Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge
Grunge It Up
Good day, fellow crafters. Today I present to you a creation for the Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge that I just completed. The design theme is a grunge look, which is a first-time experience for me. But as I have said before I really enjoy the challenge of stepping out of my comfort zone as a crafter and trying new things. I hope you enjoy my submission.
To create the background panel for this card I began with a piece of white Hammermill cardstock which I had used a paper trimmer to cut to 5 in x 7 in. I then adhered this to a sheet of double-sided adhesive, mine was purchased from scrapbook.com, taking care to do this slowly to avoid bubbling. Next, using scissors, I trimmed along the edges of the cardstock where it meets the adhesive to remove excess adhesive. This will ensure no sticky residue affects your trimmer or embossing folder in later steps. Be sure to clean your scissors after use.
The next step was to place the composite, cardstock side down on your worksurface and peel the protective cover off the adhesive sheet. Then I applied Creative Expressions Gilding flakes in the color they call Mulled Wine, ensuring full coverage over all of the exposed adhesive. As I applied the gilding flakes I made sure to burnish it with my fingers for a smooth and polished appearance.
Once I was satisfied with the coverage, I placed the gilded cardstock into the Sizzix Celebrations 3D embossing folder, featured above left. Using my die-cutting machine I ran the embossing folder through to transfer the image. I should note that some materials may take additional passes to achieve a detailed impression. For the next step, it is important to NOT remove the newly embossed background panel from the embossing folder so that it stays in alignment for the next phase.
That phase is to add the color. To do this I opened the embossing folder and to the top cover applied Altenew JET BLACK Dye. I then closed the cover of the embossing folder and ran it through the die-cutting machine. I then repeated this step until I was satisfied with the coverage. Then I cleaned the dye ink from the embossing folder cover, careful to not move the embossed background panel applied Altenew BLACK PIGMENT INK. The Pigment ink was used second due to drying time and the possibility of smearing. I then closed the cover of the embossing folder and ran it through the die-cutting machine, repeating until I was happy with the color. Finally, I removed the embossed background panel and allowed it to dry. Note: The dry time can be reduced if a heating tool is used, however, CAUTION should be taken to avoid heating for too long in any one area
The next step was assembly. I used my paper trimmer to cut the background panel to 4.75 in x 6.75 in. I then used some brown cardstock from Craft Perfect (Tonic Studios) and the paper trimmer, to cut that cardstock to 5 in x 7 in. to create a mat. Next, double-sided tape was used to adhere the background panel to the mat and then used again to adhere the composite over a pre-cut and folded A2 white card base.
The last step was to create the sentiment. For this, I used a sentiment from my collection which I aligned in my Misti Stamping tool and applied clear embossing ink. I then stamped with even pressure onto a piece of black cardstock twice to ensure I had a clean transfer. A copper embossing powder was added next and then I heat set the embossing powder with the heat tool. Lastly, I used a stitched label die to cut the sentiment and then adhered the sentiment to the background panel. With that, I called the card complete.
