top of page
Writer's pictureRick Adkins

Card Making Redefined: One Gel Plate Technique + Die Cuts for Multiple Designs!

Hey there, fellow card-making enthusiasts! I'm so excited to share with you a card-making adventure that's sure to ignite your creativity. It's all about redefining the way we make cards by combining some amazing techniques and tools. So, grab your Distress Oxide Inks, Distress Spray Mica Stains, and your trusty Falling Leaves Dies from The Rabbit Hole Designs, because we're about to dive into a world of crafting fun!

Fall Gel Printed Card with Silly Pumpkins by Rick Adkins Blog Banner

Card making has always been a wonderful way to express our love and creativity. But with the ever-evolving crafting world, there's always something new to learn and explore. Today, I'm thrilled to show you a fresh approach to card making that involves gel plate printing and die cuts, resulting in cards that are as unique as you are.


Before we get started, let me share a little personal anecdote. I remember the first time I tried gel plate printing; it was a total game-changer. The beautiful backgrounds you can create are simply mesmerizing. And when you add in some intricate die-cut leaves and charming stamps like those from The Rabbit Hole Designs, you're in for a real treat. So, let's gather our supplies and get ready to redefine card making together!

Fall Gel Printed Card with Silly Pumpkins by Rick Adkins

Materials Needed

Before we dive into the techniques, let's make sure we've got everything we need. Here's a quick checklist:

  • Distress Oxide Inks: These are your trusty sidekicks for creating stunning backgrounds.

  • Distress Spray Mica Stains: Add a touch of shimmer and magic to your projects.

  • Falling Leaves Dies (from The Rabbit Hole Designs): The stars of the show, perfect for adding intricate leafy details.

  • Falling Leaves 6x6 Stamp Set: To bring those die-cut leaves to life.

  • Silly Pumpkins Stamp Set: Your ticket to adorable focal images.

  • Fall Foxes Stamp Set: For those heartfelt sentiments.

  • Gel Plate: Our secret weapon for mesmerizing backgrounds.

  • Brayer: To spread those inks evenly.

  • Cardstock: For the base of your cards and to print on.

  • Acrylic Blocks: To mount your stamps.

  • Stamping Platform: For precise stamping.

  • Embellishments (optional): Let your creativity run wild with these!

Now that we've got our materials ready, let's dive into the techniques that will redefine your card-making game!


Gel Plate Printing

Picture this: You've got your gel plate, a rainbow of Fall Colored Distress Oxide Inks, and a brayer in hand. It's like an artist's dream come true! The first step is to apply a thin layer of your chosen inks to the gel plate. Mix and match those colors, my friends—this is where the magic begins.


Now, here's where you can get really creative. Use stamps, stencils, or even items from nature (like leaves) to add texture to your inked gel plate. But today we are using die cuts to add the textures and layers to our prints. Press them gently onto the plate, and you'll see your background come to life with depth and intrigue.


Once your gel plate is a work of art in itself, carefully place your chosen cardstock onto it and give it a gentle press. Lift it off, and you'll reveal a unique background that's going to make your card stand out. Just remember to let it dry completely before moving on—patience is key!

Fall Gel Printed Card with Silly Pumpkins by Rick Adkins Front View

Silly Pumpkins Stamp Set

Now, let's introduce our focal image—those adorable pumpkins from the Silly Pumpkins Stamp Set. Stamp them onto a piece of alcohol friendly cardstock in a very light ink color and have a blast coloring them using your Alcohol Markers. This is where your personality shines through your card.


To add even more detail and realism to your backgrounds, use the Falling Leaves 6x6 Stamp Set to stamp on them. I used embossing ink and then covered them with gold embossing powder. Trust me; this step takes your backgrounds to a whole new level of gorgeousness.


Now, let's talk die cuts. The Falling Leaves Dies from The Rabbit Hole Designs are the stars of the show here. Pick the leaf shapes and sizes that resonate with you; it's like choosing the right colors from your paint palette.

Fall Gel Printed Card with Silly Pumpkins by Rick Adkins Side View

Arranging the Elements

Here comes the fun part! Experiment with different layouts, combining your gel plate background, stamped leaves, and focal image. If you've got a stamping platform, it'll make positioning your sentiments a breeze.


Adding Sentiments

Choose a heartfelt sentiment from the Fall Foxes Stamp Set that ties your whole design together. Stamp it onto a coordinating piece of cardstock, trim it down to size, and voilà!

Fall Gel Printed Backgrounds by Rick Adkins

Feeling fancy? Add some optional embellishments like sequins, ribbon, or a touch of glitter. Let your inner artist shine through and make it uniquely yours.

Video Tutorial:

If you have problems watching the video here on my blog you can always watch it on my YouTube Channel by clicking here!


And there you have it, my friends—card making redefined! Gel plate printing and die cuts bring a whole new dimension to your crafting experience. Just think about all the possibilities with The Rabbit Hole Designs' Falling Leaves Dies, Falling Leaves 6x6 Stamp Set, Silly Pumpkins Stamp Set, and the Fall Foxes Stamp Set.


Remember, it's not just about creating cards; it's about sharing your love and creativity with those who receive them. So, craft away, share your unique creations, and inspire others to redefine card making with these exciting techniques. Happy crafting, everyone!


Pin Me:

Follow me on Pinterest and save this image to your favorite card making board!

Fall Gel Printed Card with Silly Pumpkins by Rick Adkins Pin

Materials Used:

Here you will find the list of supplies that I used to create today's card. All supplies are linked below. Compensated affiliate links may be used at no cost to you.

The Rabbit Hole Designs Supplies Used:

Other Inks/Supplies:

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used:

Happy Stampin'

Rick Adkins














Rick Adkins


15 views0 comments

Comments


bottom of page