There are so many things in my life for which I am grateful, so when I saw Margaret Moody’s sketch for this week’s Pals Paper Arts challenge, I knew that I wanted to use the Day of Gratitude stamp set. This set, from Stampin’ Up!’s Holiday Mini catalog, will be available for purchase September 1st. Like last week’s card, today’s card features the Faux Silk technique (view my pictorial Here). However, it also features a customized texture plate, which I made all by myself. Making your own embossing surface is not original to me, as there are several places on the web which offer tutorials. However, this is the first time in which I have used it, and it is so easy! I have added a very simple pictorial to today’s post to explain how I accomplished the look. Enjoy!
The Stampin’ Schach Design Tips:
- How do you make a “busy” card work for you? Through continuity and repetition! Rich fall colors comprise each and every layer, while the “Leaves” image from Day of Gratitude are repeated on both the Faux Silk background and the image mat!
- Spritzer Tool gone wild! I knew it would happen some day, and it did! I lost all self-control with my Color Spritzer Tool! The Faux Silk background was spritzed using Early Espresso, Cajun Craze, and Old Olive Stampin’ Write Markers.
- Brayer a layer! The image mat began as Very Vanilla card stock. I simple brayered a light layer of More Mustard over the surface. The “Leaves” image was then inked in More Mustard and stamped onto the brayered card stock for a tone-on-tone look. Of course, a little spritzing, this time with Soft Suede, was added.
- Give pearls a whirl! One of my favorite new products from Stampin’ Up! are Basic Pearls! With their self-adhesive backs, they are a snap to apply! They work perfectly on the new Decorative Label Punch, which is making its debut in the Holiday Mini!
- Need a coordinating Texturz Plate? Make your own. Here’s how:
For this embossing plate, I used the Two-Step Bird Punch, cardboard that came with one of my Big Shot dies, and adhesive (not pictured).
I punched out several of the leaves and wings from a second piece of cardboard.
I then arranged the leaves and wings. After I had the pattern the way I wanted it, I adhered the pieces into position. (I outlined them in black so that you could see the pattern more easily.)
I then zipped my homemade Texturz Plate through the Big Shot using Tab 1, the Silicone Rubber Pad and the Impressions Pad. I did mist the Cajun Craze card stock lightly with water in order to receive a deeper embossed image. Don’t be surprised if you have to experiment with your “sandwich” as it will be dependent upon the thickness of your card board.
So there you have it…an embossing surface that mimics the “Leaves” stamp that I used. I could have stamped the exact same leaf image several times onto cardboard, and cut them out, but that would have been time consuming! So I selected a punch which would coordinate with this stamp set, and let the punch do the work! I lightly brayered a little Early Espresso ink over the surface to make the embossing “pop”. How cool is this!
I hope that you enjoy this week’s challenge! It is such a classy sketch, I know that I will be using it again and again! Remember, if you ever have any questions about the techniques that I use, don’t hesitate to Email Me! I am always ready to help. So before you head off to view the rest of the design team inspiration cards, won’t you please leave me a comment and let me know what you think of today’s card! Until next time…
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Stamp Sets: Day of Gratitude (available September 1); Inks: More Mustard (103162), Early Espresso (119670), Cajun Craze (119671), Old Olive (102277); Stampin’ Write Markers: Early Espresso (119680), Old Olive (100079), Cajun Craze (119678); Soft Suede (120973); Card Stock: Early Espresso (119686), Cajun Craze (119684), Crumb Cake…for Faux Silk (120953), Very Vanilla (101650), More Mustard (100946); Tools: Big Shot (113439), Silicone Rubber (114615), Impressions Pad (114615), Two Step Bird Punch (117191), Color Spritzer Tool (107066), Brayer (102395), Sponge Dauber (102892), Blender Pens (102845), SNAIL Adhesive (104332), Decorative Label Punch (available September 1); Glitz and Glam: Basic Pearls (119247); Other: Tissue Paper
Stamp Sets: Day of Gratitude (available September 1); Inks: More Mustard (103162), Early Espresso (119670), Cajun Craze (119671), Old Olive (102277); Stampin’ Write Markers: Early Espresso (119680), Old Olive (100079), Cajun Craze (119678); Soft Suede (120973); Card Stock: Early Espresso (119686), Cajun Craze (119684), Crumb Cake…for Faux Silk (120953), Very Vanilla (101650), More Mustard (100946); Tools: Big Shot (113439), Silicone Rubber (114615), Impressions Pad (114615), Two Step Bird Punch (117191), Color Spritzer Tool (107066), Brayer (102395), Sponge Dauber (102892), Blender Pens (102845), SNAIL Adhesive (104332), Decorative Label Punch (available September 1); Glitz and Glam: Basic Pearls (119247); Other: Tissue Paper
Oh my goodness – being so creative isn’t enough, you have to be clever too : ) Homemade embossing plate – too cool. And of course I love the fall colors. gorgeous!
