Fun Flowers

I recently came across a video demonstrating an older technique using embossing folders and decided I had to try it with one of Tim Holtz’s 3D embossing folders. It’s such a fun technique and it feels like magic when you do the reveal. Hope you try it!

Materials used:

• Ranger Distress oxides in Candied Apple, Mustard Seed and Cracked Pistachio
• Sizzix/Tim Holtz 3D texture fade-Botanical (662716)
• Versafine clair- Nocturne
• Gina K. Designs stamps- Fancy Phrases plus matching dies
• Tim Holtz distress tiny blending tools (tda84990)
• Ranger Detail blending tools (ibt62172)
• Gold enamel dots

The most important thing to know about this technique is that you do all the inking on the reverse side of the embossing folders.

Begin by embossing the image onto white card stock. I like to spritz the paper with water when using the 3D folders to help the paper not crack. Again, on the reverse side (the side with the wells or indented images), ink the flowers pressing the ink into the indents. Follow by inking the leaves. Use small blending foams and the detail blenders to get into the small areas. Don’t worry if the ink leaks out into the surrounding area as it will get covered later.

I know it looks like this is the front of the piece (trick of the camera), but it is the back.

Once you have colored all the flowers, take your black ink and run it over the entire card. Keep the pad flat and run it over and in circles until it is all covered. The black covers all the raised areas, so the indented flowers end up staying colored. Note that this technique is very messy, so if you don’t like inky fingers you may want to wear gloves. These two photos are from when I used Kitsch Flamingo instead of the red.

Here is a close-up of one of the areas. There may be a little color show through outside the lines but I don’t think it’s that obvious and just makes it look aged.

I finished with a sentiment from the Gina K. set and some gold embellishments.

I love this technique and can’t wait to try it with some of my other folders! Have a fantastic week! -Lisa