Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Freshly Made Sketches 43

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away I used to love learning new techniques and trying them out on my cards.  The ones that were overly complicated were usually relegated to my "nice, but...." pile never to be attempted again.  The easier ones I filed away for future use and unfortunately sometimes I forget about them.  But for my card today for Freshly Made Sketches I dusted off an easy technique that I think might be called something like "faux suede."


As I sat down to make my card, I realized that I had been completely ignoring the pretty new In Colors for this year so I used some Primrose Petals cardstock and DSP.  I added in some Lucky Limeade cardstock and Everyday Enchantment DSP, then set about making my faux suede flowers.  If you're not familiar with the technique, it basically involves breaking down the fibers of your cardstock so that you can separate the layers and what you're left with is a soft, suede-like bit of cardstock.  First, I cut out my flower shape, then I ran my cardstock through the crimper, then I smoothed it with a bone folder.  I do this a couple of times until I see the cardstock begin to separate.  Once I see this I carefully peel the layers apart. What you're left with is some very cool cardstock that looks like soft suede.

As I was deciding on what I wanted to do with the big rectangle shape of the sketch I realized that the challenge at CAS-ual Fridays to add text was the perfect excuse to ink up this cool Gina K stamp that matches the Labels Four Nestie.  I added my suede flower (with an Antique Brad in the center) and a couple of leaves from the Island Floral Bigz Die.  I actually think that the leaves are a tad too big for the flower, but as luck would have it I didn't realize this until the card was done, the picture taken and the blog post ready to go!

This was an awfully long post and if you've stuck with me this far, your only job now is to check out the sketch at Freshly Made Sketches and be totally amazed and enthralled by the design team creations that are intended to inspire you to join our sketch challenge this week.

Here are links to the design team in case you get lost on the way!


14 comments:

Linda Suarez said...

Beautiful card Jen! Your flower is gorgeous. I will definitely have to try that technique! Thanks for sharing it!

Unknown said...

Jen this is beautiful. Your choice of colors is perfect. I love your faux suede flower. I've never tried this technique. Thanks for the inspiration.

Mikki said...

Jen, this is beautiful!! Love your flower, colors and design. Thanks for sharing how you did the faux suede flower. Love the center with the Nesties.

Vicky Hayes said...

I love this technique too Jen and you've made a gorgeous flower with it!

Cindy Hall said...

Really beautiful. CAS with a hint of Vintage. Love your colors and that gorgeous flower!

Teresa Zuehls said...

Beautiful card! The black layers really brings out the color patterns of the paper. Love the texure on the leaves too. TFS

Karolyn at Paper Therapy said...

This is amazing! I adore the clean lines and precision of every detail - stunning! Thanks so much for playing with us at CAS-ual Fridays! We're so glad you did!

Tui Nathan said...

That suede technique is so simple yet the effects are so stunning .... love this gorgeous flower and beautiful colour pallette ... just gorgeous!

Anonymous said...

This is so pretty! I love all the details on this card, the texture, the clean lines... Fantastic! Thanks so much for playing with us this week at CAS-ual Fridays!

Lisa A. said...

Simply lovely and elegant...love the layout and your pretty flower:)!! Thanks for being a part of the challenge this week at CAS-ual Fridays:)!!

Ann Schach said...

Absolutely stunning! Your flower just "pops" off the page!

Jen Brum said...

WOW! Love it Jen! Your cards are just so beautiful! Love those leaves! I have a new love for my paper crimper!

Jen Sannes said...

Such a classy creation! Love that big ol' flower. :)

Mona Pendleton said...

So pretty Jen! Love the beautiful blossom! Thanks for the inspiration!