Technique of the Week: Happy St. Patrick's Day by Pam Nelson

Today’s card combines a stencil, embossing paste and Nuance powders. 

I saw a version of this idea some time ago on Heather Telford’s Blog but unfortunately I couldn’t find the specific blog post again to share with you.  However, you can see her blog here and she’s a very talented artist.  I also drew from techniques I have learned from our talented Marj Marion and Lynell Harlow, creator of Dreamweaver Stencils. 

To start, cut a piece of Black Hopsack cardstock to 4 ¼” x 5 ½” and tape the long sides to the craft mat.  Tape Tim Holtz Latticework Stencil (THS012) to the cardstock, being sure that it is straight.  Usually I would put post-it notes along the edges but I skipped this step as I planned to trim the cardstock down after the stencil paste dried.  The outside border of the stencil provided enough protection to the side panels of the cardstock.

Use a spatula, held at a 45 degree angle to apply embossing paste over the stencil.  This example uses Dreamweaver Pearlescent Embossing Paste because I wanted extra shine on the card.  

After the entire stencil is covered with the paste, sprinkle it liberally with two of the newest Nuance colors, Bright Green and Chartreuse.  In this example the chartreuse is more of a highlight and the bright green was used more heavily.  

Spritz the Nuance with water mixed with Perfect Pearls (1/4 teaspoon Perfect Pearls to 2 oz. of water) until the Nuance is dissolved.

Remove the tape from one side of the stencil, leaving the other side taped down.  Lift the untaped edge (the taped side will act as a hinge allowing you to lift the stencil smoothly.) 

Remove the stencil and then put it in some warm water to avoid letting the paste dry.  

Use the edge of a paper towel to wick up puddles of water from the embossed design.  Remove the tape from the cardstock and lift off the craft mat.  Gently wipe any excess paste off the short edges of the cardstock. 

Use a heat gun to gently dry the embossing paste, heating the bottom side of the paper and then the top side of the paper.  The steam will be trapped between the layers of the embossing paste and will start to gently bubble.  Lynell Harlow called this technique “Molten Magic.”  Continue heating the top and bottom of the piece until the paste is dry.  This technique gives a fun texture to your card and enhances the Nuance colors.

This is a close-up view of the embossing paste as it starts to bubble.
The larger bubbles will collapse, leaving a fun texture on the surface.

Trim the embossed piece to 3 ½” x 5 ½”.  Cut a piece of white pearl cardstock to 3 7/8” x 5 ½”.  Cut a piece of white cardstock to 4 ¼” x 5 ½”.  Use foam applicators to cover the edges with a blend of Lucky Clover and Pine Needles Distress Ink.  Spray lightly with Imagine Crafts Sparkle Sheer Shimmer Spritz.  Adhere to the front of an A2 card.  Then center the white pearl cardstock on top, followed by the stenciled piece. 

For the sentiment, cut a piece of white pearl cardstock using Impression Obsession Rectangle 6-in-1 Frames (DIE242-YY.)  Use Rosie’s Roadshow Stamp “Happy St. Patrick’s Day” to stamp the sentiment on the center rectangle with Green Archival Ink.  Emboss with clear detail embossing powder.  Adhere the curved frame from the die cut (see picture) to the front of the card with Ranger Matte Adhesive.  Adhere the sentiment rectangle to the front with a piece of foam tape. 

You can also see the completed card at Art ‘n Soul. The photo doesn't capture the shine from the Pearlescent Embossing Paste or the Shimmer Spritz.  

Lynell Harlow, creator of Dreamweaver Stencils, will be teaching three different classes April 21st – April 23rd featuring stencils.  If you enjoy stencils or want to learn more about them, be sure to check out her class card samples.  Lynell has beautiful techniques to share with you. 

The Magenta Trunk starts today and it contains a fabulous selection of stamps as well as stencils that will work really well with embossing paste. I hope you will give it a try!