Ann, this is INCREDIBLE. You are a genius! Your card is gorgeous and I am so in AWE!!! XOXO
Super job on the embossing. I love how this technique works for any of the shapes. I never thought of brayering the layer, thanks for the idea!
Ann, this is stunning. You took a set I wasn’t that crazy about and made me think… wow I need that set! Only you could do that! I also love the idea of creating my own plate… .what a fabulous idea.
Thank you so much for inspiring us
hugs
jaydee
Oh,WOW,I don’t know where to begin!!! This is gorgeous beyond words!!! Thanks for the tutorial!!! 😉
Oh my word! Your crad is gorgeous!!! Making your own Texturz Plate is genious.I love every thing about your card. You are very gifted Ann.
Mary
This is such a pretty card. I have been toying with the idea of doing a faux silk card and even mentioned it to one of my friends. I am inspired! Thanks for blessing my evening. 🙂
Can’t believe you did a fauz texture plate!! Amazing work!!!
Wow Ann, this is over top in details and color…gorgeous!
I am so amazed at all the wonderful ideas you share with us. I still have to try the faux silk and now you come up with making your own “texturz plates”. I can’t wait to see what’s next.
Wow! I am truly inspired! You are so talented! What an amazing idea! Your card is stunning!
Such a beautiful card and what a great result from your unique, personally made embossing mat. Hmmm….great ideas, Ann! TFS!
My mouth is still hanging open. The card is stunning . . . you must be smiling. Loved the tutorial and the embossed results. Hugs, M
Gorgeous! Fantastic colors. I have not tried making a homemade texture plate yet, I don’t have enough punches, lol
Great card. Love the color palette and you certainly are the queen of shading!
Mike
Oh so rich in color! Your card is beautiful and I love your background!!! I need a video on that spritzer tool, would love to play with that. Awesome Ann! *smile* Hugs,
Ann, what a truly beautiful card you have created.
This is one of the best cards I have seen in a quite while. Thank you for posting it. I have to go and try this out right now.
Great tutorial, Ann! I would have never thought to make my own embossing plate! Love the deep rich colors. Makes me think of cool, fall days. Thanks for sharing! ~Bonnie~
Holy smokes Ann! This is beautiful from the deep rich fall colours to the cool embossing plate you created. Wow…so inspiring!
Hugs!
Lesley 🙂
Making your own texture plate? Give me a break, Ann! You are so crafty! I love your card. The colors, the texture, that faux silk. What more can I say? Gorgeous!
Dear Ann, I check on your blog daily and you always surprise me. You have so much talent. And the pictures of your cards are always so crisp and clear, which ads to the fun. 🙂 Thanks for sharing again your work of art, it is beautiful. And the little puppy dog is so so cute..
A big hug, Pauline
I knew it would happen one day Ann – you have gone creatively crazy… That’s a good thing!!! All I can say is girl you are an artist through and through! LOVE IT!!!!!!
Ginger
You are such an amazing artist – it’s one thing to know how to do a technique and something else entirely to make it beautiful! This is fantastic!
Gorgeous card. Great idea to make your own embossing folder and it turned out beautifully! Thanks for the instructions. Your spritzing is just the perfect amount too!! I have to get my spritzer out and use it now.
Hi Ann, this is one of my favorite Stamp Sets in the Holiday Mini. I just loved it when I saw it and knew that I had to have it. I is so versatile. I love what you have done with it here. Thanks for the Tutorial also. You’re one great Stamper!
Cyber hugs, Trish in Wisconsin
One word–AMAZING!! This card is amazing, and YOU are amazing!! Thank you for the technique, how clever. I can’t wait to try this out. And I love the color combination–I’m not ready for summer to be over, but I love fall colors!! 🙂
Love this card and the colors! Thank you for the info on the technique, etc. Have a great week!
Ann this is gorgeous and I LOVE the Fall. Wow you showed us several NEW techniques in one card!
I have not used/purchased the spritzer yet, and wasn’t going to, but I really like the look.
I also LOVE the tut on making a texture plate. It’s very easy to understand.
PS: I DID use your “silk” technique and will post a card this weekend, but heads up… I totally CASED YOUR CARD. I was so focused on following the directions I just copied yours. LOVE IT. Thanks for sharing.
Truly stunning Ann…and love the embossing technique you used…I can’t wait to pull out my punches and experiement! Oh the possiblities! {SMILES}
Ann, this is gorgeous! Your colors are amazing & I love the little added pearls. You are so creative!