Wednesday, March 10, 2021

Dragonfly Circles

This simple card uses a retired Stampin' Up! product called a sanding block - I can't even remember when I purchased it, but I know it's been some time. If you don't happen to save one in your supplies, you can use a sanding block with fine sandpaper like the type you might use when preparing your walls to paint.  Although the card is simple in both design and execution, the results are quite impressive!  Here is my video to show you how.  

Gather your supplies:

  • Cardstock:  Basic Black 5-1/2" x 8-1/2", scored at 4-1/4"; Basic White 3" square and 4" x 5-1/4", Artistry Blooms DSP 3-1/4" x 7-1/2"
  • Ink:  Jet Black Stazon, Frost White Shimmer Paint
  • Stamp bundle: Dragonfly Garden 
  • Dies: Layering Circles
  • Embossing Folder: Parisian Flourish 3D
  • Stampin' Spritzer
  • Adhesive and Tools
I chose to have a black card base and stamp with Stazon ink to make the card pop!  Fold your card base in half and give it a good crease.  Stamp one of the dragonflies on the white square (leaving enough space in the corner to cut your smallest circle). While you are stamping, go ahead and stamp your inside sentiment and grouping of dragonflies on the white rectangle and adhere it in place.  Three things about Stazon ink pads: 1) they smell amazing (really!), 2) the black is very intense/dark and 3) they will dry out quickly if you leave the cover off, so ink up your image and put the cover right back on.  I do recommend the Stazon cleaner to clean your stamps as this is black ink that likes to stick to your stamps!





For my circles, I used the layering circles dies.  If you number them from largest to smallest, I used 1,4 and 6 for the DSP and 7 for the white.  Place the DSP circles into the embossing folder to catch the portions of the design you want for each circle.  Emboss using the Stamping' Cut & Emboss machine.  Cut out the white circle from the piece where you stamped your dragonfly.

Now you are ready to change the embossed texture into something even more stunning!  Use your sanding block to gently rub across the embossed design.  Take your time and sand away the top most layer of ink from your paper on the raised portions.  This will reveal the white core of the paper.  If you try to do this with our colored cardstock, it will not give the same effect because our paper is a solid color throughout.  (You can see that when you tear the paper - no white core.)




Stamp your sentiment onto the white circle and place all four circles on your card front until you like the placement.  Adhere the DSP circles to the card front and pop up the sentiment circle with dimensionals.  Punch out the dragonfly (you may have to trim off the bottom so it fits into the punch like I had to do in the video).  







I like to add shimmer to my dragonflies, so I use my spritzer filled with a pea sized drop of shimmer paint and 70% rubbing alcohol (don't forget to leave room to shake it!).  Do not use 91% alcohol as it will clog the sprayer - I learned this the hard way.  The spritzer will give a fine coating of shimmer - just spray on a large piece of scrap paper (or use a box like I've shown in previous posts).  Add the dragonfly with dimensionals and you are done!












I had fun playing with different papers and different embossing folders as you can see in my other examples.  I think the green ombre paper embossed with the Little Details folder yields the most dramatic results, but my favorite is the turtle card using the Seabed folder.  This technique is a wonderful way to expand your utilization of your embossing folders and have people wondering just how you got such an interesting look!






One last thing - I have an ordering special this month - purchase $100 or more from my on-line store and you will receive a free pack of DSP called Butterfly Bijou.  It is gorgeous and coordinates with an early release from our upcoming annual catalog.  Use the host code below when ordering - you won't be disappointed.









Karen


ThePowerOfACard@gmail.com

Etsy Shop: The Power of a Card

https://karensliwinski.stampinup.net 

Images Copyright Stampin’ Up!®


Join my Facebook Group (The Power of a Cardmaker)https://www.facebook.com/groups/1042676296088278/?ref=share


My current host code is: G99ES72V  Please use this for orders less than $150 

and you’ll get a special treat from me.  For order over $150, you will

qualify for host rewards from Stampin’ Up! (plus a treat from me!).



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