5 Steps to Improve your Cardmaking Skills!

[@OneHope4Heaven]

Oh my gosh .... those leaves with the gold outline/brown ombre background is a stunner! It cought my eye right away! TFS!

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@sherylosullivan9619]

Those leaves! Gorgeous.

[@ardyth]

Thank you!

[@Mari-cre8s]

As always, terrific information with do-able steps to follow. I love how you give practical examples, and create beautiful cards! 🧑🏼‍🎨😀🌻

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much, Mari!

[@brendaelainewaddell1682]

Ardyth, as always I appreciate your approach to card making. I agree with all your steps especially practicing the techniques over and over. My sixth step if I'm not liking a card is to just walk away and come back to it. So often I have found a fresh take on things when I come back. Thanks so much. 😊🇨🇦

[@roseannem.tockstein8140]

Yes, walking away almost always is successful. The other thing I've done is to place the card upside down. It removes the critical thinking and lets your brain just absorb. Try it, you'll be surprised.

[@ardyth]

That is a great piece of advice! Thanks so much for sharing!

[@melissasilvestre2442]

Love this idea of focusing on an ink brand it can be overwhelming to try to be great at all the different kinds of inks - and the more inks I have, the more overwhelming the choices are for me.

[@ardyth]

I get that. I used to have a bunch of different inks, but have been happy with my CP inks-only strategy for a number of years. Whichever one you like best is the right one! Thanks for watching!

[@roseannem.tockstein8140]

Having a backup plan is something I had never thought of. So much better than just chucking things out when it hasn't turned out as expected. You've made blending with dark colors look so-o easy. Thank you Ardyth

[@ardyth]

Glad you enjoyed it, Rose Anne! Thanks for watching!

[@catcar8212]

I'm a 'blend from the left' girl also. If only being a leftie made my ink blending as stunning as yours Ardyth. These cards rock and will help me improve, plus more of step four. For me its back to party colors... Girlie colors in Fall are a thing!! Thanks for the inspiration.🌷🌷

[@ardyth]

Haha! Lefties unite! And I'm also a Party girl - working on an interesting video about that, coming soon! Thanks for watching!

[@mrsmcphate]

The leaves are beautiful! Your comment about ink brands really got to me. I'm kind of new at this and have tried a few brands. I'm finding the Distress oxides more forgiving than some and they're easy to clean off surfaces. TFS!

[@ardyth]

That's exactly what I mean - find something you like and stick with it and get really good at it! Sounds like you found yours early in your journey! Enjoy! Thanks so much for watching!

[@paulinegalloway8920]

As always, you give clear directions. Now I just have to put them into practice! 💕

[@ardyth]

Haha! That's really what it's all about - like any skill, it takes practice! Thanks so much for watching!

[@rhondaallen3617]

I’m back!!!! The beginning of the school year has kept me busy, but I am finally getting some down time!!!!!! And how happy am I to see that you are still putting together beautiful videos, and with ‘screenshot-able’ lists!! Thank you!!! You’re always the best!!!! So glad to be back and I have so many to watch how! Thank you!!

[@ardyth]

Welcome back! Glad things are settling into a routine! Thanks for watching!

[@meemsnovak2657]

Ardyth, You really know how to blend so nicely!

[@ardyth]

Thanks! I have been practicing for a while! Thanks for watching!

[@SM-yd8hq]

The leaves are stunning

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much!

[@bethjackson8727]

Great information Ardyth. I’m one of the many people who need encouragement with relevant information so I can improve my blending. I hope you address other techniques. Thank you.

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@kimjriley5463]

Love that leaf card! Beautiful!

[@ardyth]

Thank you!

[@JessicaFrostBallas]

I love all these tips for ink-blending and I really want those CP inks...they do seem to blend exceptionally well!! ;)

[@ardyth]

Love my cp inks! Thanks for a fun collab!

[@JoanOrloffDK]

Beautiful cards 🥰 I love your ink blending, your color choices and your card designs ❤️ thanks for sharing your creativity Hugs xx

[@ardyth]

Thank you so much!

[@melaniefoy6711]

Leaves are stunning!

[@ardyth]

Thank you!

