You already know how much I adore the Lovely As A Tree set from my Iridescent Wintery Scene blog post the other day, but I thought I would show you another way to use this set in the winter. I saw a very pretty card created by Kathy Baffone (thumbnail shown above), and she demonstrated how perfect the pine tree stamp is for dressing up with snow!
Snowy Pine
I inked the stamp with Always Artichoke and Early Espresso markers, then stamped on Crumb Cake card stock. I used the brush tip of the VersaMark Marker to paint on sticky spots where I wanted the snow to be, then sprinkled on White Embossing Powder and heat-set it.
Did you know that the VersaMark Marker is great for embossing your written sentiments, signatures, and even line drawings? It's also great for filling in the embossing on solid stamp images, when you have some missing spots in your first attempt. It's a very handy, inexpensive tool to have in your stamping studio!
Back to the card…I accidently stumbled upon a couple of unexpected effects that I liked. First, I didn't wait for the stamped image to dry before using the powder, so I have lots of tiny flecks of white over the whole tree image. (click photo to enlarge it). It's like a light dusting of new snow!
Second, I started with only a little snow on the ground, but kept adding a little more, and a little more, until my ground looked very layered, and kind of like snow drifts. Cool!
Recessed Deckled Rectangle
Did you notice the recessed area on the Crumb Cake card stock that I created to highlight the pine tree? It's really easy to do if you have the Big Shot, and you can make it any shape you want!
I cut a rectangular shape out of chipboard (use the backing to your Designer Series Paper Packs), then hand-cut a deckle edge. Line up the chipboard over your card stock where you want the recessed areaa or embossed area, depending on which side you use) to be.
Note: You'll eventually flip these pieces over so the card stock is laying on top of the chipboard when you run it through the Big Shot.
Recessed Areas "Sandwich" Recipe: I used the following "stack" to create the recessed effect (layered from bottom to top).
- Multipurpose Platform with both tabs/shims open (we aren't using those).
- Cutting Pad
- Chipboard
- Card Stock (placed on top of the chipboard in the correct position)
- Silicone Rubber (carefully placed on top without moving your card stock!)
- Impressions Pad (the hard black pad, also gently placed)
VERY IMPORTANT TIP: When using the Silicone and Impressions Pads, I find that my Silicone tends to slide as it rolls through the Big Shot. If it slides, the embossed area will not be in the correct position, and crying or cussing may ensue (I have personal experience with this!). So, I highly recommend holding the sandwich together as tightly as you can as you feed it into the machine, and pressing the plates down as firmly as you can while you're cranking the sandwich through.
When you hold it in place, it works like a charm! I love this technique for a subtle way to highlight areas! Think about it—you can use custom-cut chipboard of any shape, or even try fun, die-cut shapes!
Other Card Details: I added a strip of Deck The Halls Designer Fabric by scrunching it on a line of Sticky Strip. For the bow, I took another strip of fabric, folded in both ends to make the loops, then wrapped the prongs of an Antique Brad around it. The sentiment comes from Bright Christmas and is hand-cut to look like a waving banner. Colors used: Bravo Burgundy, Always Artichoke, Crumb Cake, and Very Vanilla.
Last Few Days For Holiday Bundles
There are only a few days left to purchase the special Handmade Holiday Bundles, which saves you 20% off the retail prices on participating items. Good now through December only. See complete details on the Holiday Bundle Promotion.
Even Fewer Days For Too Cool Holiday Bonuses!
Don't miss your chance to earn Bonus Items for your holiday stamping order, and be entered to win a Peaceful Wishes Hostess-only stamp set. See complete details on my exclusive Too Cool Holiday Bonuses promotion for details! It all ends on December 13th!
Stamp with you later!
Angie