The front of last week's card featured a de-bossed square. This week's card uses the same technique, but features the reverse side of the square, or in other words, it's the embossed version. Since both cards were constructed using a homemade template, I thought I'd add a little tutorial on how I got my results... Yes, there are probably YouTube videos showing something similar, but what's described here, is what works for me...
Other Details:
Stamps: smARTworks from Dogwoods, and For Today
Card Size: 4.25" x 5.25" - cut long, side-folded
Inks: Versamark (watermark), Versafine Onyx Black
Coloring: Chalks
Embossing or De-bossing Using a Chipboard Template and the Big Shot
Note: These instructions should work with any die cut/embossing machine, but the "sandwich" may need adjusting.
1. Using chipboard from a cereal or cracker box, etc., cut or die cut 2-3 identical shapes -- the thickness when stacked should be about 1/8 of an inch. (Figure 1)
2. Making sure all edges are even, stack and adhere the shapes together. (Figure 2)
3. Prepare the card base by cutting cardstock to size, and scoring where the fold will be, but DO NOT FOLD!
4. Using repositionable, non-permanent tape, tack the shape to the card base. (Figure 3)
For a debossed (innie) shape, tack to what will be the OUTSIDE of the card front.
For an embossed (outie) shape, tack to what will be the INSIDE of the card font.
5. Create the embossing "sandwich".
- original platform - paper with shape, shape side against the platform - 2 rubber mats (Spellbinders) - 3-ply cardstock shim - black embossing plate. (Figure 4)
Note: Layers in Figure 4 are shown staggered for demonstration purposes. The top edges of anything layered above the cardstock should actually be even with the card's score line.
6. Run the sandwich through the machine.
7. Disassemble the sandwich, and carefully remove tape & shape. One side of the stock will be debossed, and the other embossed. (Figures 5 and 6)
8. Fold card along score line, and use as desired.
Remember, the thickness of cardstock, thickness of template, and machine used will all make a slight difference in the results, so start off practicing with scrap.
Once you perfect your recipe, write it down on the template. (Figure 7)
This technique can be a tad fussy at the beginning (perfecting my recipe took me 3 tries), but it's really quite easy, and the results are beauteous enough so that a little "fuss" is no big deal.
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