• Bloglovin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

all the sparkle

jessica frost-ballas

  • home
  • about me
    • about
    • creative resume
    • disclosure
    • house tour
  • Disclosure
  • craftroom
  • video tutorials
  • patreon
  • contact

Simon Says Stamp Diecember Release Blog Hop (VIDEO + GIVEAWAYS!)

2 Dec

Good morning!  Today I’m hopping along to celebrate the Diecember release from Simon Says Stamp!!  I shared my first Diecember card yesterday and today I’m sharing eight cards along with a video!  I know, I know…I never make this many cards at once…but you’ll see how easy it is and you’ll make a ton, too! 😉

Diecember 2017 by Jessica Frost-Ballas for Simon Says Stamp

You can watch the video below or in HD at my Youtube channel:

Alcohol inks are making a comeback in a BIG way these days and I wanted to try using them as I see alcohol ink artists use them on big canvases on instagram!  I’m not a fan of using the felt blending pads…they never really seem to give me the effect I want and all the colors blend together too much for my liking.  I follow several alcohol ink artists on instagram and I love the way they put droplets on a canvas, blow them around, and then add more colors.  It seems like a very free-flowing organic process and I figured there’s no reason I can’t do something similar for a card, right?  So basically I used that concept but on a much smaller surface, a 9×12 piece of yupo paper.  I used alcohol inks in indigo, denim, turquoise, amethyst, pool, and sailboat blue.  Off camera I used those colors with pitch black alcohol ink on one piece of paper and then on camera I used those colors with silver mixative for a brighter, sparkly look. After the inks dried I splattered the yupo paper with copic opaque white paint to create the look of snow across a wintery night sky.  I let that dry as well and then cut up the 9×12 paper to create a variety of cards!

Diecember 2017 by Jessica Frost-Ballas for Simon Says Stamp

For the first two cards I simply cut 4″ by 5.25″ inch panels of the alcohol ink background and adhered them to a white card base.  Then I die-cut the Bliss, Joy, and Felicity snowflakes using the new glitter paper from Simon Says Stamp and adhered them to the panels.  Finally I die-cut the sentiments from older SSS releases and adhered them over the snowflakes.  I used two layers of white cardstock on the lighter card and a layer of blue glitter over a layer of white cardstock on the darker card.

Diecember 2017 by Jessica Frost-Ballas for Simon Says Stamp

I mention this in the video but either of these backgrounds could be used for galaxy cards or underwater scenes!  Lots of ways to use these fun backgrounds for a variety of cards! 😉

Diecember 2017 by Jessica Frost-Ballas for Simon Says Stamp

For this card I die-cut the Sensational Snowflakes from white cardstock and reserved the snowflakes.  Then I adhered the alcohol inked background behind the white cardstock and adhered two white snowflakes on top.  Finally I added a die-cut sentiment using the silver glitter paper!

Diecember 2017 by Jessica Frost-Ballas for Simon Says Stamp

My next card uses the pretty Picture Book Tree die!  Again I die-cut it from a white card panel, adhered the alcohol inked background behind it and finished it with a glittery sentiment!

Diecember 2017 by Jessica Frost-Ballas for Simon Says Stamp

This card uses the same Sensational Snowflakes Collage die I used on my card yesterday but this time it’s backed by the alcohol inked panel.  I stamped the sentiment from Christmas Essentials with versamark, heat-embossed it with silver embossing powder, and then popped it up with foam mounting tape.

Diecember 2017 by Jessica Frost-Ballas for Simon Says Stamp

The rest of my cards follow a similar layout just using different sections of the alcohol inked background.  I love how unique all the cards look even though they’re using the same panel!  I hope these cards give you some ideas for how to incorporate alcohol inked backgrounds into your card designs.  And if you don’t have alcohol inks…you could easily create a similar look with a watercolored background, color burst sprinkled background, or a distress ink blended background…or even by using patterned paper or glitter paper!  I used only a small portion of the amazing dies that Simon Says Stamp just released for Diecember so make sure to head over and check out the full release!  What’s your favorite one?

And what’s a hop without a giveaway, right?  Simon Says Stamp has generously offered a $25 gift card to EVERY stop on the hop!!  All you need to do is visit and leave a comment on each blog.  The winners will be randomly selected from each blog and announced on the Simon Says Stamp blog!   There’s also a second blog hop tomorrow with even more inspiration and giveaways so don’t forget to check that out!  In case you encounter a broken link here is the full hop list for today:

  • Simon Says Stamp Blog
  • Jennifer McGuire
  • Kristina Werner
  • Debby Hughes
  • Amanda Korotkova
  • Jessica Frost-Ballas —> You are here!
  • Kathy Racoosin
  • Bibi Cameron
  • Heather Hoffman
  • Barb Engler
  • Sarah Moerman
  • Anna Kossakovskaya

Good luck!  If this is your first time visiting my blog I hope you’ll come back again!  You can subscribe to my blog via the sidebar on the right or find me on Instagram and Youtube.  Thanks for visiting and have a fabulous day!  Happy Hopping!

