Sometimes it’s a drag giving “just” a gift card to someone, even if it is what they really want and actually asked for. But, if you make a beautiful handmade card that carries the gift card to the recipient, well… that’s a different story altogether!

These cards are not only beautiful, they are easy to make and require no special skill. Try the “ink smooshing” technique for yourself and be amazed at the beautiful results. Trust me, you can do this. Distress Oxide Inks or the regular Distress Inks work great for this technique.

Watch the video here:

Here is a list of the supplies I used:

PAPER

• Neenah Classic Crest, Solar White 110# for backgrounds, die cut words, and card bases
• Neenah Classic Crest, Solar White 80# for embossing
• Gina K. and SSS scraps of colored paper to compliment inked backgrounds

STAMPING & CUTTING

• Hero Arts Stamp Set – “Thanks”
• Spellbinders dies – 3¼” and 2¾” circles
• Recollections die – “Thanks”
• Honey Bee Cuts die – “Enjoy” & Gift Card Slot
• Spell Binder Platinum 6 Die Cutting Machine
• Tim Holtz for Tonic stamp platform

INKS

• Ranger Archival – Jet Black
• Distress Oxide:
  • Peeled Paint
  • Twisted Citron
  • Salty Ocean
  • Blueprint Sketch
  • Wild Honey
  • Carved Pumpkin
  • Candied Apple
  • Aged Mahogany
  • Fired Brick
  • Picked Raspberry
  • Abandoned Coral
  • Worn Lipstick
  • Tattered Rose
  • Seedless Preserves

EMBOSSING FOLDERS

• Tim Holtz Alterations – Ink Splats
• Darice – Swirl
• Spellbinders – Grid Iron
• Cuttlebug – Tiny Bubbles

ADHESIVES

• Scotch ATG
• 3M Foam Tape
• Ranger Multi Medium Matte Adhesive
• Stick-It adhesive sheets

EMBELLISHMENTS

• Wink of Stella glitter pen
• Studio Katia – Cupids Kiss & Iridescent Crystals
• Swarovski – White Crystals

MISC. TOOLS & SUPPLIES

• Ranger Distress Sprayer with clear water
• Ranger Distress Micro Glaze
• Ranger Mini Blending Tool- Washi tape
• Tim Holtz for Tonic 9” Scissors
• Wagner heat tool- Microfiber cloth
• Ranger non-stick craft sheet