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Writer's pictureRick Adkins

CAS How Air You Card! | TRHD August Release Hop

Welcome, crafting friends! I'm thrilled to share a delightful card project featuring the Balloon Animals 1 Stamp Set and the Paisley Bandanna Layering 6 x 6 Stencil from The Rabbit Hole Designs LLC. These products are perfect for adding a playful yet elegant touch to any card, and today, I'm excited to showcase a clean and simple (CAS) design that is sure to bring a smile to your face.


CAS How Air You Card Blog Banner

CAS How Air You Card:

A Fresh Take on Balloon Animals

When I first saw the Balloon Animals 1 Stamp Set, I couldn't resist the whimsical charm of the flower balloon image. It immediately sparked a vision of a cheerful and airy card, perfect for any occasion. I decided to pair it with the Paisley Bandanna Stencil, which adds a subtle yet intricate background that complements the playful theme.


For this project, I stamped the flower balloon three times at the bottom of a piece of Canson XL Watercolor Paper. I love using watercolor paper because it provides a sturdy base that holds up beautifully to watercolor techniques. I chose Memento Toffee Crunch Ink for stamping, which gives a soft, warm outline that blends seamlessly with the watercolor look.


CAS How Air You Card by Rick Adkins

Playing with Watercolors

Watercoloring is one of my favorite techniques because of its versatility and the beautiful, soft effects you can achieve. Using Distress Ink Reinkers, I added vibrant hues to the flowers. The reinkers are fantastic because you can easily control the intensity of the color by adjusting the water. It's a bit like magic—adding just a touch more water transforms a deep, bold color into a soft pastel.


A little tip: When working with watercolors, it's best to let each layer dry before adding more color. This prevents unwanted blending and allows you to build up rich, layered hues. If you're in a hurry, a heat tool can help speed up the drying process without affecting the texture of the paper.


CAS How Air You Card by Rick Adkins Front View

Creating a Soft Background

To add depth and interest, I decided to create a soft, ink-blended background using a circle stencil and Tumbled Glass Distress Ink. The gentle blue of Tumbled Glass creates a sky-like feel, perfectly framing the flower balloons. I also added a touch of Memento Toffee Crunch Ink to tie everything together and create a harmonious look.


Here's a fun pro tip: When ink blending, start your blending tool off the edge of the paper and work your way in. This helps to avoid harsh lines and ensures a smooth gradient. And don't forget to mask off any areas you want to keep free of ink—especially those carefully watercolored flowers!


CAS How Air You Card by Rick Adkins Close Up View

Adding Intricate Details

The Paisley Bandanna Stencil brings an extra layer of detail and sophistication to the card. I used it to lightly stencil over the ink-blended circle, creating a beautiful paisley pattern that adds just the right amount of texture without overwhelming the design. The key is to use a light hand and build up the pattern gradually.


Stencils are such a versatile tool in card making. They can add texture, color, and even focal points to your projects. If you're ever looking to elevate a simple design, reach for a stencil!


CAS How Air You Card by Rick Adkins Side View

Finishing Touches

No card is complete without a heartfelt sentiment. I stamped a simple message in Versafine Clair Nocturne Ink, which is perfect for crisp, clear sentiments. To finish off the card, I adhered the watercolor panel to a top-folding A2 card base. For a bit of sparkle, I added Clear Sparkle Enamel Dots to the center of each flower and highlighted a few areas with a White Gel Pen.


The little details truly make a difference. A touch of sparkle here and a highlight there can bring a card to life, adding dimension and interest. It's these finishing touches that make handmade cards so special and unique.


CAS How Air You Card by Rick Adkins Over Head View


I hope this "CAS How Air You" card has inspired you to play with new stamp sets and stencils in your own projects. The Balloon Animals 1 Stamp Set and Paisley Bandanna Layering 6 x 6 Stencil are a delightful duo that offers endless creative possibilities. Whether you're a seasoned card maker or just starting out, experimenting with watercolors and stencils can lead to stunning results.


Thank you for joining me on this creative journey! You will find ton more inspiration using the new products on the hop! Be sure to share your own creations using these fabulous TRHD products. And remember, this post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase through these links. Your support helps keep the creative ideas flowing!


Happy crafting, and until next time, keep creating with joy!


Blog Hop Line Up:

Irene IG ONLY

Deana IG ONLY

Materials Used:

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

Happy Stampin'

Rick Adkins














Rick Adkins

Affiliate Disclaimer:

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5 Comments


Guest
Aug 07

The balloon flowers are so pretty, and I love the background design and sentiment too! Great card!

-Denise Bryant

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Thank you

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bakatrein
Aug 06

Love these watercolor balloon flowers, so pretty! Then the stenciled background, very nice! Lovely card!

I really need to use stencils more often.

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thank you

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