Sketch challenges again. My inspiration for the technique I'm calling Shady Layers came from a Splitcoast Sketch Challenge posted a few weeks ago - SC103. I was trying to figure out how to use my latest favorite, Big Blossom with this layout even though the oversized blossom wouldn't be an obvious choice for the design. I envisioned layering the blossom in different colors according the the layout but then got busy with the holidays and have yet to actually try this with that particular challenge.
Here's the technique I came up with:
Start by choosing 3 different shades of the same color and gather a quarter sheet(4.25" x 5.5") piece of each, along with a card of the lightest color.
Other supplies you'll need included: a large image stamp, ink in one of the lighter shades you chose, adhesive, cutting tools (the 12" cutter and Stampin' Up's Perfect Layers tool work really well for this), embellishments of your choice.
I also like to use a brayer to apply ink evenly to large stamps.
Stamp the image on each of your 3 quarter sheets. I used Pretty in Pink on Pretty in Pink, Romantic Rose and Rose Red. I suppose you could be picky and use a stamp positioner but I just straighten things out by using the Perfect Layers tools.
If you want to avoid some of the measuring in the next step you could just stamp 2 of the dark pieces .
This next step involves cutting a frame out of your cardstock and using some fraction measurements. I cut a piece out the darkest layer so that I would leave a 1 1/4" border with the piece that was left. To do this you need to place your cardstock as shown at the 3" mark, put your center of your blade (where the arrow on the blade is) in at 1 1/4", cut (move the blade) until the arrow on the blade points to 4 1/4". The picture was taken at this point.
Lift the cutting arm and turn your cardstock 90 degrees, lining the edge up to the 4" mark this time and cutting from 1 1/4" to 3".
Continue turning your cardstock 90 degrees and cutting until youhave 2 pieces as shown in the next picture.
This cutting technique is also useful in scrapbooking, allowing you to make more efficient use of your cardstock and designer papers.
Line up the smaller dark piece on the medium shade and adhere.
Trim the medium piece down as desired. I used perfect layers to make a 1/2" border.
Repeat this with the lightest layer (3/8") and the larger dark layer (trim at 1/8").
Adding stitches or outlining is optional. I think it makes the different shades blend together better.
Add other embellishments as desired.
I just added a flower center using circle punches and the hostess set, Riveting.
This is the first version I did using this technique. I roughed up the edges since that seemed to fit with the colors I used. This card uses Always Artichoke, Mellow Moss and Cream Confetti cardstock. The center is a larger image from Seeing spots punched with the smaller 1/2" punch.
I imagine many variations of this. I'm working on another card using the Coluzzle instead of Perfect Layers. And, who says the layers must be symmetrical or even monochromatic? Maybe I'll even have to go back to the original challenge!
I know this post still gets a number of hits and links, even after several months, but I rarely get to see how, or if, it affects other stampers' projects. If you have questions about this, have tried it, or have found other ways to use this technique please leave me a comment.