[@judyhartmann3071]

Beautiful cards! Love the leaves on the beautifully blended background! Thanks for the tips!

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much!

[@carolprice3142]

Love the way you focused only on ink blending .

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@sherylbishop8153]

You are a really good teacher! I have learned so much, thank you.

[@ardyth]

Thank you! 😃

[@melaniefoy6711]

Love seeing you two days in a row!!

[@ardyth]

Thank you! I love seeing your comments - I appreciate you taking time to leave them! Thanks for watching!

[@michelea9142]

Absolutely love the blending and those leaves are gorgeous 😍! I don't do well with brushes so need to go back to foam.

[@ardyth]

Definitely do what works best for you! Thanks so much for watching!

[@lisapetrella3976]

Fabulous!!! Thanks for all the tips and tricks!

[@ardyth]

Thanks for watching, Lisa!

[@Taitcreates639]

Such beautiful deep blends, I’d say your a pro already, super fine job Ardyth!

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much 😊

[@robinsue2439]

Amazing. . I love Everything about this project. I think you are the best mix media artist and I am very glad I found your channel

[@ardyth]

Thank you so much!

[@janevonvoros8786]

Great video, Ardyth! Thanks for sharing!

[@ardyth]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@carolynpicken6949]

Oh I ❤ the gold outline…wow stunning. Love your videos, so much inspiration. Thank you

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much 😊

[@kiwipommiegirl]

Wow,gorgeous ink blending Ardyth! TFS.x

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much!

[@valeriethorpe3399]

Beautiful cards and I love your blending... something I definitely have a problem with

[@ardyth]

Thanks for watching - and keep practicing if it's something you really want to include on your cards (but it's also ok to say that something is not for you! I have a few of those! LOL!)

[@debbieduran6791]

Glorious leaves!

[@ardyth]

Thanks for watching!

[@kerriegood1046]

Ardith- you are a numbers girl- makes me chuckle. Have a great weekend.

[@ardyth]

Oh yes, in my previous corporate life, I was an accountant. Very much a numbers girl! LOL! Thanks for watching!

[@arlenepowders4989]

Just bought some Catherine pooler ink pads…small ones to try them….your cards are beautiful, thank you!

[@ardyth]

Yay! Enjoy! Let me know if you have any questions! Thanks for watching!

[@jesseb5112]

I am lousy at layered stamping. After I finish 2 projects, I am going to spend some time on that

[@racheljolley26352]

Your cards are beautiful and your chosen colours too, along with your awesome ink blending, wow! Thank you ❤

[@ardyth]

Thank you so much!

[@harriettezmalloy7182]

I never would have blended the green & red on your last panel, but WOW that turned out beautiful. All of your color combos are lovely & the blending turned out phenomenal. Thank you for this video Ardyth. Wonderful tips!!

[@ardyth]

I haven't found an ugly blend with Catherine's inks, even with complementary colours. They definitely turn more 'fall-like', but they're still rich and pretty. Thanks so much for watching, Harriette!

[@harriettezmalloy7182]

@@ardyth I just copied your blend of Glam, Flame & Glitz on a panel embossed with an outline leaf design. I love it. That’s a new one for me as well & it just makes me so happy. Very rich colors when combined. So again, thank you for the inspiration.

[@ardyth]

@@harriettezmalloy7182 Oh yay! I love that rich red that you get when you put Glitz and Glam together! Glad you were inspired!

[@lauriehallman8034]

Awesome techniques. Thanks for the inspiration Ardyth. Your cards are stunning.😊

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much!

[@lindalincks6187]

Your ink blending is so great! Love the dark colors you used!! Thank you for sharing 😊

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@lkhorvath4]

Great tips. Thanks Ardyth

[@ardyth]

Thanks for watching!

[@KimberlyInSoCal310]

Loved this collab with Jessica so much! You are both ink blending experts! You get blends of such disparate colors that I'd be afraid to try and that really look impossible to achieve, but I will take your word for it that it can be done because you proved it here and in all your videos! Love all the cards your made in this video!

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@judibradshaw1948]

Thank you for all your tips!

[@ardyth]

Thank you for watching!

[@expressivepaper]

Thanks Ardyth!!

[@ardyth]

Thanks, Kathy!

