Friday, July 15, 2011

Patriotic Thank You

Today I get to share with you my creation for the Counterfeit Kit Challenge's first challenge for July. It is all about embossing-you can dry emboss or heat emboss. I chose to dry emboss, but with a twist. I wanted to emboss a coordinating border for my card. Since I wanted to make my card using leftovers from my 4th of July Add-On, I thought stars would be a fun accent. My only problem: I don't have a star embossing folder. So, I decided to make my own embossing plate.
First, I found a thin piece of chipboard (this piece came in a package of Stampin' Up patterned paper.) I trimmed the chipboard to be slightly larger than my card front. Then I used a star punch to punch 6 stars from the leftover chipboard. I arranged 3 of the stars on my chipboard base, then adhered them down. Because the chipboard was so thin, I stacked another star on top of each on the base and adhered them so that I could get a deeper impression.
Then it was time to emboss. It took a little trial-and-error to come up with the right "sandwich" for my embossing plate, but here is what worked for the thickness of chipboard that I used. You may need to adjust your "sandwich" if your chipboard or cardstock is heavier than mine. I started with Tab 1, one clear cutting pad,and the homemade embossing plate. (Make sure the star punches are facing UP.)

Next, I stacked my kraft cardstock on top of the embossing plate, making sure that the edges were placed slightly inside the edge of the embossing plate.

The next layer is the black silicone pad that I use with my Sizzix embossing plates.

The final layer is the hard black plastic pad, also used with the Sizzix embossing plates.

Carefully run all layers through your die cut machine. Here is what the finished cardstock will look like:

To highlight the embossing, I rubbed a Creamy Brown chalk ink pad over the tops of the stars and also around all of the edges of the kraft cardstock. I attached the embossed panel to the front of my card base, then embellished the card with rub-on letters and a handmade bunting embellie.

I love the Americana look, and the tri-color bunting looks slightly vintage. I can't wait to try this embellie using softer colored papers from my main kit. Thanks for stopping by!

11 comments:

Susanne said...

Sherri, great idea to used punched shapes for embossing. Certainly makes our punches more versatile. Wonderful card - I like the slightly vintage edge it has.

Anonymous said...

What a great idea to make your own embossing plate. You are too clever ! Beautiful card also.

Tenia Nelson said...

Awesomeness!!!!! tfs!!!

Anonymous said...

Love your card - fab idea to use your punch!

nomorelittlemonkeys said...

This is such an awesome technique! I'm always wishing I had a different embossing folder!

Clair said...

Good enough to eat!

Savannah O'Gwynn said...

Super fun! I am bookmarking this so I can try embossing on my Cuttlebug (a bit different--but I think it might still work!!!). LOVE LOVE LOVE:)

Joanna said...

love that!

Jimjams said...

This is SO clever - I don't have a big machine, but am now wondering if it would work in my little die-cutter ... off to play!

Lovely card too TFS

Angela Toucan said...

welldone on creating your own embossing pattern. one day I'll get one of these super machines

Margie said...

gorgeously embossed! Love, love!