Instructions

There are some images that always strike me as masculine in design, and the fabulous new Cityscape die collection from Tim Holtz and Sizzix are definitely one of those products. I have used the fun Cityscape Skyline die for my card today, along with lots of inky Distress techniques. I think the overall look is very graphic and masculine, perfect for my Dad’s Father’s Day card this year.

I’ve got the full tutorial to share, so let’s take a closer look.

Step 1: To begin, create a side-folding standard A2 card base, and cover the front with patterned paper. Lightly distress some of the card edges using a distress tool, and then ink the edges with Brushed Corduroy and Chipped Sapphire Distress Ink using a Mini Ink Blending Tool.
Cut a 4.25” x 4” panel of blue Distress Cardstock. Randomly stamp the panel with label stamps using Chipped Sapphire Distress ink.

Step 2: Spread Opaque Crackle Texture Paste around the edges of the blue cardstock panel using a palette knife. Set the paper aside to dry.

Step 3: Once the paste is dry, add a bit of brown Distress Crayon to the crackled areas, and smooth the pigment into the cracks using a bit of water and the tip of your finger. The stamping underneath adds a very subtle design through the crackle paste that adds another layer of dimension. Stamp a few additional label images on top of the crackle paste, too. Adhere this panel to the left side of the card base. Wrap twine around the right edge, tying the ends into a simple knot. Leave the ends of the twine long.

Step 4: Die cut the Cityscape Skyline from Ranger Watercolor Paper. Watercolor the buildings using a variety of Distress inks mixed with water, applied with a wet paintbrush.

Step 5: Apply thin pieces of clear vellum to the backside of the die cut using collage glue stick. Trim away any vellum that extends off the edges of the buildings. Color the backside of the vellum in the window openings using Wild Honey Distress Marker.

Step 6: Die cut a middle-sized Stitched Rectangle from Distress Mixed Media Heavystock. Using a wide paintbrush, brush clean clear water over the entire die cut rectangle. Press Distress Inks onto a Non-Stick Craft Sheet, and mix the colors with a bit of water. Pick up the inks with a wet paintbrush, and apply the color to the die cut rectangle, letting the water move the inks. Allow the paper to dry a bit, and then add more ink color, if desired. Then allow the paper to dry completely. Apply Chipped Sapphire Distress Ink to the edges of the rectangle using the Ink Blending Tool. Cut a piece of blue Distress cardstock that is slightly larger than the rectangle, sand it lightly, and adhere the rectangle onto the cardstock.

Step 7: Cut a thin strip of the sanded blue Distress cardstock, and die cut the Father’s Day sentiment from the strip. Be sure to keep the small pieces that go inside the letters. Adhere the strip to patterned papers, and then add the small inner letter pieces using Ranger Multi Medium Matte adhesive. Cut the ends of the strips into a V-notch.

Step 8: Adhere the Cityscape die cut to the bottom of the watercolored panel, cutting off the excess from the ends as needed. Add a bit of Opaque Crackle Texture Paste to the corners of the rectangle, and age with Distress Crayon once dry. Add foam adhesive to the back of the sentiment strip, and place it along the bottom edge of the panel. Place additional foam adhesive behind the finished panel, and adhere it to the center of the card base.

Hope you all have a wonderful Father’s Day! Enjoy!