[@debcopland1096]

I have trouble with colouring and shading so ive been practising that and it's true I'm getting better by picking up tips and tricks

[@ardyth]

Haha! I also have trouble with that - especially watercolouring! Thanks for watching!

[@kathypatterson4630]

Awesome leaves!

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much!

[@LuciaUsa1506]

Waoooo 😱😱😱 thank youuuu... amazing techniques, you're right I'm going in complete panic when I feel like my job is absolutely ugly but at the end many times I love how transformation adding more ink turn it on a beautiful design ❣. Thank you for this absolutely amazing tips. 😘

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@maryfitzgerald9408]

Thank you so much Ardyth for all of those very useful tips. You are always so generous with your time teaching others. It’s nearly lunch time here in Melbourne Australia and just starting Spring but I loved those gorgeous Autumn colours you used. ❤❤❤

[@ardyth]

It's always a little mind-bending for me to remember that the Southern Hemisphere is in the opposite season! And I really can't wrap my head around Christmas in the summer! lol! Thanks for your kind words and for watching!

[@TRsPlace]

I think we all want to blend like Jessica Frost! But your cards turned out incredible as always! Great great tips And someday I may grow up to be just like you and Jessica! 😊🤗 I love all your cards! But especially the first one. 💛TR

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@grahamargent482]

Never thought about card making, and will never do it but it’s cool to see you Ardyth. How about videos on a drive out to Calgary to visit ?

[@ardyth]

Haha! It was your sister who got me into cardmaking, many years ago! Great to hear from you - hope you're doing well. I think we're coming out west for a wedding in 2024, maybe we'll drop in and say hi!

[@geepurpura3606]

I love Catherine Pooler inks also . I made my own ink pad holder from the dollar store foam board. I did 3 sets of cut outs of the ink pad outline. One for the bottom and one for the top. (Using xacto knife) glued one ( same size as the top piece )bottom piece ,added small finger holes bellow the ink pad shape to push it out easily when you want to remove it. The top is easily removable.

[@ardyth]

You clever thing! That sounds amazing! Thanks for watching!

[@amyswares]

Beautiful examples! Great vid!

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much, Amy!

[@elisaoneal2893]

You always have such great ideas!

[@ardyth]

Thank you! 😊

[@tami1796]

Thank you for sharing your videos

[@ardyth]

Thanks for watching!

[@cathygarner6867]

Great Cards 😊

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much!

[@sue5560]

Beautiful cards! I think I give up too early with my blending. I am nervous about too much ink. Thank you for sharing Ardyth!

[@ardyth]

I have ink refills for all my CP inks - I should have mentioned that! Ink blending does use up ink for sure! Thanks for watching, Sue!

[@melissazabower339]

Great tips!

[@ardyth]

Thanks for watching!

[@lltpgh2012]

Thank you for sharing your process. Just great & the cards were too! Now I have to get myself moving on practicing instead of just dillydally. 😏

[@ardyth]

Haha! I dillydally alot, too! Thanks for watching!

[@melaniefoy6711]

Ink blending queen!

[@ardyth]

haha! Princess, maybe. Thanks for watching!

[@carlagrayson1810]

Great video. Can you add a link to the Hammermill paper you like? Thanks. I appreciate how you share your supply decisions and your awesome cards.

[@timh7246]

In the vid, you said 100#. The link you provided takes you to 60#. Didn't want viewers to be confused.

[@ardyth]

@@timh7246 Thanks! I'll check that and fix it.

[@ardyth]

www.amazon.ca/Hammermill-Printer-Digital-Letter-Bright/dp/B00SN0PI88/ref=sr_1_4?crid=1LVXXFRMDH5ZX&keywords=hammermill+100lb+smooth+white+cardstock&qid=1664030275&sprefix=hammermill+%2Caps%2C99&sr=8-4

[@donnabrown-ih9zj]

Have been following u for a long time and u continue to give is all such great ideas and fun ways to use our supplies. Love it! Having a problem finding the hammermill digital cs…. Where do u purchase. Only finding the premium color cs. Tks please continue amazing us!

[@ardyth]

Hi there! Thanks for your kind words. I have been able (only occasionally) to find the Hammermill at Walmart. I usually order it from Amazon. I hope that helps! Thanks for watching!