Interested in the products I used?  To make them easy for you to find, I have listed them below. (Affiliate disclosure can be found here). Your purchases through my links help keep my blog running with no additional cost to you and I thank you so much for the support!

Simon Says Stamp Big BLISS SNOWFLAKE
[ SSS ]
Simon Says Stamp Big JOY SNOWFLAKE
[ SSS ]
Simon Says Stamp Big Huge FELICITY…
[ SSS ]
Simon Says Stamp PICTURE BOOK TREE…
[ SSS ]
Simon Says Stamp SENSATIONAL…
[ SSS ]
Simon Says Stamp EVERGREEN CIRCLE
[ SSS ]
Simon Says Stamp SENSATIONAL SNOWFLAKES
[ SSS ]
Simon Says Stamp BELIEVE
[ SSS ]
Simon Says Stamp FA LA LA
[ SSS ]
Simon Says Stamp Cardstock SILVER…
[ SSS ]
Simon Says Stamp Cardstock WHITE…
[ SSS ]
Simon Says Stamp Cardstock ASSORTMENT…
[ SSS ]
Simon Says Clear Stamps ADVENT…
[ SSS ]
Simon Says Clear Stamps CHRISTMAS…
[ SSS ]
Tim Holtz Alcohol Ink POOL
[ SSS ]
Tim Holtz Alcohol Ink TURQUOISE
[ SSS ]
Tim Holtz Alcohol Ink SAIL BOAT BLUE
[ SSS ]
Tim Holtz Alcohol Ink AMETHYST
[ SSS ]
Tim Holtz Alcohol Ink DENIM
[ SSS ]
Tim Holtz Alcohol Ink INDIGO
[ SSS ]
Tim Holtz Alcohol Ink PITCH BLACK
[ SSS ]
Tim Holtz Alcohol Ink SILVER Metallic…
[ SSS ]
Yupo WHITE WATERCOLOR 5×7 144lb Paper…
[ SSS ]
Tim Holtz Adirondack WHITE ALCOHOL…
[ SSS ]
Copic OPAQUE WHITE WITH BRUSH…
[ SSS ]
Tim Holtz Ranger ALCOHOL BLENDING…
[ SSS ]
Neenah Classic Crest 110 LB SMOOTH…
[ SSS ]
Inkadinkado EMBOSSING MAGIC Powder Bag
[ SSS ]
Tsukineko Versamark EMBOSS INK PAD
[ SSS ]
Simon Says Stamp Premium Ink Pad…
[ SSS ]
Simon Says Stamp EMBOSSING POWDER…
[ SSS ]
Wagner Precision Heat Gun
[ SSS ]
Ranger Inkssentials GLOSSY ACCENTS
[ SSS ]
3M Scotch PINK ATG ADVANCED TAPE…
[ SSS ]
3M Scotch DOUBLE-SIDED FOAM TAPE
[ SSS ]
Sizzix BIG SHOT PLUS MACHINE
[ SSS ]
Ranger Inkssentials Non Stick CRAFT…
[ SSS ]

Share This:
Share on pinterest
Pinterest
Share on facebook
Facebook
Share on twitter
Twitter
Share on email
Email

You May Also Enjoy:

  • CZ Designs + Simon Says Stamp!
    Yes You are Hashtag Legit by Jessica Frost-Ballas for Simon Says Stamp
  • Simon Says Stamp Encouraging Words Release!
    You're a Star by Jessica Frost-Ballas for Simon Says Stamp
  • Simon Says Stamp February 2017 Card Kit
    Coffee and Friends by Jessica Frost-Ballas for Simon Says Stamp

Comments:
427 Comments
Categories:
bloghop, card-making, crafting, design team, simon says stamp, video tutorial
Tags:
alcohol ink, simon says stamp

« 12 Tags of Christmas with a Feminine Twist
Hero Arts December My Monthly Hero Blog Hop (+GIVEAWAY!) »

Comments

  1. Megan N says

    December 2, 2017 at 7:10 pm

    Gorgeous, Jessica! You really got a lot out of that single panel! I haven’t quite taken to alcohol inks because I’m only tried them with the felt applicator. I’ll have to try this technique instead!

    Reply
  2. Nini Adams says

    December 2, 2017 at 7:10 pm

    Love the alcohol ink backgrounds. Very creative…love your style!!

    Reply
  3. Katherine Scales says

    December 2, 2017 at 7:28 pm

    Omg I love your beautiful cards stunning. Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
  4. Teresa McKiearnan says

    December 2, 2017 at 7:32 pm

    I love alcohol inks. Very pretty

    Reply
  5. Cindy p says

    December 2, 2017 at 7:33 pm

    Love the alcohol ink background.

    Reply
  6. Bobby Duehring says

    December 2, 2017 at 7:36 pm

    As I continue through this hop, my wish list grows! Gorgeous cards!

    Reply
  7. Kathy Kenny says

    December 2, 2017 at 7:39 pm

    Great backgrounds! I love the sensational snowflakes and sensational snowflake collage the best!

    Reply
  8. Marie Valdes says

    December 2, 2017 at 7:41 pm

    My absolutely favorite sentiment at Christmas is “Believe”. You have captured the beautiful of the word. I just love this artwork you have created.

