating patterned paper strips to the card base, arranging them to frame the stencilled panel. ▶ watch 7:15
8. Punch fishtail ends onto blue card strips using a banner punch and layer them with foam pads. ▶ watch 8:30
9. Stamp the elephant character onto watercolour paper using black ink, pressing firmly twice for a bold outline. ▶ watch 11:00
10. Watercolour the elephant's body with light grey, then add darker grey for shading and detail. ▶ watch 13:00
11. Paint the elephant's ears in light pink, then add darker pink for depth and dimension. ▶ watch 16:15
12. Colour the balloon in blue, starting light and adding darker blue around the edges to make the sentiment pop. ▶ watch 17:00
13. Paint the elephant's dungarees in soft green to complete the character. ▶ watch 18:15
14. Die-cut the stamped and coloured elephant image using the coordinating large die. ▶ watch 19:15
15. Mount the die-cut elephant onto the card using foam pads for dimension, positioning it as the focal point. ▶ watch 20:30

Tips from the show

• Use stencils with patterned papers featuring grids or dots to help you centre and position elements accurately.
• You can replace the sentiment in the balloon with a number, photo, or your own custom message to make the card more versatile.
• Don't be heavy-handed with ink when stencilling—light, blended colour creates a more professional, soft effect.

More from this show

• Embossed Falling Stars Panel Card with Ink Blending
• Rainbow and Ballerina Watercolour Focal Card

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