TECHNIQUE THURSDAY, Faux Silk Technique...

For today's technique, I am featuring Faux Silk and using the Dream Gardens stamp set in honor of the Japanese people who are dealing the terrible aftermath of the earthquake in Japan and the Pacific tsunami.  My heart goes out to all those who were affected and my prayers are with them.

The Faux Silk technique is such a fun one to do!  For this card I choose to emboss the Faux Silk pieces.  This is a little more tricky.  Stick to clear embossing powder to avoid stray specks of colored embossing powder which will be emphasized when you mount the tissue on your card stock.  I tend to like more wrinkles in mine especially for Asian style cards, but you can also smooth yours out more if you like.  For the black DSP looking piece, I stamped the background stamp twice with Stazon and trimmed the piece to fit with the Love Letter DSP.  I love that it looks just like a Designer Series Paper. 

I really love how this card turned out!  It's one of my favorites and Jenni is even going to frame hers!

Click this photo to enlarge and view the "silk" detail:

SILK DREAMS FOR JAPAN SUPPLIES:

• Stamp Sets – Dream Gardens (#114395, $18.95)
• Card Stock – Basic Black, Very Vanilla, Riding Hood Red, Love Letter DSP
• Ink – Basic Black Craft, Black Stazon
• Ribbon – Chantilly 1/2" Crochet Trim (#118480, $6.95)
• Punches – 1-1/4" Square (#119865, $15.95), 1-3/8" Square (#119877, $16.95)
• Accessories – Basic Pearl Jewels Accents (#119247, $4.95), Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder (#109130, $4.75), Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430, $3.95),
• Tools – Anywhere Glue Stick (#104045, $3.95), Stamp-a-ma-jig

FAUX SILK TECHNIQUE DIRECTIONS:

1. Stamp images on tissue paper.  Use scrap sheet under tissue as ink may bleed through.
2. Color images lightly and carefully, if necessary. The ink will bleed through the tissue paper.
3. Wad up tissue paper to crinkle. Smooth out and set aside.
4. Apply Anywhere Glue Stick over the entire piece of neutral card stock.
5. Spread tissue paper over adhesive. Smooth out most wrinkles, but leave some.  Be sure to "flatten" all the wrinkles left down into adhesive.
6. Trim excess tissue paper down to 1/4", mitering the corners.  Apply snail on back side edges and bend the excess around the front to the back to adhere.
7. Finish your card.

TECHNIQUE THURSDAY, Neutral Shadows...

This project features a brand new technique called Neutral Shadows.  I saw a card on SUDSOL using the technique and fell in love with it, so I had to use it for this month's technique class.  I chose to keep the card very monochromatic and neutral, although I did add a bit of color on the blossoms. 

I don't know the official technique directions as the technique was from a subscription-based service, but the steps I came up with to achieve the effect follow the card recipe.  I used a mini stencil brush for my card, but you can also use a Q-tip.  This was my first attempt at the technique and you can see that the top half of the image has a little more of a darker shadow than the bottom half as I perfected the technique.  The shadow effect is a little softer with a Q-tip.  Enjoy!

NEUTRAL SHADOWS BLOSSOMS SUPPLIES:

• Stamp Sets – Easter Blossoms (W#121905 $25.95, C#122057 $18.95)
• Card Stock – Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake
• Ink – Whisper White Craft, Crumb Cake, Soft Suede, Regal Rose Classic
• Ribbon – Chantilly 1/2" Crochet Trim (#118480, $6.95)
• Punches – Scallop Oval (#119856, $16.95), 1-3/4" x 7/8" (Large) Oval (#119855, $15.95)
• Accessories – White Stampin' Emboss Powder (#109132, $4.75), Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430, $3.95)
• Tools – Big Shot, Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder (#120175, $7.95), Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder (#117335, $7.95), Oval Scallop Frame Die (#114521, $19.95), Sponge Daubers, miniature stencil brushes or Q-tips

NEUTRAL SHADOWS TECHNIQUE DIRECTIONS:

1. Stamp your image with White Craft Ink onto a white or very light piece of card stock.
2. Heat emboss using White Embossing Powder. Allow to cool.
3. Using a very small stipple brush or a Q-tip, add a light neutral ink to either side of the embossing to highlight. The idea is to keep the color “thin” or as close to the embossing as you can, but you can adjust this to your liking.
4. Buff off any remaining or excess ink from the embossed image with a paper towel or tissue.

