I love a good background! Oh yes, I do! Especially when there are lots of textures and patterns and layers involved. And, I love experimenting with different background techniques and combining them whenever possible for even more possible effects.
So, the other day, I discovered a unique way to combine Sizzix Impressions Embossing Folders with the Kissing technique to create a Too Cool layered background that I know you're gonna love! I'm calling it Kissed Impressions.
See the subtle Sanded pattern on the background of this Elegant Bouquet embossed piece? The ink—and the pattern—are on the de-bossed part! (click to enlarge the picture for a closer look) See complete details on this technique at the end of this post.
I also used 2-way Glue Pen and Dazzling Diamonds on the flowers, along with some Rhinestone Jewels, for even more texture with sparkle!
Faux Bow: No, I didn't "tie" this bow. It's actually two short pieces of ribbon adhered together in the shape of a bow.
Take a 5" piece, fold in the sides and adhere with SNAIL in the center. Then, take a 1-1/2" piece, wrap around the center and adhere on the back with SNAIL. It's attached with Glue Dots to another piece of ribbon already wrapped around the card. I'm such a phony! Haha!
Complete Supplies List:
- Stamps—Sanded, Happy Greetings
- Ink—Perfect Plum, Concord Crush Classic Ink
- Paper—Whisper White, Perfect Plum, Concord Crush card stock
- Accessories—Rhinestone Jewels, Dazzling Diamonds, White Organza Ribbon
- Tools—Elegant Bouquet Impressions Folder, Big Shot, Decorative Label Punch (card #2), 2-Way Glue Pen, Powder Pals, Dimensionals, Glue Dots, SNAIL
Order the supplies to make this project at my Too Cool Online Store!
Kissed Impressions Technique
The idea for Kissed Impressions came from a technique I saw on Tim Holtz's blog called texture fade. It featured stamping on an bold-image embossing folder before running it through the Big Shot, leaving texture only "behind" the raised image. You can see his project and tutorial on his 12 Days of Christmas—Day 6 post.
I loved this idea! This is a cool effect all by itself! But, why not take it one step further and add ink to the folder first. Here's how…
Step 1: Add ink directly to the embossing folder (I used Perfect Plum here). You'll want to ink up the side that will be the background, not the flowers (you want the embossed flowers to stay white and ink-free).
Side note: Inking the flowers side is another cool effect to try sometime!
Step 2: Ink a pattern stamp with a darker color (I used the Sanded stamp with Concord Crush).
Step 3: Carefully lay the inked Impressions Folder on top of the background stamp. Once it's down, hold it in place and press down over the whole folder to "kiss" the inks together and transfer the pattern.
TIP: Hold the folder in place, so it doesn't slip around and smear the ink…or, let it smear the ink for another cool effect!
TIP: You can use regular stamps for patterns, too, but it's easier to stamp on the folder the regular way (not upside-down like I did here).
Here is what mine looked like when I lifted it from the background stamp. You can see how the ink has now transferred onto the folder…cool!
Step 4: Add a piece of Whisper White card stock to the folder, taking care to not smear the ink, and run the entire thing through the Big Shot.
Here is the finished, embossed piece! Awesome!
I can't wait to try some other color and stamp and folder combinations!
Thanks so much for stopping by my blog! Have a great day! Oh, and don't forget to submit your list of stamps you think will be retiring for my Hard To Say Goodbye Contest.
Until next time…
Angie
Very cool – I like the cheat on the bow 🙂
I am lovin’ this texture! You are the texture queen!