Hey guys! I just wanted to show you all the cool effects of tedious details :) Now you know how they it's never easy to get anywhere worth getting to. Well, it seems like a lot of the time when I scrapbook I tend to depend on my tools. I look to them to make things look like how I want. I take the long road, the road less traveled. I guess it's all in the journey.
So, these techniques I'm about to show you are no different. I'm going to make what I call 'holy-holes' and dry embossed patterns. Sure you can buy paper with similar looks but sometimes I like things custom ^-----^
So let's start with the most tedious of the two...holy-holes! The concept is quite simple. Just punch out holes within holes to reveal texture and color. Here's how to do it:
1.) You will need...
-Four pieces of card stock. (it adds more intensity when they are of varying colors)
-A 'anywhere' hole punching kit with 3 different size hole punches + hammer. I used one from Making Memories.
-Adhesive
-Self healing mat
-See through ruler
-Pencil
-Eraser
2.) We will be using three colors for this + another as a back round. Start by picking the color you want to be on the top. Make an even grid pattern with a see through ruler and pencil. Start by making even lines vertically and then do the same horizontally. Make sure to make your markings light as you will be erasing them later.
3.) Where each of the lines intersect another make a hole with the largest hole punch tip. ( I know...I know....tedious :)
4.) Next take the next color you want to use. Place it under the top paper you just punched holes through. and with the second largest hole tip...punch right in the middle of the previous holes through the second paper. You might want to use painters tape to hold the papers in place so they won't slip and slide :)
5.) Repeat step 4 but with the third piece of paper. Place it under the second piece and with the smallest hole punch tip, punch holes through the previous again.
6.) Add you back paperand with all of them stacked, you will have an awesome 'holy-hole' effect. It may take a bit but it's all in the process. ^-----^
Here is a layout I did a while back using this technique.
So, the next technique is dry embossing to get a subtle look that makes a great impact. I love this technique because it makes using solid card stock that much more fun. I have a block when it comes to solids but with this technique and the one above...It's a breeze using it. It's an old technique but...so what? :)
For this technique you will need:
-An embossing plate
-A Stylus
-A light box (optional...I would have demonstrated using my light box but It's in my basement and ...well...lets just say we nick name it 'The Dungeon' ^-------^
So here's how I do this:
1.) I take out a piece of card stock. If you are going to use a light box make sure light can shine through. Test by holding it up to a light. Here I'm dry embossing without one.
2.) Lay your embossing plate down on your table. ( using a self healing mat is always best :) Then place you paper over the top. I make sure I know where the plate is...feel around with my finger and start to trace the contours of it with my stylus.
2.) And really that's pretty much it! You can either use the indented side or the the 'puffy' side. When I use the circle rings I tend to like the look of the indented circle.
Here's an example using a small polka template.
And here's a couple of layouts with dry embossing used.
Hope you enjoy and Happy Scrappin'!,
-Karla
