Success!

Don't you love it when something works out exactly as you had planned it in your head?  I knew exactly how I wanted to do this card for the challenge at SUO Challenges, which was to add texture to your project, but wasn't sure if it would turn out as good as I wanted it! 

I had seen a video by RaeDeen Bittner on our demonstrator-only website, Stampin' Connection (another perk of being a demo!) and knew I wanted to incorporate them on my card.

The leaves take a little bit of time to make, but they are oh so worth it!  I first die cut the leaf in More Mustard Cardstock with the Autumn Accents Bigz Die.  I then used my stylus on the paper-piercing mat to draw in the veins of leaves, which I then went over with the fine tip of my Chocolate Chip marker.  Next I used a variety of inks and sponged on color, adding Bravo Burgundy around the edges of both leaves and the splotch from French Foliage as a final touch.  I thought they needed a little sparkle, so I spritzed them with Gold Glow Smooch Spritz before crumpling them.  They look so realistic in person!

Now a tip for the Holiday Frame embossing folder.  I have not used this on a card yet, because every time I tried it I got huge creases on the edges of the cardstock.  I found a few tips on Splitcoast that I tried without luck, but finally found one that worked for me.  I hope it works for you too!  I used my Tabletop Paper Cutter and trimmed off the bottom of the embossing folder about a quarter inch.  I know, scary!  I almost felt like I was committing a crime by defacing it!  It was all worth it in the end though.  By cutting it down, I was able to put it through the Big Shot sideways, like the old embossing folders.  I don't if this creates less pressure on it or what, but no crease!  I sponged the cardstock edges and embossed image with Crumb Cake ink to make distress it up a little bit. It's amazing how little touches like that really make your card a WOW!

Stamp Sets: French Foliage, Trust God
Cardstock: More Mustard, Sahara Sand, Vellum Cardstock
Ink: Always Artichoke, Bravo Burgundy, Cajun Craze, Chocolate Chip, Garden Green, More Mustard
Tools: Holiday Frame Embossing Folder, XL oval punch, Autumn Accents Bigz Die, sponges, stylus, paper-piercing mat
Accessories: Early Espresso Baker's Twine, Naturals Designer Buttons, Gold Glow Smooch Spritz