Gosh, is it sure feeling like Fall in Indiana today! Just a few days ago, we were melting in the sweltering 98° sun. Today, it's barely going to reach 67° for the high. I woke up this morning with a chilly breeze coming through my open window, and it was very refreshing. It feels like autumn!
The change in weather makes today's cards all the more appropriate. They feature the gorgeous, Gently Falling two-step stamp set from the Holiday Mini Catalog.
I'm only using one of the 12 beautiful autumn images today, but with the fantastic variety of leaves, acorns and seedlings, not to mention the dual bold and lined images, I can already tell that this stamp set is packed with versatility!
Today's Two Cool Cards feature Two Cool techniques: Marker Spritz and Emboss Resist.
Maple Leaf Marker Spritz
The bold images in this set are perfect for this technique! Simply color directly on the rubber with the brush-tip end of the markers, then mist it very lightly with water before stamping. I colored most of the leaf with Pumpkin Pie or More Mustard, then added some random spots of Garden Green and Rich Razzleberry.
TIP: When using multiple marker colors on a stamp, start with the lighter colors first, then add darker colors last to keep the darker ink from transferring onto your lighter colored brush tips.
TIP: Mist lightly! You want a light "dusting" of small water droplets over the rubber, not completely saturated with pooling water. The water gently blends the ink colors and gives a subtle "watercolor" effect. Too much water makes the colors muddy and the image will "run." I was using an old pump-style hairspray bottle, and held it about 15 inches away from the stamp, misting twice.
Emboss Resist Backgound
After I stamped once for my focal point, I immediately random-stamped the same image (without re-inking) over my background Whisper White piece until I ran out of color. You can just barely see remnants of colors fading into the background.
Next, I stamped the piece with the French Filigree background stamp in clear VersaMark ink and Clear Embossed it with the Heat Tool.
Finally, I sponged on a combination of Sahara Sand and More Mustard inks to bring out the embossed pattern, wiping off excess ink with a tissue.
Card Base & Accents
The base of the card is also stamped with the French Filigree stamp in VersaMark.
I tried something a little different with the Victoria Crochet Trim…simple draping it over the emboss resisted piece and tacking it down with a couple of Circle Fire Rhinestone Brads.
The sentiments are from Fabulous Phrases. Ooops! I wanted both greetings to be on the same layer as the leaf, but when your first attempt is crooked (I hate it when that happens!), then you have to add a second, popped up layer! (There is always some way to salvage nearly any mistake you make!)
Complete Supplies List:
- Stamps—Gently Falling, French Filigree, Fabulous Phrases
- Ink—VersaMark Ink, Always Artichoke, Sahara Sand, More Mustard Classic Ink Pumpkin Pie (card#1), More Mustard (card #2), Garden Green, Rich Razzleberry Markers
- Paper—Always Artichoke, Sahara Sand, Rich Razzleberry and Whisper White card stock,
- Accessories—Victoria Crochet Trim, Circle Fire Rhinestone Brads, Clear Embossing Powder
- Tools—Water mister bottle, Sponges, Heat Tool, 1/8" Hole Punch (retired) or Crop-A-Dile, Dimensionals, SNAIL
Purchase supplies for this card right now at my Online Store!
Enjoy the rest of your holiday weekend!
Angie
Check out the 2011 Holiday Mini Catalog—Now Available! Order Holiday Items Online today!
Such a pretty card! I’ve never done this technique and I love the effect it still gives after stamping it a few more times as a background.