TECHNIQUE THURSDAY, Shaving Cream Valentine

Tonight was my Technique Thursday class.  Our first technique was the Shaving Cream technique.  This is an oldie that I learned probably 10+ years ago.  I realized it was one I had not shared with the group before, so I thought my class would enjoy learning it.  They did!  It's a fun technique, but it can be a little messy, so be sure to wear an apron and wear gloves if you don't like to wear reinker on your hands for a day or so!

Jenni came over in the afternoon to help with this card and made a yummy dinner for us before the class - thanks, Jen!  I started out this card with this week's Mojo Monday sketch and altered it a bit.  I had to add some of that yummy Pompom Trim from the Occasions Mini!  I love that stuff.  And, of course, I had to do Valentine cards for this month's class.  If you don't do Valentine's Day, try it as an Anniversary card!

GIVE THOSE FLAMINGOS A SHAVE! SUPPLIES:

• Stamp Sets – Valentine Defined (W#121941 $26.95, C#123057 $18.95), I {Heart} Hearts (W#117010 $26.95, C#118571 $19.95)
• Card Stock – Basic Black, Whisper White, Melon Mambo
• Ink – Basic Black, Melon Mambo Classic, Basic Black Marker, Melon Mambo, Pretty in Pink, Pink Pirouette Classic Ink Refills
• Punches – 1-3/4" x 7/8" (Large) Oval (#119855, $15.95), 1-3/8" x 5/8" (Small) Oval (#119863, $15.95), Full Heart (#119883, $16.95), Heart to Heart (#119881, $16.95),
• Ribbon – Basic Black 1/8" Taffeta (#119261, $5.95), Melon Mambo Pompom Trim (#123322, $6.50)
• Accessories – Mini Glue Dots, Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430, $3.95),
• Tools – Big Shot, Scallop Square Duo Die (#120903, $21.95), Punch Windows Movers & Shapers Die (#115953, $29.95),

SHAVING CREAM TECHNIQUE DIRECTIONS:

1. Fill a Styrofoam plate or container with shaving cream and use a wooden stick to smooth it out somewhat.
2. Add several drops of 2-3 re-inker colors to your shaving cream.
3. Mix the shaving cream and ink in a swirling motion until you like the designs and swirls—not too much or colors will be muddy.
4. Press your cardstock into the shaving cream, making sure the card front is completely coated.
5. Remove cardstock from shaving cream and use a paper towel to wipe away the shaving cream in a swirling motion.
6. Allow to dry and assemble your card. Makes a great background!

TECHINQUE TUESDAY, Tea Bag Fold Tree...

This is the second card from my Technique Tuesday class.  This one features the Teabag Fold Tree technique.   I learned this technique many, many years ago when I was making lots of origami.  It's funny, but you forget about those "oldies, but goodies" techniques until someone newer to papercrafting reminds you that there are lots of people who don't know these techniques!  One of my downline wanted to learn this technique, so we tackled it this week. 

I made the card very simple so that all the focus could be on the Tea Bag Tree technique.  After completing the tree, you can use the 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon as garland and brads or circle punches for ornaments, if desired.  I also made a another card with this technique using the Scallop Squares Duo die and the Scallop Square Punch that I will share tomorrow.  Enjoy!

