How to Use Steel Dies as Stencils for a Spooky Halloween Card

If you’re looking for a unique way to bring your Halloween crafting to life, try using steel dies as stencils! In this tutorial, Cathie Allan shows us how to create a spooky card with Art Impressions products, using steel dies in a whole new way. Follow along with these steps to blend, emboss, and color your way to a ghostly masterpiece.

Materials Needed:

Art Impressions Steel Die – Web Die Set
Art Impressions Ghost Stamp (Fright Night Set)
Black pigment ink (VersaColor)
Gina K Designs Black Embossing Powder
Zebra Mildliner and ClickArt pens
Creative Scrapbooker Super Stock
Vellum paper

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Blend Black Pigment Ink through the Steel Die
Place the Art Impressions web die over a piece of Creative Scrapbooker Super Stock. Blend black pigment ink through the die to create a spooky, web-patterned background.

2. Double Up for Depth
Slightly shift the steel die and apply a second layer of black pigment ink. This adds depth and a layered look to the web background. Set this aside to dry.

3. Stamp and Color Ghosts
Using the Art Impressions ghost stamp, stamp the image onto vellum paper and allow it to dry completely. This may take up to 12 hours. Once dry, color the back side of the vellum with Zebra Mildliner and ClickArt pens to add soft, ghostly hues.

4. Create a Bold Frame
Cut out two frames from white Super Stock. Emboss one frame with black pigment ink and Gina K Designs black embossing powder, repeating twice to build up a thick, glossy frame.

5. Prepare the Spider Webs
Die cut spider webs from the Art Impressions die. Apply black pigment ink, then emboss with black powder for a shiny, dimensional effect.

6. Assemble the Frame
Attach the embossed spider webs to the back of the black frame. Then, adhere the second white frame to the back to add dimension to your card’s focal point.

This technique transforms simple steel dies into versatile stencils, giving you a custom background that’s perfect for Halloween. Add your ghostly vellum cutout and a “Happy Fright Night” tag to complete this eerie, festive card. Here is a look inside the card.

Grab a coffee and watch as Cathie Allan put this stunning card together from start to finish with all the scrappy details!

Happy Spooky Season My Friends

Jackie Ludlage, editor of Creative Scrapbooker Magazine, smiling at her desk with crafting materials, a handmade mug, and project supplies. — Jackie Ludlage

Don’t Miss Out on More Spooky Inspiration!

This fabulous Halloween card was featured in the Fall issue of Creative Scrapbooker Magazine. It’s packed with creative projects, tips, and tricks to inspire your next crafting adventure! Do you have your copy yet? Whatchya waitin’ for? Head over to our website and grab yours today—you won’t want to miss out on all the hauntingly good ideas inside! – CLICK HERE