Friday, March 21, 2014

Pleasant Words and a look back!

Hello friends!  Today we on the Design Team are taking a look back at the Our Daily Bread designs  March release.  I have created something pretty different for you today!  I used  a technique found on SCS.

It's called Serendipity Squares Technique and I really enjoyed it!  It is a little time consuming, but so worth it!  You begin with a base card stock, and several scraps of designer paper that coordinate with each other.  You tear them in to pieces.  I played around a little bit with the sizes to tear the papers.  In the photo below I had torn them to about 1" but I ended up tearing them again, so about 1/2" is what seemed to work the best for me. 


Once you have your scraps torn, you glue them to your card stock.  I used Tombow Multi glue.  A glue stick would also work here.  You overlap the edges and cover the entire paper.  In addition to the original instructions, I sponged the edges of my papers if any white torn edges showed, using distress inks.  Once covered, you trim your paper to remove any jagged edges  of scraps, and then you begin stamping various images on the paper. I stamped the Bee Balm image, and I also stamped the Honey Comb Mini with VersaMark and embossed in gold.  Next, you cut your paper into whatever shapes you want for your card background. This is the step where the "serendipity" really happens! As you cut them apart and regroup them together, the shapes and patterns of your stamped images and embossing really catch your eye. For this card,  I just used three strips and mounted on white card stock.  I loved the look of this paper background so much I didn't want to cover it up... so, I decided to try some acetate over top of it!

 I stamped a piece of acetate with Versamark, stamped my sentiment from the Be Happy set, and heat embossed with gold.  I did the same with the Hummingbird, and with the Bee Balm image.  I hand cut the bee balm and used the ODBD Custom Hummingbird Die to cut the hummingbird.  I cut a Spellbinders Decorative Labels 28 from white card stock, adhered the sentiment acetate layer to the back of that frame and mounted it on my background with foam strips.  I then adhered the flower and the hummingbird on the front of the frame.  I love how the background looks peeking through the acetate.  It WAS hard to get a photo of it, so it does not really show you how pretty it is, but in real life, I absolutely love how this came out.  I'm so glad I played with that technique because it's definitely one I'll use again, AND it's a great way to use up scraps!

EDITED to add:  I was asked about tips on embossing on acetate.  I did not buy any specially heave acetate to do this, but I did preheat the gun and then I heated from the back side I did not have any trouble with the acetate curling or melting.  The only time I have had that happen was when I tried using packaging acetate from a box.  I had thought since it was so heavy it would be fine but it curled.  This is just regular card type acetate.  I don't have a name on it or I'd share that but I don't.  I hope this helps!

Card Recipe:
Dies: ODBD Custom Hummingbird Die, Spellbinders Decorative Labels 28
Paper:  Neenah Solar White CS, Scraps of designer paper for background
Ink: Distress Inks
Accessories: May Arts Silk Ribbon, Pearls, Gold Embossing Powder

I hope you'll give it a try, and if you do, let me know so I can come see it!
Here are the products I used for this project:


To see more inspiration, please visit the ODBD Blog, and

be sure to check out my DT sisters creations:


Chris * Grace * Sandee * Stacy * Julie * Dawn * Sabrina * Cathy * Lori Wanda



16 comments:

CherylQuilts said...

Grace, this is GORGEOUS! I am in awe at this fabulous technique and love the results, especially with the gold embossing! Such a beautiful card, and I love the Scripture verse...so precious to me right now...and to you! Hugs, sweet friend!

Anonymous said...

This is an awesome technique Grace! Thank you so much for sharing! Love the card, beautiful, as always! Joleen

Irish Cherokee said...

Awesome! Awesome! Awesome!

Cathymac said...

Oh my, Grace, what a gorgeous card! I've never seen this technique, but what beautiful results, and as much as I love new techniques, you know I'll be trying it. I also love the gold embossing on the acetate…you are so talented, my dear friend!

Chris Olsen, Glowbug said...

Wow, Grace!! This is stunning!! I so love the gold hummingbirds and your technique!! Gorgeous colors and design!! I just love it!!
hugs,
Chris

Merilee Lane said...

Grace, this really is a gorgeous card and I love the techniques you used. The last time I tried to heat emboss on acetate I melted it, lol! Did you use heavy weight acetate or did I do something wrong somehow? I realize you need to heat the gun ahead of time and try to emboss quickly. However, my acetate still melted. Any tips?

Thanks for sharing!
Merilee

SarahGeorge said...

Simply stunning! The technique is super awesome on your card :)

kiwimeskreations said...

Grace this is really stunning - love how the image on the acetate seem to float about that beautiful background.
Blessings
Maxine

Conniecrafter said...

Gorgeous, love your background and the embossing in gold is just perfect with it!

Becky said...

wow Grace, this is stunning. Love the gold embossing.

Julie- justwritedesigns said...

Beautiful, Grace! Love the bg and the gold embossing is so elegant!

Cards By Jan said...

Wow Grace...Very BEAUTIFUL!! love it in gold EP...Awesome!!

Sandee Shanabrough said...

Oh wow Grace! This is so gorgeous! Love that technique! The gold embossing just absolutely makes this stunning!

Stacy Morgan said...

That gold embossing is beautiful, really like the way you framed this and beautiful card.

Wanda Cullen said...

OMGoodness, this is such a stunning look and a new technique for me! Love all the gold embossing to add such a richness to your card!

JD/ Jill said...

What a fabulous card! What a job you did with this technique and that gold embossing! So elegant! You have me inspired to give it a try...