Michelle Hirsch Solis
mkhsolis@gmail.com |
Summer Days Stepped Up! |
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T his card was created using the "Just for Hosts" stamp set Summer Days. This technique looks dificult, but even if you are a beginner, you can pull this off! The trick is all in the die-cut.
Cut a card base 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" to score and fold at 4 1/2". Cut 2 pieces of Whisper White cardstock to 5" x 3 3/4". Cut a piece of Designer Series Paper for the background to 4 1/4" x 5 1/2".
Choose two coordinating dies that will create a layered image- one larger than the other so that the smaller one will fit inside.
Choose two (or three) colors of ink that coordinate with your Designer Series paper, and some black ink to stamp your images.
Have adhesive and dimensionals on-hand as well as some washi tape or some sticky-notes.
You are going to die-cut one of the Whisper White pieces of cardstock with the large die you have chosen. You can use any shape- I used the largest oval shape from the Stitched Shapes Dies which measures 2 3/8" x 3 1/4".
This "frame" piece, once cut, will be used as a mask. Save the cut-out piece- you can use that on another project!
Layer this "Frame" piece over the second piece of white cardstock and secure by using a piece of Washi tape, sticky note, or just holding very firmly in one place.
Using a piece of sponge, sponge dauber or even a cotton ball, you will pick up ink from one of your colored ink pads and lightly apply it to the inside of the cut-out shape starting at one edge. This technique works best if you "stamp off" once or twice before applying to the card- you will get a softer look. Continue to apply the ink , blending as you go, from one edge into the middle. Then change colors (using a different sponge, sponge dauber or cotton ball) and repeat the process from the other edge into the middle. Blend the colors where they meet.
Remove the "Frame." Using your stamp set, stamp the images you wish to use in black to overlap the inked area. Use a stamp on the left or right as a focal point, and then add some smaller images around the edges of the inked image. Stamp your sentiment in the inked image if possible.
Once you have completed your card design, using the smaller of your two dies, cut the image out of the middle of your stamped piece. This will create another "frame" piece- this time with color and images on it.
When you have cut this piece out, you are ready to assemble!
Adhere your Designer Series paper to the cardstock base using liquid glue or adhesive tape. Attach dimensionals to the "frame" piece you have created- one on each corner and a couple around the center hole- to pop it up. Using liquid glue or adhesive tape, adhere the center piece (the cut-out) into the middle of the frame, lining it up with the stamped images around the outside.
This technique creates a card which is kind of an "optical illusion" and one that people will wonder "How'd you do that?"