Tutorials: Faux Stamping with Embossing Folders

I don't mind telling you that I am quite enamored with embossing folders.  When I saw this new butterfly folder from We R Memory Keepers/Lifestyle Crafts, I had to give it a whirl.  I also wanted the butterflies to really stand out, so I decided to try using the folder like a stamp.

Here's how the tag turned out, followed by a step-by-step of the process:

To make an embossing folder act like a stamp, I rubbed black ink over the section I wanted highlighted.  Warning!  The ink may or may not wash off your folder afterward, so if you're one of those people who likes to keep your embossing folders in mint condition, this might not be the technique for you!  

I'm sure some inks work better than others, but I tried Ranger Jet Black Archival ink and it worked fine.  Whatever ink you choose, have your paper and machine ready because you have to move fast before the ink dries!  Once you've rubbed your ink onto your folder, close it up with your paper in between and run it through your machine like you would with any embossing folder.

Here's what it looked like after I took it out of the machine and cut it into a tag shape:

The butterfly outlines are just dark enough to allow me to color them in (just like a stamp), which I did with watercolors:

Next I added some Distress Ink to the background and edges.

I added some white polka dots by using acrylic paint on a stamp:

Last but not least, I added some embellishments, including the word, "fly."

I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed this butterfly embossing folder and I think it enjoyed masquerading as a stamp for the afternoon.  Some people might have fancier ways of converting their embossing folders to stamps, but this was quick and easy and worked great for me.

The paper is also from We R Memory Keepers/Lifestyle Crafts (Story Time Collection), the flower is from Prima, the "fly" alphabet stamps are from Recollections, the polka dot stamp is from Stampabilities, and the piece of ruler fabric is from Tim Holtz.

My Other Creations: "Wish" Gift Card Tin

This week's Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge is to incorporate WHITE into one of your creations.  This is about as terrifying of a challenge theme as there could be for me!  I am just not a use-white type of gal, unless it's a white layer which I then cover with other colors.  I like white, but I struggle to make it a focal point in my projects.  Be that as it may, you can always find me using white Gesso, so that's the route I took when creating this gift card tin:

See?  That counts as white, right??  Okay, okay- I admit that I couldn't resist adding some Spun Sugar distress paint to give it a pink vibe, not to mention Colorbox rose-colored ink, but I started out with a layer of white Gesso and I still left a bit of it showing, so I'm counting it as good!

The tin I used is hinged on one side and is about the size of an Altoids tin.  If you need a good place to buy tins or bottles (especially in bulk), check out Specialty Bottle.

The front of my tin is decorated with fabric scraps and an apothecary jar, whose cork lid I adorned with decorative pins.  I got the "wish" sentiment from an old children's book that was on its last leg and I added a paper flower using a Martha Stewart hydrangea punch.

I love to make gift card tins because they show that you did a little more than run to the Walmart gift card wall at 11:59 pm on your friend's birthday because you totally procrastinated (not that I have a problem with that- everyone I know loves gift cards)!  But for those people who want to make gift cards even more personal, decorative tins or boxes are a great way to go. 

Here are some of the supplies I used, which you can find at Simon Says Stamp:

Dina Wakley Ranger WHITE GESSO	Tim Holtz Distress Paint In Spun Sugar	Clearsnap Colorbox Fluid Chalk InK Pads ROSE PETALS Cat′s Eye Queue	Tim Holtz Eclectic Elements Labels Fabric	Maya Road Crystal Trinket Pin	7 Gypsies Dome Apothecary Bottles	Martha Stewart 3-in-1 Hydrangea Punch
Prima Fairy Rhymes A4 Paper

I can't wait to see what wonders you create with our white theme!  Upload them to the Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge blog for your chance to win a $50 voucher to the Simon Says Stamp store!