TRIM THE TREE SUPPLIES:

• Stamp Sets – Contempo Christmas (W#118734 $15.95, C#120594 $11.95)
• Card Stock – Real Red, Old Olive, Jolly Holiday DSP
• Ink – Real Red, Old Olive Classic
• Punches – Modern Label (#119849, $16.95)
• Accessories – Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430, $3.95)
• Tools – Big Shot, Stars #2 Die (113461, $15.95), Punch Windows Movers & Shapers Die (#115953, $29.95), Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder (#117335, $7.95)

TEA BAG FOLD DIRECTIONS:

1. Cut four squares measuring 3", 2 1/2", 2" and 1 1/2" from DSP.
2. With right side down, fold paper diagonally corner to corner (forming triangle) both ways unfolding after each fold. Then, fold in half (forming rectangle) both ways. Use a bone folder when folding to get good creases. Unfold.
3. Fold paper in half by creasing on the diagonal folds and pushing the half fold towards center as shown in sample above. 
4. Then fold the two front flaps forward towards the center making sure they meet in the middle directly under the peak.
5. Repeat for all 4 squares. Adhere to your card beginning with the smallest one. Place the next tip inside the pocket of the previous one until all are done.  Add a stem to your tree, if desired.

TECHNIQUE TUESDAY, Dryer Sheet Technique...

Last night was my Technique Tuesday class. Since it is holiday time, we made Christmas cards to accompany our new techniques.  First up is the Dryer Sheet technique.  This technique has a similar effect to Dazzling Diamond Dust, but is much more diffuse giving you a very soft almost out-of-focus look.

I'm not sure how I liked it for this particular card (see an alternate version below).  I've done some I really liked before, but the stamp sets I used have since retired.  The stamps used can make or break this technique style.  Bold stamps and stronger colors work best.  Enjoy!

SOFT WINTER SCENE SUPPLIES:

• Stamp Sets – A Wish for Peace (#111614, $16.95), Serene Snowflakes (#115438, $20.95)
• Card Stock – Whisper White, Bashful Blue, Night of Navy, Brushed Silver
• Ink – Bashful Blue, Night of Navy Classic, Encore Silver Metallic (retired), Daffodil Delight Stampin' Write Marker
• Ribbon –Night of Navy 1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain (#119773, $9.95)
• Accessories – Dazzling Diamonds (#102023, $4.50), Anywhere Glue Stick (#104045, $3.95), Used Dryer Sheet
• Tools – Sponge Daubers

DRYER SHEET DIRECTIONS:

1. Using a neutral piece of cardstock, stamp and color your image.
2. Cover the entire surface of cardstock with Anywhere Glue Stick
3. Press a used dryer sheet onto the adhesive, beginning in the center and smoothing out all the wrinkles.
4. Trim dryer sheet or wrap around and secure on the back of CS.
5. Pour Dazzling Diamonds all over it. Rub or press the glitter in, then tap off the excess.

After the class, I made this card using the Dazzling Diamond Dust technique (although I didn't use the Glossy card stock for this one) which I felt better suited this design. 

DAZZLING WINTER SCENE SUPPLIES:

• Stamp Sets – A Wish for Peace (#111614, $16.95), Serene Snowflakes (#115438, $20.95)
• Card Stock – Whisper White, Bashful Blue, Night of Navy, Brushed Silver
• Ink – Bashful Blue, Night of Navy Classic, Encore Silver Metallic (retired), VersaMark, Daffodil Delight Stampin' Write Marker
• Ribbon –Night of Navy 1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain (#119773, $9.95)
• Accessories – Iridescent Ice Stampin' Emboss Powder (#101930, $4.75)
• Tools – Sponge Daubers

DAZZLING DIAMOND DUST TECHNIQUE DIRECTIONS:

1. Stamp your images on glossy cardstock and color as desired.  Allow to dry completely.
2. Press the Versamark pad on your stamped piece using the “direct-to-paper” method covering the entire piece of cardstock.
3. Cover with Iridescent Ice Embossing Power. Tap off the excess and heat emboss until it appears shiny and brighter.
4. Variations:

• Use a brayer and cover your cardstock with one color. Add powder and emboss. Use that for a great sparkling background.
• Using a Stipple brush, stipple ink on for a different look.

TECHNIQUE TUESDAY, Joseph's Coat Inside Out...

