ATC Masterboard Madness!

Hi Sin City Stamp Fans!!!

Can you believe it's already March? - Wow this year is going fast!
Today I am sharing 2 pocket letters made using ATC backgrounds cut from "Masterboards" created with Sin City Stamps!
 I've combined collage images with the stamped backgrounds - ideas to make your stamps even more versatile!

Supplies List:

• Sin City Stamp Set Dandelion Wishes with Butterflies
• Sin City Stamp Set Flower and Bird Sketches
• Collage images (I have used sheets by Lisa's Altered Art)
• White cardboard (A4 Size or whatever is your countries standard size!!!)
• Plain colored card
• Paint in co-coordinating colors
• Brayer
• Stencils & white paint & sponge
• Archival ink pads & optional embossing ink & powder
• Sewing Machine - Optional
• Washi tape
• String & fibres
• Embellishments of your choice ie. pearls, feathers, trim, scraps of cloth, burlap, die cuts, stickers, charms etc.
• General supplies like glue, scissors, hole punch, tape etc.
• ATC sheet protectors- also known for baseball cards.

Instructions:

1. Grab your supplies to make your "Masterboard" - paints, roller, stencils, sponge and your base card. You really don't need anything fancy for your base card as the paint and stamping will give it the "look"!!!
Who needs to buy patterned paper when you can make your own!!!

2. Start by placing "dots" of co-coordinating paint on your background card. I used 4 colors for each sheet. As you can see I am working on 2 at once - might as well make a big mess at once LOL!!! Color choices are entirely up to the individual - everyone always has a favorite color combo (I always love pink & purple).

3. The next process is simple,  just grab your roller and roll the paint around. Be careful though you don't want to blend the colors and end up with a big mess of awful color!! Don't worry if you have some areas of paint that are thick and others thin - it all adds to the texture and individuality of the masterboard. Allow the paint to dry completely before continuing with the next step!

4. To break up the color, grab your favorite stencils and some white paint and a small sponge and randomly sponge lightly through the stencil over your paint. This is great if you used dark colors - you need some lightness to show the stamping.

5. Once all the paint is dry we can move onto stamping the masterboards. Stamps from the "Dandelion Wishes with Butterflies" Set have been used on the pink/purple sheet and the feather stamps from the "Flower and Bird Sketches" Set have been used on the brown/green sheet. Archival inks work well for this process as they won't rub off the paint. You can also stamp with embossing ink and embossing powder for added texture. I used gold embossing powder on the brown/green sheet for some sparkle. You can stamp as much or as little as you like over the masterboards. I wanted to make sure I had stamped images on each of my ATC's, once the boards were cut up for the pocket letters.

6. The next step is to start putting together the ATC to be used in the pockets of the sleeve to make the completed pocket letter. As you know ATC's are 3.5 x 2.5inches so you will need to cut 9 plain colored card ATC's. Then cut your masterboard so that you have 9 "overlays" for your ATC's - so cut slightly smaller so you have a solid border of color once you adhere the patterned card to the plain card.

7. This next step is entirely optional as it is quite time consuming - I love to use my sewing machine so I have attached the 2 layers with a zig zag stitch! Sewing gives a really great effect and adds yet more texture to the card but alternatively you can just adhere the 2 layers together with glue or tape. If you sew,  it's nice to tidy all you threads and secure them at the back so they don't come undone!



8. Time to get your collage sheets, scissors and glasses if you need them for fussy cutting like me!! Lay out your base ATC's as though they were in the pocket letter sleeves and start to arrange your collage cut outs and extra embellishments. Once you are happy with the layout you can start to glue everything down. I made sure I left lots of background showing so the effect of the stamps could be seen on each ATC - we are promoting Sin City Stamps LOL!!!!

9. Last step is to add a bit of colour and interest to the actual pocket letter sleeve. Use some co-coordinating washi tape to "edge" each side of the spine and then use your punch to put the holes back onto the spine. It also looks great when you attach string or fibers to the holes in the spine for added color. You can also add charms, beads and bling for even more interest!!

I really hope you enjoyed this process - I love to make Pocket Letters - they can be very time consuming but well worth the effort and making your own base ATC's is much more rewarding than using purchased patterned paper!!

Have a great week of crafting!

And remember to visit our new Facebook Fans Group - lots of fun and games and sharing of fabulous Sin City Creations!!!

Sharon