Faux Patina Week: Silver Splatter Pretty Prints

Hi Stamping Friends!

It's Day 5 of my Fabulous Faux Patina Week!  I've gotten several email questions about this technique that I thought I'd answer today in a quick Q&A format. 

All of my Faux Patina projects use the same basic technique that you can learn on my Faux Patina Video Tutorial.  You can find more info on the technique, including a full list of basic supplies you need, at my Faux Patina Resource Page.

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Faux Patina Technique Q&A

Do you have to do the inking on the embossing folder?  No, but I like it better.  It gets some extra color down into the crevices of the textured embossing that you can't get with sponging.  I think it really adds to the contrast.

Does it matter what color of card stock I start with?  You'll get the best results when you start with Whisper White or Very Vanilla. It doesn't matter which of those you use because you'll never be able to tell once you get the inks on it. However, the inks won't appear as brilliant on a colored card stock, so I don't recommend them for this look. 

My color blends seem dull compared to yours.  What am I doing wrong?  Most likely you are not adding enough ink to your card stock, especially in the darkest shades.  Keep adding color until you get the look you want.  It's the saturation of color that really makes this technique awesome.  TIP #1: If you don't like the color, add another to change the look!  TIP #2: Don't be afraid of sponging on those really dark shades like Early Espresso, Elegant Eggplant or even Basic Grey.  It's that last step that brings out the richness and detail of the texture.  When my pieces are "done" to my taste, they often appear to have a sheen because they are so burnished with color. 

How do you know which colors to use?  I try to select colors that I know will blend well together (blue + green = turquoise, red + yellow = orange, etc.).  There are certain color blends that will look muddy right from the start like mixing reds & greens.  TIP #1: If you see a color blend you like on my projects, I always include a color recipe to get you started.  TIP #2: Experiment!  All of the projects I'm sharing this week were created by playing with color combinations. 

Why am I getting so much embossing powder on my background?  It's probably because your card stock is too damp. When you apply so many layers of ink, especially when you're using the new, juicier Firm Foam Ink Pads, the card stock becomes saturated.  Even when it feels dry to the touch, it can be damp enough to hold onto powders.  TIP #1: Use a Heat Tool on a low setting to dry the paper before you apply VersaMark, or simply wait for it to dry.  TIP #2: Pat your Embossing Buddy over the sheet to help soak up the moisture.  TIP #3: Use a brush or your fingertip to remove excess powder before heat setting.

Do You Have Questions About Faux Patina?  Just Ask Me!

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Faux Patina Week Fun!

I've got lots of exciting things going on this week.  See my Faux Patina Fun Page for complete details:

• Daily Prizes—Leave a comment for a chance to win a Monogrammed Post-It Notes Holder!
• Mystery Hostess Contest—Enter to win by placing a $50 order at my Online Store!
• FREE Embossing Folder—When you order $75 at my Online Store!

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Thank
you to everyone who left comments on my blog post yesterday!  I used
Random.org to select a winner of a monogrammed Post-It Note Holder! 

Congratulations to… JULZ who wrote:

"This is gorgeous! I love the blending of the Faux Patina & the embossed background! I need to get this folder!!!"

I'm giving away another Post-It Note Holder tomorrow, so be sure to leave a comment today on my blog post (<<<click here if you're reading this in an email to get to my post).
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I was enjoying the look of the Pretty Prints Embossing Folder from yesterday's projects, so I tried a different color combination today.  I ended up with a muted, much more neutral and elegant look.

Step-by-Step Faux Patina Recipe:

• Ink Pretty Prints Impressions Folder with Crumb Cake ink, and emboss Very Vanilla card stock.
• Sponge on Marina Mist Ink
• Sponge on Basic Gray Ink
• Sponge on Midnight Muse Ink
• Stamp the splatter and splotchy images from Gorgeous Grunge (wood) stamp set with VersaMark Ink over entire piece.
• Sprinkle on Silver Embossing Powder and heat with a Heat Tool until glossy and smooth

Learn how to Faux Patina on my Faux Patina Video Tutorial!

I layered this 1-1/4" x 3-3/4" piece of my Faux Patina paper on a Crumb Cake Finishing Touches Edgelit border, then added it to my 5" x 3-3/4" piece of Very Vanilla card stock.  The card base is Basic Gray.

I love how this Beautifully Baraque single stamp image turned out.  I inked it first in Crumb Cake, then sponged on some Basic Gray and Midnight Muse directly on the rubber before stamping.  It made a fantastic blend of colors!  Too Cool! 

I added a Sweet Essentials (wood) sentiment, embossed in Silver Embossing Powder, and popped up with Dimensionals.  A Crumb Cake 3/8" Taffeta Bow is added with a Glue Dot.

I thought this paper would like nice for a winter holiday card, too.  The Faux Patina piece is 2" x 4" layered on a 5-1/4" x 4" piece of Midnight Muse.

It almost looks like I started with Crumb Cake card stock it matches the card base so well, but it really was Very Vanilla! 

I used the Festive Flurry Bundle (wood) stamps and framelits for my Midnight Muse snowflake, topped with a pretty Silver Ribbon.  The sentiment is from the Snow Day (wood) stamp set, and it was carefully inked to omit some of the words.  I embossed that with Silver (guess who didn't use their Embossing Buddy…again!) 

Order all your Faux Patina Supplies at my Online Store!

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Tomorrow is the last "two cool" day of Fabulous Faux Patina Week, then we'll finish off with a bang on the Sunday Showcase!  Be sure to leave a comment below for your chance to win a Monogram Post-It Holder and place your order for your chance to win Mystery Hostess Benefits!

Angie