Next up from my Technique Tuesday class is the Joseph's Coat Inside Out technique (created by JanTink).  This differs from Joseph's Coat in a few ways:  it uses regular Whisper White card stock vs. Glossy White card stock, a large pattern stamp is used first and a patchwork of multi-covered braying is used instead of full coverage of a dark color.  Technique directions follow the recipe.  Again I went for an Autumn feel with our project with a little more color this time.  Enjoy!

This is a slightly different version with a softer application of the base colors and a different sentiment:

JOSEPH'S COAT INSIDE OUT MEDALLION SUPPLIES:

• Stamp Sets – Medallion (#115223, $17.95), French Filigree (#113742, $17.95), Because I Care (Hostess Level I)
• Card Stock – Rich Razzleberry, More Mustard, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White,
• Ink – Pumpkin Pie, Cajun Craze, More Mustard, Old Olive, Rich Razzleberry Classic & Markers
• Ribbon – Old Olive 5/8" Grosgrain (#109054, $6.95)
• Punches – Scallop Oval (#119856, $16.95, 1-3/4" x 7/8" (Large) Oval (#119855, $16.95)
• Accessories – Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430, $3.95)
• Tools – Brayer, Sponge Daubers

JOSEPH'S COAT INSIDE OUT DIRECTIONS:

1. Stamp CS with a large pattern background stamp.
2. Using sponge daubers (or Stampin’ Sponges), sponge at least 3 colors of ink covering the entire piece of CS.
3. Allow to dry. Rub embossing buddy all over the surface of your CS. 
4. Stamp images (bold stamps are more striking) on CS with VersaMark being careful not to overlap.  Sprinkle on clear embossing powder and heat emboss.
5. Brayer 2-3 darker colors over the entire surface in patchwork squares & rectangles that overlap.
6. Buff off excess ink from embossed images with a damp paper towel.
7. Sponge a little more of the darkest color behind the images to make the details pop out. Buff excess ink off embossed areas again.

TECHNIQUE TUESDAY, Joseph's Coat...

Tonight was my Technique Tuesday class.  Our first technique was the Joseph's Coat technique.  Traditionally, this technique is done with a Spectrum pad and Basic Black Classic Ink.  Since we no longer have the Spectrum pads, I sponged colors randomly instead.  I actually like it better this way and you can still sponge stripes if you like the stripes of color better.  Also, since it's the Autumn/Thanksgiving season, I chose to use Early Espresso instead of Black for more of a fall feel.  Technique directions follow the recipe.  Enjoy!

This is an alternate standard size version:

JOSEPH'S COAT FALLING LEAVES SUPPLIES:

• Stamp Sets – French Foliage (W #120845 $19.95, C #121166 $14.95), Day of Gratitude (W#120835 $26.95, C#121148 $18.95)
• Card Stock – Glossy White, Early Espresso, Cajun Craze, More Mustard
• Ink – Cajun Craze, More Mustard, Old Olive, Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso Classic & Markers, VersaMark
• Ribbon – Early Espresso 5/8" Grosgrain (#119955, $6.95)
• Punches – 2" x 1-3/8" (Wide) Oval Punch (#119859, $16.95, Decorative Label (#120907, $16.95)
• Accessories – Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430, $3.95)
• Tools – Sponge Daubers, Brayer, Big Shot, Square Lattice Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (#119976, $7.95)

JOSEPH'S COAT TECHNIQUE:

1. Using a sponge dauber, sponge at least 3 colors of ink onto glossy card stock covering the entire piece.  You can also use spots to wiggle some ink on top.
2. Allow to dry. Rub embossing buddy all over the surface of your CS. 
3. Stamp images (bold stamps are more striking) on CS with VersaMark being careful not to overlap.  Sprinkle on clear embossing powder then heat emboss.
4. Ink up your brayer in dark ink and brayer over the entire piece of CS.
5. Buff off the excess ink with a paper towel.

TECHNIQUE THURSDAY, Faux Letterpress...

This is another technique from my Technique Thursday class. This one is the Faux Letterpress technique.  By inking up your embossing folder, you can easily add color to the just the flat portion or background of the embossed piece or to just the raised portion of the embossed piece.  This gives you an instant two color effect.  In my two examples there is a stark contrast between the two colors used.  However, one of my favorite uses is to use colors much closer in color for a more subtle effect.  Whisper White and Crumb Cake or Bashful Blue is gorgeous!