[@laurie3881]

The technique I want to improve is composition of elements. Making the card face interesting, leaving white space, balancing but not boring, and how to use asymmetrical elements.

[@ardyth]

That's a really interesting topic! I'll try to think about how to make a video about that. Thanks so much for watching!

[@alexistroncoso9710]

Such a great video!!!! Can you tell un more about the cardstock? This Hammermill are you using its available in different presentarions? Thank U so much

[@ardyth]

You are so right. Every time I have to buy it, I have to look very carefully to find exactly the one I want. Hammermill is a huge paper company and makes lots of different weights and colours. I generally get it at Amazon, and used to be able to find it at Wal Mart, but not recently. www.amazon.ca/Hammermill-Printer-Digital-Letter-Bright/dp/B00SN0PI88/ref=sr_1_4?crid=1LVXXFRMDH5ZX&keywords=hammermill+100lb+smooth+white+cardstock&qid=1664030275&sprefix=hammermill+%2Caps%2C99&sr=8-4

[@VeganDoris]

2:30 I didn’t know that foam blenders are damaged by stencils! I rarely use stencils so I didn’t notice.

[@ardyth]

Not always, but they can catch on the stencil edges and damage the foam, in my experience. If you don't use stencils, that's not an issue for you. And we all do things the way that work best for us so that's good too. I like to share my thinking in case it's helpful to others. Thanks so much for watching!

[@chantallvanholten4409]

how to react when you think everythng goes wrong? ;) but i set your video on my list to look when i am cardmaking and get more ideas and used my stuff. thnx for this vid, i am very gratefull for it

[@ardyth]

So glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching!

[@tracis.1691]

This is such a fantastic and helpful video, Ardyth! Now I see why I've struggled with blending! I haven't put enough ink down! I am curious if the order of the colors of ink used matters? I gasped when you put your buttercream ink over the dark panel! Didn't it pick up the darker color?! I have another question, please, do you always tape down your paper? I wonder because sometimes my blending tool gets "caught" on the edge of the paper--making a crumple. Your cards look exquisite! Thank you for sharing all of these great tips! You reached your goal! What's next?

[@ardyth]

I generally try to work lightest to darkest, to avoid contamination on my blending tools, but the tools are cleanable, so it's fixable if they get dirty. I showed in the video that buttercream ink did not pick up the browns, but that panel was dry. It probably would pick up some brown if the panel had been wet. Again, you can 'clean off' ink pads if they ever do get contaminated (but be sure to have ink refills on hand to keep them juicy!). I never tape down my paper for ink blending, other than masking, as shown here. A glass (or other smooth) surface will help you not to pick up the edges of the cardstock with your blending tool, but it does still happen for me occasionally. The best tip for that is to start with a bigger panel than you need, so that if you are not happy with the edges, you can trim the panel down and still use it. Thanks so much for watching!

[@tracis.1691]

@@ardyth Wow! Thank you for answering my questions! I love your videos!

[@deereip5439]

Thanks for the tips. Where do you get the 100 lb Hammermill? I can only find the 80 lb or less.

[@ardyth]

Definitely hit and miss. I used to be able to find it at Walmart. Lately only on Amazon in Canada. Thanks for watching!

[@dizzinese]

Ardyth I wanted to commend you on a very good video! I love to watch all your videos, but I don’t learn anything because you go so fast and aren’t as deliberate shall I say in the teaching part. I’d love to see more videos of how you do things like this. You don’t realize how you make it look so natural an easy when you go through something once and crank out 3 cards in 20 minutes. I for one have a huge struggle with not having time to practice. I barely even get a chance to make a card and when I do, I’m usually rushed. So I just wanted to tell you how I enjoyed this. A question about brushes. Since I don’t use them often/ever the couple of times I’ve ink blended, I’ve noticed the sponges work better. But I think it’s because they get loaded with ink fast, my brushes still look new so they just suck up the ink and when I go to paper I get a little teeny bit and have to constantly get more ink. Then I quit. Could I be right? That for brushes to work best they need to be well used and will load and release the ink better? I love your style and car designs. Truly. Thank you

[@ardyth]

I think if sponges work better for you, then stick with it. We all work differently, so different tools will work better for some than others. I like to share my thinking in case it's helpful, but there's no 'right' answer for everyone (wouldn't it be easier if there was! LOL!) Thanks for watching Denise!

