You've heard of embossing, right? But have you heard of de-bossing? (no, it has nothing to do with the hierarchy at your workplace). De-bossing is the opposite side of an embossed layer. I had great fun playing with this technique recently. I don't know if you can see in this picture very well (click for a larger image). This is an embossed layer, using the Big Shot and the Swirly Stampin' Up! Backgrounds I Texturz Plate. If you look closely, you can see the ridges are facing up. The de-bossed side would be the opposite side, with the ridges facing down.
When you work on the de-bossed side, you can run your inked brayer over the textured cardstock and the ink will highlight everything but the design. (if you run an inked brayer over the embossed image, ONLY the design would be highlighted). So, here's my little twist on 
this technique! I ran my cardstock through the Big Shot using the Texturz plate and then, using the rotary cutter from my Cutter Tool, I divided the embossed layer in half, with a curvy line. Working on the de-bossed side, I applied different colors of ink to both half's and then assembled them back together on my cardbase for this cool two-tone effect. The really cool thing is that when you put them back together, the design lines up perfectly! You can use this then as your backdrop for all kinds of great card (or scrapbook) designs and layouts. On this first card, I inked the two halves of the de-bossed layer with Tempting Turquoise and 
Lovely Lilac. For all of my cards today, I used the Great Friend Stamp set from the Occasions Mini Catalog. On the inside, I use the So Swirly Jumbo Wheel, inked in Lovely Lilac and then used Sponge Daubbers to "daub" on Tempting Turquoise ink, giving the inside a lovely two-tone effect as well.
The second card uses the same technique and Stamp set, this time with So Saffron and Brocade Blue Inks. I used the Large Oval and Scallop Oval Punches for the sentiment. The butterflies are cut-out and attached with Stampin' Dimensionals to bring them up and off the cardstock.
One more -- this one uses Mellow Moss and Perfect Plumb and a bit of 3/8" Mellow Moss Taffeta Ribbon.
So there you go -- try some de-bossed brayering sometime soon. It's great fun!
I'm watching my blog closely these days. Sometime in the next week, I will hit the 250,000 hit mark -- WOW -- a quarter of a million hits! Just amazing! I'm thinking about some Blog Candy so you'll want to check back soon and frequently. Hummm ... I think it might be ...
I'm currently taking orders for my most recent Class-on-the-Go Kit, these darling Faux Alligator-Skin Wristlets in Jewel Tone Colors. Click HERE for more information!
Don't forget, my most popular Tutorials are on sale for a limited time for just $5 each -- the So Tweet Birdhouse and Cards set, the Humor in High Heels Purse and Cards Set, and the Faux Alligator-Skin Wristlets! Click HERE for more information and to order via PayPal!
Stop back soon for more ideas and inspiration and don't forget, a BIG announcement soon about some substantial Blog Candy!
Blessings, Gretchen