For this Halloween card, I went very dreary and monocromatic with just a pop of color in the sentiment to really showcase the contrast you can achieve with Faux Letterpress.  Technique directions follow the recipe.  The legs of the spider are achieved by using the top of the Bitty Bat punch on the edge of cardstock and then punching "over and around" just above the first punch.  You can also do this with the long side of the Round Tab punch.  Do this four times for your legs.  Enjoy!

FANG-TASTIC FAUX LETTERPRESS WEB SUPPLIES:

• Stamp Sets – Fang-tastic (W#120853 $24.95, C#121178 $17.95)
• Card Stock – Basic Black, Whisper White, Wicked Fun Specialty DSP (#117400, $11.95)
• Ink – Basic Gray, Basic Black Classic, Old Olive, Rich Razzleberry, Tangerine Tango & Real Red Stampin' Write Markers, White Signo Gel Pen
• Punches – Bitty Bat (#119279, $15.95), 3/4" Circle (#119873, $10.95), 1/2" Circle (#119869, $5.95), Scallop Oval (#119856, $16.95), 1-3/4" x 7/8" (Large) Oval Punch (#119855, $15.95)  
• Accessories – Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430, $3.95)
• Tools – Big Shot, Spider Web Embossing Folder (#120889, $7.95), Stampin' Sponges

FAUX LETTERPRESS TECHNIQUE DIRECTIONS:

1. Ink the desired side of the embossing folder using a Classic Stampin' Pad directly or apply with a brayer.  For color on the "flat" portions of the card stock, ink the indented side.  For color on the "raised" portions of the card stock, ink the raised side.
2. Lay your cardstock on the inked side of the embossing folder and close. Run through the Big Shot in your normal sandwich: Multipurpose platform with Tab 1, standard cutting pad, embossing folder, standard cutting pad.
3. Carefully remove the cardstock and allow to dry a bit before using.

TECHNIQUE THURSDAY, Faux Suede...

Last night was my Technique Thursday class.  Most of the attendees are big time Halloween enthusiasts, so I had to make Halloween cards, of course!   For the first project, we learned the Faux Suede technique.  I thought that the texture lent itself well to the Spooky Halloween feeling.  I kept the card itself simple so that the Faux Suede piece would be featured well.  There is lots of texture though with the flocked paper, the Faux Suede piece, the lace trim and the glittery embossing.  Technique directions follow the recipe.  Tomorrow I will share another technique.  Enjoy!

I also did this version with the Faux Suede piece being embossed with the Spider Web Embossing Folder.  Ultimately, I decided that it "crushed" some of the Faux Suede characteristics, so I decided to go with the plain version that showed off the technique better:

FAUX SUEDE FRIGHT SUPPLIES:

• Stamp Sets – Midnight Raven (#116529, $7.95)
• Card Stock – Basic Black, Whisper White, Wicked Fun Specialty DSP (#117400, $11.95)
• Ink – Cajun Craze, Basic Black Classic, Basic Black Craft
• Ribbon – Raven 1/2" Lace Trim (#120988, $5.95)
• Accessories – Iridescent Embossing Powder, Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430, $3.95)
• Tools – Big Shot, Top Note Die (#113463, $21.95), Ovals Die (#114525, $15.95), Stampin' Sponges

FAUX SUEDE TECHNIQUE DIRECTIONS:

1. This technique looks especially nice with black or dark card stock.
2. Curl a piece of cardstock between your thumb and your bone folder as if you were curling ribbon. Curl it in all directions until you see the corners start to separate.
3. You can also crumble or run it through a crimper many times.  The main idea is that you are breaking down the fibers of the cardstock to separate it.  The more you work your cardstock, the easier it will separate.
4. Stick your thumb nails between the two layers and slowly pull them apart. If you meet some resistance, curl your cardstock again. 
5. Voila!  You now have Faux Suede!  Isn't it fab?