Gretchen Barron: More Stamping and Smooshing!

Oh my goodness, I am having fun with this (new to me) technique. I'm not even sure it's a technique really ... it's just stamping, on stamping, on stamping and then some sponging! I first showed this to you last week with THIS PROJECT! And I have another today using a different color scheme and stamp set!

For today's card, I used the new Friends 24-7 stamp set, the En Francais Background stamp, and Ballet Blue, Orchid Opulence and Certainly Celery inks and cardstock.

I stamped the Background Stamp text with Ballet Blue on Whisper White Cardstock. I then stamped the flourish with Certainly Celery and the flower with Orchid Opulence. I tore the top edge away and curled and distressed the torn edge to give it even more texture and dimension. Then taking all three colors, I sponged and smooshed more color all over the Whisper White layer, making sure to get color on the back-side of the curls as well.

I stamped the sentiment with Black Stazon Ink onto the next layer of Orchid Opulence and then sponged all three colors onto this layer as well to give it a mottled look. I attached the Whisper White layer with SNAIL adhesive. The Brocade Blue 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon is wrapped around the first two layers, brought to the top of the card and the ends inserted into the new Jumbo Grommet (available April 1st from the Occasions Mini Catalog), tied and trimmed. This entire assembly is then attached to the Ballet Blue Card Base.

Now, for the inside (this is so much fun!). This technique is called Faux Tearing! Isn't it beautiful! It looks like a torn layer but it's all done on one layer! This is great especially for the inside of a card where you don't necessarily want the extra bulk and thickness that multiple layers would give. To do this, you tear a piece of scrap paper (I used two post-it notes stuck together so there was already some temporary adhesive on the scrap) and you simply tear it like you would any layer. You lay that on the inside layer of Whisper White cardstock and attach it with temporary adhesive. You then just begin stamping, sponging and smooshing like you did on the front of the card, only this time you won't be tearing the layer. When you have the color applied the way you want, you simply peel up your scrap paper that you were using as a "mask" and ... viola! Faux tearing! It really is so much fun (be prepared for inky fingers)! This layer was then attached to the inside of the card using SNAIL adhesive.

This card was fun, easy and (at least I think) oh, so pretty! What more can you ask for?

Just a reminder that I'm running a Many Marvelous Markers Special through March 31st! This is such a great deal. When you purchase the set of Many Marvelous Markers, you will receive approximately $120 in FREE merchandise. Yep, that's right -- I said it was an incredible deal! See all the details HERE!

Don't forget as well that Sale-a-Bration is on through the end of the month as well! This is the Stampin' Up! BIG sale of the year. With every $50 purchase, you receive a FREE Sale-a-Bration product from the brochure (includes Stamp Sets, Ribbon and Papers). Click HERE to see the brochure online!

Last (but not least) there is still time to order the instructions for the Big Shot Buddies for Easter (a Chick and Bunny). When payment is received, I will e-mail you a link so that you can download the 6 page PDF file with step-by-step directions and photos for making this cute duo! Click HERE for more information! You can still order the Class-on-the-go kit as well but at this point, I cannot guarantee delivery in time for you to complete your projects for Easter.