[@dizzinese]

@@ardyth awww darn, I thought you could just tell me how to do these fabulous cards like you! Lol thanks! Btw, I’m really enjoying square cards. I make the 5.5” size or soon the 5” because I have 6” and 5.5” envelopes. But you have such great layout options. The slimline I’ve done once and it’s nice to spice it up, but square is my favorite then maybe mini slimline for fun. Those seem easy to decorate because one element fits well you don’t have to load the panel. Have you tried the minislim? I know there’s a couple different sizes of them but as I was typing I realized a lot of your cards feature a main bold sentiment or something and it would work well on that size too because it’s all it really has much room for. Just wondered. Your stencil turning thing would still look cool on there even if it was half off or wouldn’t it? Curious that’s all. Thanks so much! I adore you! Gerry too. You two and a new lady that is just blowing my mind with embossing powder and she’s from the UK. My favorite girls are all over! And guess what! I got my order from pocket of happiness! Zsoka is a doll! I just love her things! I wish she could get picked up for mass production but she does it all herself! She’s worked for spellbinders I think she said 5 years but wants more time for her own so won’t work with anyone else. That girls got talent when it comes to layering dies and paper piercing! Young hands! But thank you. I started with her after your retro cover plate die you used! Love you! So brilliantly talented. And your cards are less complicated!

[@annajavier5712]

This was helpful I.never work on things that I need to and I really need to do this thanks

[@ardyth]

There's so many fun new things to try, it can be hard to find the time! lol! Thanks for watching!

[@barcelonachair6487]

You have given me some wonderful inspiration for the waffle flower leaves die. It is one of my favourites. Does spraying Catherine Pooler Ink pads along with a UV protectant finishing spray reduce fading? I contacted her a while back but I have not heard a response. I trust your opinion on this.

[@ardyth]

I have noticed that some of Catherine's inks definitely fade over time when exposed to light. I have never thought to try a spray (didn't even know if they exist), but will try to look into it. Thanks so much for watching!

[@barcelonachair6487]

@@ardyth I like both Krylon and Sennelier. Thanks for your help.

[@wendybelfry1110]

I need to work on the alignment of my card panels-any tips?

[@ardyth]

Your comment just came into my inbox and I laughed out loud - I'm STILL working on this even after all these years! lol! There are tools, but I've tried a few that never felt right. My best tips are 1) use an adhesive that is forgiving at first, and then becomes permanent, so you can use 2) a spatula tool (I use a thin metal Cricut spatula) to re-lift and re-place when needed. I use Tombow tape runners that are dotted, and they work great for this. Finally, remember that most people who receive your cards won't notice (or care, if they do notice) a slightly wonky panel, because they'll be thrilled that you cared enough to make a card for them! Good luck! (And let me know if you ever find a better solution, PLEASE! lol!)

[@bettyehayden2392]

You made a nice card but I’m just not a friend of ink blending, I keep trying to like it but I just can’t. I do think however you do very good work and I’m a long time subscriber. I enjoy your videos even when I don’t care for certain things. Tfs

[@ardyth]

Haha! I get it. I'm currently formulating a video of card techniques I am not good at/don't enjoy. We all have our thing. Hopefully you found the 5 steps useful for other techniques too! Thanks so much for watching!

[@olubukolasoladoye7503]

Amazing I’m subbing and liking to this ima boy that doesn’t rlly know how to draw but I hav potential so plz teach me I’m 11 yr old

[@olubukolasoladoye7503]

Ty for love on my comment

[@debrapascoe2806]

You don’t mention what products you use! The leaf dies???

[@ardyth]

I try to put supply links in every video description. Here's a link to the leaves: www.scrapbook.com/store/wfc-420530.html

[@junem4102]

I cant ink blend.

[@ardyth]

LOL! We all struggle with something. If you want to ink blend, just keep practicing and you'll get better. If you don't want to, that's ok too. Thanks for watching!

[@yelena86]

👍✌️🙏❤️

[@ardyth]

Thanks!