    Reply
  9. Denise Bryant says

    December 2, 2017 at 7:42 pm

    So pretty with the alcohol ink backgrounds! Beautiful cards!

    Reply
  10. Tracey Magner says

    December 2, 2017 at 7:45 pm

    What Beautiful cards, really pretty. I really love the look alcohol produces but it scares me so much to use it for some reason, someday I will get brave and try it. Yours is so so amazing.

    Reply
  11. Holly Graham says

    December 2, 2017 at 7:46 pm

    Beautiful cards. I love the backgrounds and how you used the alcohol inks! Amazing!

    Reply
  12. Jan says

    December 2, 2017 at 7:48 pm

    Beautifully done Jessica! Thanks for sharing your work.

    Reply
  13. Carolyn S says

    December 2, 2017 at 7:53 pm

    The alcohol background is a massive WOW! And the cards you created from it are simply gorgeous! I am definitely going to give this a try.

    Reply
  14. Linda Lofton says

    December 2, 2017 at 7:57 pm

    Your cards are amazing, stunning . . .

    Reply
  15. Pam says

    December 2, 2017 at 7:57 pm

    Love your colors, and love the idea of alcohol inks, never would have thought to use them. Perfect background for a perfect die!

    Reply
  16. ~ginny says

    December 2, 2017 at 8:08 pm

    Gorgeous backgrounds Jessica for those beautiful dies!
    ~ginny
    RubberMAD

    Reply
  17. Maureen Reiss says

    December 2, 2017 at 8:09 pm

    Wow!!! Really Gorgeous backgrounds!!! I love the dark one with the trees, just stunning!!!

    Reply
  18. Robin L says

    December 2, 2017 at 8:13 pm

    Beautiful cards. I just love snowflakes.

    Reply
  19. Lyn U. says

    December 2, 2017 at 8:17 pm

    Very classy backgrounds!

    Reply
  20. Kathy McCluskey says

    December 2, 2017 at 8:18 pm

    Those alcohol ink backgrounds are really gorgeous! I can’t wait to try it out! I really love the tree die and the snowflakes die. My “must have” list keeps getting longer and longer….a really great new release!!

    Reply
  21. Audre G says

    December 2, 2017 at 8:19 pm

    The alcohol ink background is fabulous. It looks like you had a lot of fun creating it. Your cards all turned out great.

    Reply
  22. Katherine Dent says

    December 2, 2017 at 8:24 pm

    I loved your alcohol backgrounds they are amazing. Of course I loved the snowflakes, they are my favorite . Thank you for sharing your inspiration

    Reply
  23. Andrea H says

    December 2, 2017 at 8:26 pm

    Good evening Jess. You’ve been very busy 👍. Your cards are great and I loved watching your videos. You’ve a great accent too. TFS lovely lady xx

    Reply
  24. Janet says

    December 2, 2017 at 8:31 pm

    These are all gorgeous, I love the vibrant colors. I especially love the believe card with the tree die.

    Reply
  25. Lacey Igo Gasper says

    December 2, 2017 at 8:42 pm

    Love the colors you used on theses cards! They turned out fantastic

    Reply
« Older Comments
Newer Comments »

Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment! I read and appreciate all of your thoughts! :) Please know comments are moderated so it may take a few minutes for it to show up!Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Jessica About Me Photo
Hi, I'm Jess! Thanks for visiting my blog where I share my adventures in cardmaking and papercrafting! I hope I can inspire you to craft with a little extra sparkle!

Subscribe Via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email!

Join 3,083 other subscribers

Crafty Sales (updated regularly)

Favorite Crafty Shops

Previous Posts

Instagram

This error message is only visible to WordPress admins

Error: No connected account.

Please go to the Instagram Feed settings page to connect an account.

Disclosure

I design for several companies because I truly love their products! Anything I recommend on my blog is something that I genuinely love and regularly use. I do not get paid for product reviews and I will never recommend a product that I do not like or would not use.

I am affiliated with several of my favorite crafty companies which means I receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you!!) when you click on one of my links and make a purchase through the store.

You can find my full disclosure as well as a list of the companies I am affiliated with HERE. Thank you so much for supporting me!

Most Popular Posts

Zig Clean Color Real Brush Swatch Card Download and a revelation!
Waffleflower Spring 2018 Release Blog Hop (+GIVEAWAYS!)
Pinkfresh Studio Ink Pad Release Blog Hop (+GIVEAWAYS!!)
Hero Arts August My Monthly Hero Blog Hop (+ GIVEAWAY)
Chibitronics and Winnie & Walter Collaboration Blog Hop (+GIVEAWAYS!)
Hero Arts November My Monthly Hero Blog Hop
Lil' Inker Designs: January 2017 Release - Day 3
12 Days of Christmas Video Blog Hop (+GIVEAWAYS!)
Waffle Flower October Release Blog Hop (+GIVEAWAYS!)
Ellen Hutson Summer of Stamping Essentials by Ellen Release Blog Hop (+GIVEAWAY!)

Copyright

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United States License.

Copyright © 2026 · Bloom theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2023 · All The Sparkle