Are you ready for something a little different? I was! So, I challenged myself to "branch" out of my comfort zone. I pulled out my never-before-used Wood Sheets, my Log Cabin Smooch Spritz, some ribbon..and I got creative!
Ta-Da! I think I succeeded in breaking out of my proverbial box on this one! I even got to use my very most favoritest stamping technique—emboss resist—in a whole new way!
OK—I admit, I did get some helpful guidance from Pat Bombyk at PaperPatty. She created a very pretty Shimmering Wood card using the same Trés Chic background stamp. It's true…I may not be very original, but I can take an idea and use it as a springboard for my own Too Cool card.
We interrupt this post for a shameless recruiting message:
See, all you would-be demonstrators, with your "I'm not creative" and "I can't come up with any ideas" hesitations…and you know who you are! You too can do this, even if you can't come up with ideas on your own! Just CASE it—Copy And Share Everything! The $99 Starter Kit is available for only 2 more weeks. Don't doubt yourself! You can do this!
Now back to your regularly scheduled blog, already in progress…
Texture Cuts Wood Sheets
These were new to the catalog last year, but they've been in my drawer for nearly a year. Sad really, but true. Texture Cuts are ultra-thin sheets of real wood on a white card stock backing. You can stain them, die-cut them, paint them, emboss on them, or use them with their natural finish. They measure 5-3/4 x 13-3/4" and come in a package of four sheets. Their unique size, sturdiness, and flexibility work well for creating boxes and other 3D creations.
Shimmering Wood Emboss Resist
I stamped my wood piece with the retiring Trés Chic stamp that was inked with Brocade Blue Craft Ink. The sticky formula of the Craft Ink is perfect for "color" heat embossing! I used Clear Embossing Powder, so the color could show through. (Be sure to get your favorite colors of Craft Ink Pads before they are gone June 30. Only white, black and vanilla will be available in the full-size pads; all other colors will be in the Stampin' Spots only.)
Once I had heat set my powder, I sprayed on a few mists of Log Cabin Smooch Spritz, then rubbed it into the wood grain with a paper towel. This also wiped away any excess from the embossed areas.
I wanted the edges to look more like splintered wood, so I bent the edges back, then cut along the ragged edge with scissors. Although you can tear the wood, when you do, you can see the paper backing. Using scissors allowed me to keep the jagged edge, yet trim the paper backing away so it wouldn't show.
Rolled Ribbon Flowers
I've seen these pretty ribbon flowers everywhere, but had never tried making them myself. They are really very easy to do. The basic steps:
- Punch out a circle of card stock to use as a base.
- Cover the punched circle with Sticky Strip Tape.
- Cut your ribbon. The length needed depends on the width of the ribbon, how tight you twist it, and how close each layer is as you go around. You'll need more than you think…I used about 18" on my 1-1/4" flower and 12" for my 1" flower.
- Tie a knot in the end of the ribbon and attach it to the center of your card stock base.
- Twist the ribbon as your wrap it around the center, making sure that it adheres to the base. Always twist in the same direction.
- Trim any card stock edges that are showing, and adhere the end of the ribbon on the back of the flower.
I used retiring Sage Shadow 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon and some old Blue Bayou stitched ribbon. Flowers are layered over retired Sweet Pea Stitched Felt leaves.
Other Card Details: Not Quite Navy card base, with retiring Sage Shadow accent. Old Olive Satin RibbonEmbrace Life sentiment is from the retiring set of the same name; punched with Modern Label punch.
Angie
is used under the flowers.