Stamp Etching Anniversary - CAS #92

Some colour combos just instantly appeal to you, while others leave you cold and wondering what you would do with them.  I found the "instant appeal" when I tuned in for last week's CAS Colours and Sketches #92 challenge and was instantly engaged and excited to create something. 

For me, the rich mixture of the two neutrals and the blast of Hello Honey got my thought processes in motion and just opened up a whole world of possibilities for me.

Here's My Card:
Ever since I purchased my Blended Bloom single wood stamp this summer I've been dying to try out Lydia Fiedler's stamp etching technique and I knew now was the perfect time.  Here's my card:

Supplies:
Stamp Sets:  Blended Bloom, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Card Stock:  Hello Honey, Basic Black, Whisper White
DSP:  Back to Black Designer Series Paper 
Ink:  Hello Honey, Momento Tuxedo Black  
Accessories:  Scissors, 2 1/2" circle punch, paper trimmer, 
Chevron Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Black  Rhinestones, Crystal Effects, Dimensionals, Modern Label Punch

How'd I Do That:
1.  The card base measures 8 1/2 x 5 1/2" and is scored at 4 1/4. Tip: Did you know that you can create a stack of cards in no time, using Stampin' Up!s Cut and Ready Card Bases?   These pre-cut cards are perfect for making multiples, like holiday cards and party invitations because you get 20 pre-scored, pre-cut cards (4 ea. in 5 colors).  The best part is there's no waste.  Finished card size: 4-1/4" x 5-1/2".  2014-2016 In Color Cut & Ready Card Bases 136661  Price: $5.95

2.The first layer on this is a piece of Whisper White card stock  measuring 5 x 3 3/4".  This piece was mounted to the card base with dimensionals.

3.  The second layer is a piece of Basic Black cardstock measuring 4 7/8 by 3 5/8".  This layer was embossed with the Chevron Embossing Folder and then using the 2 1/2" circle punch I punched out a circle on the right hand side approximately 1/4" from the top, bottom and side edges .

 

3. To fill in the area left by the circle punch, I cut a 2 3/4 x 2 3/4" square of Back to Black DSP and glued this to the back of the black layer, making sure all the edges were firmly in place.  Once finished, this layer was glued to the   Whisper White layer leaving a very small margin on all sides.

4.  The flower was created by stamping the Blended Bloom   image three times on a piece of Hello Honey card stock.  I stamped one full image and then two partial images with just the center parts stamped.  All three pieces were fussy cut with scissors.

Blended Bloom is a single image line stamp that comes in wood mount only.  Priced at only $14.95, this is a perfect set to add to your collection.  It is the perfect stamp for trying out blendabilities and water colour techniques.

5.  Once the ink had dried on the flower images, I took my black Stampin' Up! marker and using the fine tip, followed Lydia's example, and etched around the edges of the petals to give them some depth and dimension.  I coloured in the grooves above some of the petals with the wider tip on the marker.  Once all the etching was done and the flower was assembled with dimensionals, I went over the darker areas with Crystal Effects to add some shine.

Hopefully you can see the layers more clearly in this photo. A grouping of  basic black rhinestones completes the flower center.

5.  The "Happy Anniversary" sentiment from the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set was stamped in Momento Tuxedo Black ink on a scrap of Whisper White card stock.  I stamped a small floral flourish from a retired stamp set in Hello Honey ink over top of the sentiment and then sponged the edges with Hello Honey.

To pop up the sentiment and give it more focus I punched it out with the Modern Label punch.  To complete the background for the sentiment I punched out two labels in Basic Black cardstock.  I offset and adhered one black label behind the sentiment so that the fluted ends were layered.  I cut the second black label in half and adhered those pieces to the sides of the sentiment.  For a final decorative touch, I added some small jet black rhinestones.  

Tip:  Did you know that if you don't have coloured rhinestones to match your project you can colour them with alcohol ink markers?  That's right, easy peasy just use your Blendability or Sharpie markers. 

To keep the inside of the card clean and simple, I re-stamped the floral image in Tuxedo Black ink and added a 1/4" x 5 1/2" strip of basic black card stock.

As a side note, I realized after I looking at the photographs of the flower that I hadn't finished all the etching on the petals so I went back and finished that.  Here's a last look at the card with the additional etching. 
 

This closeup shows the missing strokes that come from the base of the flower petals.  You create these strokes with a a small flicking movement, which Lynda details in her video.  This is a super easy and fun way to add some life to a line image.

And finally, here is my finished card:

 

 I hope you enjoyed this post and will take the time to leave me a comment.  I'd like to know if you've ever tried the etching technique and if so on what stamped image did you use it on.  

Happy Stampin!
Penny Tokens