Mixed Media Cards with a Gelatos Collage Tutorial

I have a new favorite love and her name is Gelatos. Today, I'm going to show you a collage technique tutorial using Faber Castell's Gelatos. I will say up front that my card is heavily inspired by a video I watched from Nadia Cannizzo. 

I've seen amazing cards done with Gelatos but I have never used them before. A couple of weeks ago, I picked up four sticks to try them out and the verdict is: 

I am going to go broke. Sigh*

I made this card for the crafty Christi Conley because she was my

March Card Chain Challenge recipient. If you want to sign up to receive a card from another crafter in the blogosphere, check out the Society of Stampaholic's Card Chain Challenge!

Step One:

Prep you paper by applying a thin layer of Gesso

Why? Because if you don't, it will make it harder to blend. You technically don't have to use the gesso, but if you don't, you'll have to apply a lot more of the Gelatos.

Step Two: 

Scribble on a small amount of the Gelatos. 

I am using pink and purple shades.

Blend with your fingertips. Dip them in a little bit of water as you go along to make blending easier. 

Just so you all can see the difference, the sheet on the left was when I tried to blend an un-gessoed piece of paper. The right is with the gesso. 

After I had a good blend, I used a baby wipe to remove some of the Gelatos in areas for more visual interest. 

Step Three:

Stamp some images on the piece of the paper and

 then cut into small pieces. 

I am using STAMPlorations Trendy Butterflies set. 

Step Four: 

Create a base for your card. I gessoed a piece of card stock and then scraped a Distress Ink Pad (Scattered Straw) directly over the top. 

I like the look of this vs. sponging because it creates a distressed, shabby look. 

Step Five:

Use glue to adhere your collage pieces to the base, 

alternating directions and stacking.

Then outline the squares with Gelato and blend with your finger. 

I used a combination of pink and purple and blended some color into the base, too. 

Right is during the process and left is the finished product. 

Step Six: 

Add your other pieces

As you can see - I made two cards! I loved the look of this so much, I had to keep playing. The gorgeous sentiments are both from STAMPlorations Blossom Overture set.

I am going to send my cards over to the following challenges: 

Mixed Media World - Anything Goes

Simon Says Wednesday - Anything Goes

Hiding in my Craft Room - Anything Goes

Through the Craft Room Door - Anything Goes

Crafting for All Seasons - Pastel Hues

Thank you for stopping by! Leave me a comment or follow my blog and I will try to return the favor!