DEBOSSED EMBOSS

Using embossing folders and card stock to emboss an image into cardstock through a die-cut/embossing machine is always a great way to create a quick background. The reverse side that is not generally used is a debossed design. For this particular technique, I have used the debossed side created using 3D embossing folders. The 3D folders have much greater depth and detail than a standard 2D folder. The 2D ones will work but I was happier with my samples from the 3D ones.  To colour the backgrounds I used my Distress Oxide Inks and foam applicators. 
A quick and easy technique that looks so effective in the flesh.

"Sticks & stones"


"Release the Kraken!"

"Digging in the ground"


"Bugs"

"Use your wings

"Be fearless"

Here are two cards that I made using the new Skull 3D embossing folder from Sizzix. 
The first one below is plain white card stock that has been embossed using a piece of black graphite paper against the card as it was run through with the embossing folder. It gives a great black-and-white effect for very little effort. 

This one has the same black graphite background but with the addition of some of the brown Distress Oxide Inks rubbed over the top for added colour. I also flicked a little of the Distress Mica Stain colours on the background and then fussy-cut out one of the skulls from another background of the same design to give the layered look. The added cut-out skull has some Ranger Foundry in gold and copper applied for further interest.

LAYERED MASKING

 Masking stamped images is a technique that has been around forever but it always gives such a great impact when used with lots of white space left on the background. For my examples, I have used both Distress Inks and Distress Oxide Inks and the overstamping in the black was Black Soot Archival Ink. Silhouette-style stamps, meaning more solid stamps, will always have the greatest impact on this type of technique. I have used masking paper which is tacky on the back, as well as sticky note paper that is also tacky all over the back. You can die-cut the sticky note paper if you put a piece of non-stick release paper on the back before running it through your die-cut machine. I keep the release papers from my A4 size adhesive magnet sheets and A4 size double-sided adhesive sheets to use for this type of method as well as keeping excess double-sided adhesive on it for later use. 

"Lost in the woods"


"Troublesome ending"
(Who knew a zombie could end up on the
Serengeti? I was going to draw in a severed
arm but thought it best to leave it up to
the imagination.) 😏


"Unwaveringly"

"Middle of the night"
(Yep, loved this one so much I had to do it twice!)

"Untried"

"Walk in nature"

STAMPED METALLIC WATERCOLOURING (BLACK)

 Metallic watercolour paints show up beautifully on black watercolour paper. Some brands are better than others as they are more highly pigmented. The interference/iridescent paints that won't appear on white cards are gorgeous on black! To make it easy, I have embossed stamped images with white embossing powder, keeping the watercolour paint within the stamped areas. I even used clear embossing powder on one of the atc's and this worked as well, however, the white embossing powder gives you the most contrast. If you have some metallic watercolour paints, give them a go on black card, the shimmer and shine when tilted to the light is unbelievable!

"Choose to shine"

"Family"

"Beauty in simplicity"
(This embossing is the one with the
clear embossing powder.)


"Destination"


"Too much happy"


"Use your wings"


"Use your wings" close-up