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Wow! The last month has flown by. We've moved, I've set up a new but temporary small stamping studio and now it's time for Around the World on Wednesday again.
This month our theme is embossing: heat, pressure, whatever .... There are so many variations and I'm excited to see what everyone shares!
I've yet to meet an embossing technique I don't like so it took a bit to decide what to share. Since I spent most of December and January dealing with our move, I'm feeling a little behind in trying out all of the fabulous designer papers in the mini catalog and Sale-a-bration brochure. So, I decided I would revisit an old favorite that I haven't done in a while.
I'm not sure there is even a name but I use designer papers with embossing folders to take advantage of the white "core" in the middle of the paper. After embossing the paper you simply use some fine sandpaper on a block to sand off the printed paper leaving the white core to show wherever it is raised. By mixing up the patterns in the papers with the patterns in the folders the possibilities are endless. This is particularly good with shabby chic styles and gives a wonderful softened tactile feel. I hope I can do it justice in the photos...
(I apologize in advance for the photo quality here. I ran up against the deadline and had to take some of the pictures in the evening at the lake where I always struggle with lighting. I hope you still get the idea and try this fun technique!)
I started playing around with some Regency Park papers that I wanted to try together . I used the suites Cane Weave 3D Embossing folder:
You can see the embossed and sanded portion on the right compared to the plain paper on the right. I sanded both sides and decided that the sketch that was coming together in my head really called for the patterned side:
The pattern left by the embossing and sanding blends into the printed pattern a little more but is still a very pleasing, slightly worn look. Here is how I mixed this piece up with some of the other Regency Park patterns:
- I used the unembossed portion to die cut the detailed "Sending".
- Using just a tiny strip of the striped pattern leaves a fun border between the dots and the textured floral.
Here are a few more very simple cards that show this technique:
- This is a simple Mossy Meadow grid pattern from Favored Flowers, a beautiful collection of designer series paper from the Sale-a-bration brochure. You can choose it for free with a $50 order.
- I embossed the right side with the Fern 3D embossing folder and again lightly sanded it with a fine sanding block.
- I mixed the plain and textured parts with Basic White cardstock into this simple sketch to show both versions of the DSP:
- Here is a close-up of the texture:
Finally, here is using a monochromatic pattern from Dandy Designs with the Pretty Flowers embossing folder. See how well the pretty design comes through on the simple patterned paper. The simpler your designer paper the more the pattern of your folder shows through. Sometimes you will want the pattern to be the main event.You might just use this technique simply for the worn, comfy feel it lends your card.
- Once again the embossed, sanded portion is on the right and the unembossed portion is on the left.
- I used both parts on the card, roughing up the edge of the unembossed strip to add to the shabby chic look. What would be a good occasion for this card?
- See how the little bit of pattern in the original pattern shows through.
I'd love to have you try this technique! Leave me a comment and link if you do. I'd love to see how you use it!
Now it's time to continue on the blog hop. Next up is Tricia Butts.
I so appreciate that you took the time as you visit my blog today. Let me know what you think and come back again soon! Feel free to ask questions if something isn't clear.
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