Handmade thank you card featuring a Copic-colored Highland cow over a soft purple deckle circle background with gold shimmer splatter and a speech bubble sentiment. Card designed by Lisa Arana dahlhouse-designs.com
JAM Sesh - Just a Minute - Unity Stamp Company - video

Quick & Easy Idea: Use A Stenciled Frame to Stand Out

I love a card that comes together quickly but still feels like it has something special going on. A simple stenciled frame ended up being the perfect way to make this Highland Hello cutie from Unity Stamp Company stand out.

Handmade thank you card featuring a Copic-colored Highland cow over a soft purple deckle circle background with gold shimmer splatter and a speech bubble sentiment. Card designed by Lisa Arana dahlhouse-designs.com

Just A Minute {JAM} Session Videos are quick videos with simple ideas or techniques to help spark your creativity. Watch it on YouTube.


Featured Unity Supplies

Highland Hello
Highland Hello

USC
Deckle Edge Masking Stencil
Deckle Edge Masking Stencil

USC

Compensated affiliate links may be used at no additional cost to you. I greatly appreciate the support if you are inspired to shop using my links. Unity Stamp Company usually has a new sale almost EVERY week. Check the website for details. Stamp sets go on and off sale all the time. If it is not on sale this week, just add the stamp set to your wishlist and wait for the next sale so you get a great deal.


Deckle Stenciled Frame

Thank you card with a Copic-colored Highland cow framed by a purple ink blended deckle shape with soft edges, shimmer splatter, and a popped-up sentiment. Card designed by Lisa Arana dahlhouse-designs.com

This little cutie had to be the star of the card. I stamped the cow first, colored with Copics, and then fussy cut with scissors. I used the stencil to pencil in the rounded bottom edge before trimming so the cow would follow the shape of the ink-blended frame perfectly.

Copic Colors:

  • Cow: E31, E53, E57, R20, V15
  • Flowers: Y15
  • Grass: YG13, YG17
Thank you card with a Copic-colored Highland cow framed by a purple ink blended deckle shape with soft edges, shimmer splatter, and a popped-up sentiment. Card designed by Lisa Arana dahlhouse-designs.com

For the background, I used the circle from the Deckle Edge Masking Stencil and placed it slightly below the center of the card front. I ink blended with Wild Lilac ink, keeping the edges softer and the center darker. Before I pulled the stencil away, I added white gold watercolor splatter for a soft shimmer. Then I popped up the cow and the cloud bubble sentiment with foam adhesive for a bit of dimension.

Thank you card with a Copic-colored Highland cow framed by a purple ink blended deckle shape with soft edges, shimmer splatter, and a popped-up sentiment. Card designed by Lisa Arana dahlhouse-designs.com

It came together so quickly, and that purple stencil framing really helps the that sweet cow stand out.

Stenciled Framing Tips

  • Control your blend: Start with a light hand and keep your blending brush moving. Build more color in the center, then work outward as the ink starts to run low on the brush. This helps the blend stay smoother and keeps the edges from getting too heavy.
  • Rotate your blending direction: Try blending in small circular motions first, then lightly sweep outward toward the edge. That change in motion helps soften the stencil edge so it doesn’t feel harsh.
  • Anchor your focal point with placement: Dropping the stencil slightly lower on the panel gives your image a natural place to sit. Centering can feel flat, but a small shift adds balance right away.
  • Echo the shape for a cleaner finish: Trimming or rounding your fussy cut image to match the stencil curve makes everything feel intentional. It’s a small detail, but it pulls the whole design together.
  • Splatter before removing the stencil: Add your splatter while the stencil is still in place. It keeps the shimmer contained inside the shape and reinforces that soft framed look.

I really loved how this one came together. The stencil shape does so much to frame the cow and it’s such an easy way to help your image stand out. It also feels like one of those card ideas you can keep coming back to and switch up with whatever color or stamp you’re in the mood to use.

Crafty Deals This Week

Thank you for joining me today. I sincerely hope that today’s project inspires you. If you create something, feel free to tag me, @dahlhousedesigns, on social media as I would be thrilled to see it! Plus, join us in the Unity Show & Tell Facebook group to share your Unity creations. It is such a fun and loving group of creators.

Supplies

Some links include affiliate links. I may receive a small commission for the referral but at no cost to you. I greatly appreciate the support should you choose to shop via my links.
Please Note: Product names with ** are suggested supply substitutions if I use something discontinued or hard to find.

Highland Hello
Highland Hello

USC
Deckle Edge Masking Stencil
Deckle Edge Masking Stencil

USC
Speech Bubble Frame Dies
Speech Bubble Frame Dies

SBC
Hammermill Cardstock
Hammermill Cardstock

AMZ
Tuxedo Black
Tuxedo Black

AMZ
Wild Lilac
Wild Lilac

SBC | OTH
Gansai Tambi Starry Set
Gansai Tambi Starry Set

AMZ

Most Used Tools

1.5
1.5″ block

SB | OTH
Big Shot
Big Shot

SB
Black Stamping Tool
Black Stamping Tool

SB
Blending Brushes
Blending Brushes

AMZ
Blending Brushes Large
Blending Brushes Large

AMZ
Blending Brushes Medium
Blending Brushes Medium

AMZ
Blending Brushes Mini
Blending Brushes Mini

AMZ
Blending Brushes Small
Blending Brushes Small

AMZ
Connect Glue
Connect Glue

SB
Cutter Bee Scissors
Cutter Bee Scissors

SB | SSS
Die Cut Envelope
Die Cut Envelope

AMZ
Foam Roll - 2 Inch
Foam Roll – 2 Inch

SB
Foam Roll Combo Pack
Foam Roll Combo Pack

SB
Grip Mat 4.75x6
Grip Mat 4.75×6

AMZ
Grip Mat 6.5x8.5
Grip Mat 6.5×8.5

AMZ
Grip Mat 6x6
Grip Mat 6×6

AMZ
Media Mat Mini
Media Mat Mini

SB | SSS
Mini Blending Brushes
Mini Blending Brushes

AMZ
Mini Stencil Mat**
Mini Stencil Mat**

SB
Mini Trimmer
Mini Trimmer

SB
MISTI - Mini
MISTI – Mini

SB | SSS
MISTI - Original
MISTI – Original

SB | SSS
MISTI - Original - Black
MISTI – Original – Black

SB
MISTI Corners
MISTI Corners

SB | AMZ
Nuvo Deluxe Adhesive
Nuvo Deluxe Adhesive

SB
Post It Note Tape
Post It Note Tape

AMZ
Reverse Tweezers
Reverse Tweezers

SB
Sticky Mat
Sticky Mat

SB
Triangle Trays
Triangle Trays

AMZ
White Gel Pens
White Gel Pens

SB | AMZ
White Glass Mat
White Glass Mat

SB | OTH | AMZ
Adhesive Roll
Adhesive Roll

SBC
Handmade thank you card featuring a Copic-colored Highland cow over a soft purple deckle circle background with gold shimmer splatter and a speech bubble sentiment. Card designed by Lisa Arana dahlhouse-designs.com

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