Have you ever tried a technique and instantly felt hooked? That’s exactly how I feel about the Black Ice technique! I recently created a series of window cards using this method, and I’m officially obsessed. The versatility and beautiful effect this technique offers are absolutely captivating.
I started by experimenting with Brushed Silver and Gold Foil, both of which bring out such rich metallic textures. After choosing my die or punch, I used my trusty Cut & Emboss Machine to cut out the shape (I used Stylish Shapes dies) or punch it from the foil. Here’s where the magic begins: StazOn ink is gently swiped down the foil using the entire ink pad. Hot tip—be sure to swipe in the same direction as the brushed element on the foil for a cleaner finish. The ink needs a little time to dry, but if you’re impatient like me, a heat tool speeds things up.
For the base, I used Basic Black cardstock, which creates a sleek contrast with the foil. After stamping my art piece (I went with the Spotlight on Nature stamp set), I placed it under the foil “window” and carefully adhered it to the card front. I love how adding Dimensionals to the foil piece makes the window effect pop even more! Finishing up with a stamped sentiment on the front ties it all together. The inside of the card didn’t go unnoticed either—I stamped coordinating elements from the set on Basic White and adhered it inside for a polished look.
As I got more into this technique, I decided to try it with different color combinations. I made another card using the Essential Nested Dies and paired Highland Heather cardstock with silver foil. This soft, soothing combination really shines when you add a sentiment in Gorgeous Grape (mine is from the Hope You Know stamp set). Inside, I added a bit of Soft Sea Foam for a fresh pop of color.
Then, I switched gears and tried something warmer. Cajun Craze turned out to be a perfect base for an autumn card, especially when paired with the gold foil. I used the large leaf die from the Autumn Leaves Dies and added “Hello Friend” from Hope You Know stamp set in Cajun Craze. To liven things up inside, I used Calypso Coral for a fun contrast that complements the Cajun Craze and gold’s warmth so well.
Finally, I created a subtle, earthy card using Basic Beige with a mix of Old Olive cardstocks. The neutral tones combined with the gold bring a sophisticated feel, while the Old Olive ink for the sentiment, “Thinking of You Today,” also from the Hope You Know stamp set offers just the right amount of color. Once again, I used the Autumn Leaves large leaf die for the window element, which completes the look.
Each of these cards turned out so different, yet all were created with the same technique. I’m loving the endless possibilities, and honestly, I can’t wait to try out even more ideas.
Measurements (all in inches):
- Base of card – 5-1/2 x 8-1/2
- cardstock for art piece – 3-1/2 x 3-1/2
- foil piece – 5-1/4 x 4
- Sentiment for portrait cards – (Basic White) 1 x 2-3/4; Coordinating cardstock 1-1/4 x 3
- Sentiment for landscape cards – (Basic White 1 x 2; Coordinating cardstock 1-1/8 x 2-1/8
- Inside – Basic White 4 x 5-1/4 for black bases; Highland Heather, Basic Beige, and Cajun Craze cards have Coordinating cardstock 5-1/8 x 3-7/8 and Basic White 5 x 3-3/4
Here is the video with a step-by-step for you from my YouTube channel
Have you given the Black Ice technique a go? If not, I highly recommend it—you might just find yourself as hooked as I am!
Supplies Used to create the cards – Brushed Silver and Gold Foil 12 x 12 Specialty Paper (164861)