CHRISTMAS STAG CARDS

These 3D designs have been decorated using an oil pastel resist to create original patterns.

YOU WILL NEED

Tracing paper 4B pencil Pack of 15cm x 15cm plain brown cards with envelopes Newspaper Oil pastels or wax crayons in yellow or white Watercolour tubes set (I used red, green, blue and brown) Old plate (for mixing paint) Jam jar (for water) Wide-bristle brush Spoon Craft knife or small sharp scissors Cutting mat

1 Draw an outline of a stag on tracing paper using a pencil, making sure it will fit the size of the closed brown cards.

2 Open out a card, front facing, and lay it on top of newspaper.

3 Draw shapes, including stars, circles, spirals and dots, all over the card (both front sides) using the pastels or wax crayons. Repeat for each card, trying out different combinations of patterns to give them an individual look.

4 When you’re happy with the designs, squeeze a blob of watercolour onto the plate. Add a little water so it is of a fluid consistency and drag the paint over the surface of the card using a brush so it makes a streaky pattern.

5 Let the paint dry and paint over with another colour if you wish.

6 Once the paint is dry, fold the cards inside out.

7 Turn over the tracing paper and place it onto the card, so the nose of the stag touches the centre fold. Transfer the image to each card by rubbing over the back of the tracing paper with the handle of a spoon, or the end of a pen/pencil. This way, you’re not covering up the pencil lines and can see where they are every time.

8 Holding the card tightly, carefully cut out each stag with a craft knife (on a cutting mat) or with small sharp scissors, remembering not to cut the crease where the stag’s nose connects.

9 Once cut, place the folded cards under a heavy book to flatten out.

10 Write inside and send.