Copper Pine Tree

I'm just loving making my own background paper.  Why haven't I been doing this all along??!!  Stamp TV has so many wonderful instructional videos and I'm ready to try them all!

Today I used the Rubber Band Embossing technique to create the background paper for my card.  I also sponged the same inks onto "un-embossed" paper and used it for the backdrop of the main image and sentiment.  Together they look spectacular and I plan on using this technique a lot in the next while, experimenting with different colors of embossing powders and inks.  Hope you like.

"Copper Pine Tree"

Stamps:  Sincere Salutations (sentiment) (SU!)

Paper:  Basic Black, Whisper White (SU!)

Ink:  So Saffron, Pumpkin Pie, Cajun Craze, Basic Black (SU!), Versamark

Accessories & Tools:  Sizzix Die-cut Pine Tree, copper metal sheet .005 thickness (K&S Precision Metals), butane torch, hammering tool, gold embossing powder, heat tool, clear embossing powder, elastic bands, brayer, sponges, three small black jewels, sticky strips, adhesives & dimensionals.

* * * * *

Using my Big Shot, I cut out the pine tree die-cut using the copper sheet.  I heated the tree with a butane torch until the metal turned different colors.  After it cooled, I used the end of my eyelet setting tool (anything that is hard and has a small tip will work) to "hammer" a finish onto the tree.  I used the 4"x2" piece of black cardstock to cut out another pine tree.  I cut it down the middle and mounted each side behind the copper tree to make a "shadow" effect.

I "Rubber Band Embossed" the large piece of Whisper White cardstock.  Then, using my Colorbox sponges (any sponge will do), I randomly sponged on all pieces of Whisper White with So Saffron, Pumpkin Pie and Cajun Craze inks.  I also sponged Cajun Craze along the edges of each piece.  I stamped the sentiment with Basic Black ink and embossed with clear powder.

I mounted all the pieces as shown in the picture above, popping up the copper tree and sentiment with dimensionals to add depth.  To finish I added three small "jewels" at the bottom of the sentiment.