Faux layers

Ha ha, success!  After two failed tries last night I managed to create a beautiful faux layer card.  

At the GinaK stamp TV site they have a challenge to create a faux layer card using a die cut to create a stencil.  I've done this before, but not in quite a while.  Here are my findings:

  1.  You need to use good quality card stock that is sturdy.  Here I'm using Neenah 110lb Solar Crest and it's still too flimsy to be a really good card.  Definitely don't use your cheap Staples paper for this.

 2.  Further to the above point, trying to heat emboss (which I did here) on a single layer card, unless the paper is really fabulous (like the GinaK 120lb) is asking for challenges since it slightly warps the paper.

3.  When you are doing a card like this and dealing with ink be really careful, since it's easy to smear or get an inky finger tip mark on the edge.  On busy multi layer cards with lots of embellies it's easy to hide those oopsies under something, but here there is no forgiveness.

4.  Craft ink sponges on smoother and softer than regular die ink, with a much nicer finish.

So, to make this card I created a stencil using a Spellbinders die.  Then I sponge on navy craft ink (SU).  I stamped the trees using Tim Holtz Black Soot Distress Ink, then put clear embossing powder over that and heat set.  I used a tiny paintbrush to add pearly white paint to it and let it dry, then added some ribbon and edging from the fabric store.

I'm entering this in the following Challenges:

GinaK Stamp TV - Faux layers

Simon Says Stamps: World Card Making Day

Charisma Cards - Bada Bling
Less is More - Silver