Today's SCS featured stamper is Vicky Gould of Village Stamper Ramblings. Vicky is a consistent participant in the SCS Saturday Inspiration Challenge that I host, so I wanted to use one of her Inspiration cards for my inspiration today. I chose her Better Person card she did for IC128. Since I am behind on my monthly holiday card quota, I decided to change it into a holiday design.
I tried no less than 15 times (as evidenced by my now full garbage can) to black emboss a holiday sentiment for the focal panel. But once again I was reminded that black embossing powder is not my friend. No matter what I tried (embossing buddy, different cardstocks, different inks), there were clearly visible black specs of powder on every one. I even tried stamping snowflakes over the specks to camouflage them, but that failed as well. Finally, I changed directions and went with this vintage Santa image instead.
The Stampin' Up Holiday Print background was stamped in Versamark and black embossed (this design is much more forgiving to stray specs). I used a large paint brush to cover the background with Gold Glimmer Blingz and Royal Red Shimmerz Glitter Paints. I finished with a shimmer gold cardstock Martha Stewart punched snowflake and a black half pearl.
Gorgeous card...love that vintage image.
Posted by: ~amy~ | January 25, 2009 at 09:58 AM
Love the vintage Santa on this Stephanie!! The card is beautiful despite the trouble that dang black EP gave you!! I use black craft ink with clear EP just to avoid those nasty specs!! Maybe that will help!
Posted by: Anne (itsapassion) | January 25, 2009 at 11:36 AM
This is just stunning. Thanks for a very inspiring eye candy.
Posted by: StampinCathy | January 25, 2009 at 11:49 AM
Beautifully done!! I just love the Santa, and all that black EP!!
hugs, Jami
Posted by: jami {sgtStamper} | January 26, 2009 at 03:56 AM
It is well worth all the effort because it is stunning!!!
Posted by: wendyp | January 26, 2009 at 04:45 PM
Beautiful!
Have you ever tried stamping with black ink and embossing with clear embossing powder? Black embossing powder isn't always my friend either. :)
Posted by: Arlene | January 27, 2009 at 12:01 AM
the image is gorgeous stef! your card looks great, the specs would have just looked like part of the design...
Posted by: E.T | January 29, 2009 at 03:25 AM