Shana Gaff
(260)897-3911
stressfreestamping@gmail.com
Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator

Friday, October 12, 2012

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

 

15 comments:

  1. Oh WOW...this is just drop dead GORGEOUS!!! Thanks for playing along in the SUO challenge!

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  2. I second that OH WOW comment!!! This is really amazing Shana! Thanks for the inspiration - I think I'm just gonna have to CASE that one (if you don't mind) :o)

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  3. Wow Shana, this is beautiful. I saw it on Pinterest and had to come to your blog to check it out. Love it!

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  4. This is just beautiful!! Love it and I will be featuring this card on My Crafty Picks #80 with a link back to your blog on 10-14-12. Make sure to stop by to check out all the picks!!

    If you wish to decline please email me by responding to this comment to let me know.
    Have a great day!!

    Tiffany Bauer
    http://www.mycraftyworld.blogspot.com

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  5. This is amazing!!! Love every single thing about it! Glad you joined us this week at SUO Challenges!

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  6. This is an amazing card! So beautiful.

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  7. Gorgeous...love that frame used a different way and to hide the Christmas tree element on it! The leaves look SO real! Thanks for playing along with the SUO Challenge!

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  8. Wonderful card. Very creative. Thanks so much for the "how to" info.

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  9. SPECTACULAR card! I love, love, LOVE it!

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  10. Beautiful leaves, Shana! Thanks for joining us on SUO Challenges this week.

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  11. Wonderful Shana!! I will be trying this myself!! :)

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  12. The leaves are GORGEOUS! I really have to try this!! This really is such a beautiful card! Congrats on being a Crafty Pick! Tiffany is my team leader and I have to agree she has excellent taste! :)

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  13. I fell in love with your card as soon as I saw it on Splitcoast. You used two of my favorite stamp sets and the leaves are magnificent!

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  14. I fell in love with your card as soon as I saw it on Splitcoast. You used two of my favorite stamp sets and the leaves are magnificent!

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