My Other Creations: House Pendant Necklace

Over at the Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge Blog, the theme for this week is, "I ought to use that more often!"  Being the craft supply hoarder that I am, there were several materials, tools and supplies that I could've chosen for this challenge.  In the end, I decided to go with Glossy Accents.  Glossy Accents is a clear-drying glue that can be used for all sorts of purposes.  One of my favorite uses is to treat it like a faux resin on pieces of jewelry.  Here are some house pendants I made using Glossy Accents as a sealant:

I made the house frames out of metal, then filled them with collaged scenes.  On top of the scenes, I poured Glossy Accents to simulate the look of glass.  For this house, I used fabric scraps, stickers and a door.  The door is cut from a photo I took and the "happily ever after" text is from a book that was falling apart.

I made this one out of paper and Washi tape, with a little mushroom accent.

This one is also made from paper scraps, Washi and a mini Scrabble tile.  I added a flower and/or yarn fibers to each house to give them just the right tops.

The nice thing about Glossy Accents is that it's easy to use (no mixing or worrying about getting the portions right) and it dries clear.  It has so many uses and I knew it was just the thing for this challenge!

Here are some supplies I used from Simon Says Stamp for these little houses:

Glossy Accents	Simon Vintage Dictionary Paper	Prima Finnabair Paper	My Mind′s Eye Pretty Things Record It Washi Tape	We R Memory Keepers AQUA Washi Tape	Tim Holtz Label Clips	Martha Stewart Bone Folder
Prima A4 Sunrise-Sunset Paper	Wild Honey - Distress Ink	Black soot - Distress ink	Walnut Stain - Distress Ink	Colorbox Jelly Beans Ink Set

So what supply, tool, technique or trick should you use more often?  I can't wait to see your submissions!  If you upload your creations to the Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge Blog, you are entered to win the $50 voucher to the Simon Says Stamp store.  And you'll inspire us with your creativity, so why not give it a go?

My Cards and Tags: Write Away

This week's Simon Says Stamp Monday challenge is Anything Goes.  That spells total crafting freedom, my friends!  Two of my greatest loves are creating things and writing, so I went for a combo with these pro-writing envelope and faux pen sets.  I have a lot of friends who are mega talented writers, so I wanted to create an encouraging little gift to support that.

I used the Simon Says Stamp Gift Card die to cut the envelopes, then used a paint lid stencil and black waterproof ink (StazOn) to lay down the base layer:

I whipped out my watercolor paints and dribbled colors inside the circles:

I folded up the envelope, then added some stamped text and inked around the edges.

I finished it off by making a faux quill pen using a Tim Holtz pen nib and a bamboo skewer, which I painted.  I used a little bit of black Gesso on the tip to make it look like the pen had been used.  I also made a pennant flag and tied it all together with yarn.

I used similar techniques for the second envelope.

The great thing about this Gift Card die from Simon Says Stamp is that it does in fact hold a gift card.  Very handy if you're wanting to make a personalized gift card holder!

Here are some of the supplies I used, which you can find at Simon Says Stamp:

Sizzix BIG SHOT MACHINE	Lifestyle Crafts Genius Ultimate Platform System	Simon Says Stamp Gift Card Envelope Die	My Mind′s Eye Sky′s the Limit 12 x12 Paper Pack	Crate Paper Oh Darling 12 x 12 Paper Pack	The Crafter′s Workshop - Mini Paint Lids 6 x 6 Template	Jet Black Stazon
Graphic 45 Typography Stamp Set	Walnut Stain - Distress Ink	Black soot - Distress ink	Peacock Feathers - Distress Ink	Mini Ledger Stencil by The Crafter′s Workshop	Colorbox Rain Forest Ink	Pen Nibs - Idea-ology
Dina Wakley Black Gesso	Hero Arts Basic Alphabet Stamps	Tim Holtz Sizzix Ribbon Flags Die

With the theme of Anything Goes this week at the Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge Blog, surely you must have something randomly wonderful to share!  Upload your projects for your chance to win a $50 voucher to Simon Says Stamp.