This card was made for two card challenges, one that required that we make our own background paper, and the second that has a sketch.
I chose to make my background using the "die embossing" technique with a cluster of dragonfly outlines oriented in several different directions. To do this, you put a rubber embossing mat under the paper before you run it through your cutting machine. This creates deep impressions instead of cutting the paper.
Following on with the dragonfly theme, I created the central colorful dragonfly using the "die inlay" technique where you die cut the "framework"... in this case the details of the dragonfly, using black cardstock. Then die cut the dragonfly again on three different colors of cardstock (I chose Stampin' Up! (SU) Island Indigo, Bermuda Bay and Mint Macaron. To make this easier on yourself, I recommend that you using a couple dryer sheets folded double under the cardstock when you die cut. This will allow the cut image to separate easily from the die, and make the tiny pieces stick to the dryer sheet. You can then select the colors for the pieces you want to insert into the openings of the dragonfly die. It makes it easy to see where each piece goes since you have the tiny pieces to compare to on the dryer sheet as you methodically fill in your dragonfly outline. Note that to make this technique work, you really need something solid behind/under the dragonfly framework. Luckily, the "Detailed Dragonfly" dies comes with a solid shape die that I glued two layers of the black framework onto. You can use glue in each opening, or do like I did where I put a piece of Scor-Tape (double sided tape) onto the black piece of scrap cardstock before I die cut the solid dragonfly shape, then lined up the framework on top of the solid dragonfly. This leaves nice sticky "holes" where you place your colored pieces.
Finally, the sketch called for three items at the top of the card. Instead of using rhinestones or enamel dots, I cut out the cluster of dragonflies using the same die I used to create the background piece, then trimmed the cluster of six dragonflies down to just the three I needed.
The stamped sentiment is from the SU "Lovely Wishes" stamp set.
It is a bit tedious to do the main dragonfly using the "die inlay" technique, but I think the end result makes it well worth it! I am rating the difficulty level of this card as a "4" out of a possible "5" because of the techniques I used.
Date: Saturday, June 4, 2022 GMT Views: 330
Favorited:5
Additional Info
Stamps: SU Lovely Wishes
Paper: SU Island Indigo, Mint Macaron, Soft Sky, Basic Black, Bermuda Bay
Paper Size: A2
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: SU Detailed Dragonfly Dies, Bearly Art Glue, Wink of Stella