Technique Thursday - Embossed Background

It's time for another installment of Technique Thursday, and this week I've got a very easy technique, sure to give a simple card a bit of a "wow" factor! I don't know about you, but I find it hard to believe we ever lived without the Big Shot, and embossing folders!! Today I'm going to show you how you can add dimension to your cards with any punches and Big Shot dies you've got on hand, you're not limited to what folders you've got!

Here are the two cards I came up with:How do you like the backgrounds for these two cards? This was so simple, this is how I did it:

First, punch the shapes you'd like embossed into your background. For the top card I used the Island Floral die, for the cupcake card I used the cupcake punch.

**Tip - use something a little thicker than card stock to punch your shapes. I used the backing of a package of dsp. The thicker the material you use for your punched shapes, the greater impression they will make in your card stock.

Next, arrange them on your card stock or dsp as desired. Use Dotto (temporary adhesive) to hold them in place.Once you've got them arranged, flip this piece of paper over, so that the punched shapes are against your cutting plate, like this:

Next add the rest of your "sandwich", which will be the Silicone Rubber pad, and the Texturz Impressions Pad on top.

Run this through the Big Shot, and when it comes out, peel off the punched shapes that were temporarily adhered to the dsp or card stock. Voila! You're read to use your embossed paper on a project!

If you'd like to give this technique a try, we'd love to see what you come up with! Just link your creation below:

"How To" Build a Card Box

Hi Everyone,

Toady I’m going to share a “How To” make a Card Box for all the lovely cards you make. Ever think about making sets and giving them as Gifts? Well now you can ……this is how

Supplies needed:

Card Stock

Paper Cutter and Scoring Blade

Bone Folder

Sticky Strip

Designer Series Paper and any embellishments you may like.

1-Cut Card Stock to 10 x 81/2

2-Score at 2” on all 4 sides

3- Cut across the tabs with your paper snips to create a more finished box.

4-Cut up to score lines

5- Score really well with your bone folder. It really helps make a neat box to have nice crisp and creased lines. Whooo…say that fast five time!!!

6- Add Sticky Strip where indicated (close to the score line so there are no gaps)

7-Peel off Sticky Strip and build your corners.

See how nice the inside looks!

8- Cut the top of the box at 6 5/8 x 8 1/8

9- Score box top on all four sides at 1 inch

10- Cut tabs at an angle with your snips, same as the bottom fo the box

11: Add Sticky Strip and a glue dot as the little corners are so little (it’s just easier)…then build your top.

12-I made a black mat measuring 4 1/4 x 5 3/4 and used a piece of DSP measuring 4 x 5 1/2 and taped together.

Add to the top of your box. I tied a double bow using Black Satin Ribbon and taped to the back of the mat before sticking it down.

I had an extra flower made in Melon Mambo using our new Fun Flower Die and attached it with Glue Dots.

So that’s it!!! Let me know if you liked it!

Now to figure out what to make to put in the inside. Obviously a pretty set of note cards for someone…..back to the drawing board!! By the way…this box will hold 8-12 cards and Envelopes easily!

Have a wonderful Day Everyone!!!

Saturday Sketch Challenge #190

Hello everyone and welcome to a new Saturday Sketch Challenge from the Stamping 411 Operators!

Here's our sketch for this week ...

As you can see, you've got a good sized space for your focal image and sentiment. And don't forget the ribbon treatment!

Here is one possibility for measurements for this card:

1. Layer One -- Cardbase -- Cardstock cut at 5.5 x 8.5", scored and folded
2. Layer Two -- 4 x 5.25"
3. Layer Three - 1.5 x 4.5"
4. Layer Four -- 1.25 x 4.25"
5. Layer Five -- 2.5 x 3.5"
6. Layer Six -- 2.25 x 3.25"

We hope you'll want to play along with this week's sketch challenge. We've got some beautiful projects from the Stamping 411 Operators to inspire you and get your creative juices flowing.

Here you go ...

Robin Merriman

Gretchen Barron

Kerin Sylvester

Tiffany Bauer




Selene Kempton




Connie Babbert




Lee Conrey

Patti Chesky

Are you inspired? We hope so! Now, get busy creating your own interpretation of this sketch. And when you get it done, come back and leave your link below! It's easy to do -- take photos, post them on your blog or other public forum, and then click on the link below and follow the directions below. We hope that we'll soon be enjoying your beautiful artwork! You have until Thursday morning at 5 AM (Eastern Time) to leave your link!

Have a great weekend and Happy stamping!