Artistic Etchings Emboss Resist

I love to do Emboss Resist, and the new Artistic Etchings set has the perfect "collage" style of images to showcase this Too Cool technique!

  

Doesn't the background look like a piece of decorative paper?  Sometimes I like to do a whole sheet of card stock with this technique, then cut it up to use on several projects for a pretty, coordinated set.

Try Your Own Emboss Resist Background

It's all about the layers with this technique, so I'll give you the step-by-step breakdown:

• Random stamp images in a dark color.  I used the key and crown with Always Artichoke on Very Vanilla card stock.
• Random stamp another image (I like a frilly flourish or background stamps) in VersaMark, drizzle with Clear Embossing Powder, then heat emboss with the Heat Tool until smooth and glossy.  I used the round medallion.
• Apply a light color of ink over the background with a sponge or brayer to bring out the embossed pattern.  I sponged River Rock randomly around the card stock in small circular motions.
• You can continue to add more layers of color as desired to deepen the contrast of the embossed images.  I usually add two or three colors, beginning with the lightest and working toward darker colors.  In this example, I sponged Always Artichoke to the medallion centers, around the edges and in a few other random areas.
• Finish your background with some flecks of color from the Color Spritzer or Smootch Spritz.  I used the Color Spritzer with a Cajun Craze marker.  TIP: Be sure to practice spritzing on scrap paper before applying to your project, so you are aware of what distance gives you the coverage you want.  For best results with the Color Spritzer, pump the bulb quickly like you would a blood pressure cuff.  

Have fun experimenting with this technique—different background images, different embossed patterns, different colors—no two pieces are ever alike!

Other Card Details: Eiffel Tower and "Amour" are stamped in new Cajun Craze and the edges are sponged with River Rock.  Punched with Small Oval.  Embellished with Vanilla 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon.

Angie