45 YEARS

It was on June 2, 1973 -- 45 years ago today -- 

that I became a bride. 

To commemorate this special milestone anniversary, I wanted to make my husband, Pat, a really exquisite card. 

He told me the other day that he likes my cards when they have texture. 

I thought, with the card I came up with, he couldn't ask for any more texture:

Back in the day, June 2, 1973:

Anyway, back to the creating of the card.  

Can you guess how I made the metallic heart portion?

The process is a little tricky, but when it turns out, 

it is totally worth the extra care and effort.

I did the heart portion with an old Embossing Powder that Stampin' Up! carried a few years ago. It was a powder that I loved so much, I ordered an extra jar of it once I knew it was retiring. It is Pewter Embossing Powder. Its rich ambience was perfect for my anniversary card.

To do the technique, it takes several steps for which you must be ready ahead of time. Read on.

First I measured this heart rubber stamp that I wanted to use for my impression. I then die cut a circle of white cardstock that would fit the heart perfectly. 

First step: Ink up the circle well with VersaMark ink by applying the ink pad directly to the paper.. Dump the embossing powder over it, tapping off excess, but not too much. You want a thick even layer of powder. Use the heat tool on the circle until the embossing is smooth. At this point, the instructions I had said to be quick and immediately add more embossing powder while the first layer was still hot. That didn't work for me. So I will proceed to tell you what DID work for me.

Step Two: Ink up the first layer of embossing once again with VersaMark Ink. Add more embossing powder, and heat until smooth.

Step Three: Repeat Step Two.

Step Four: Repeat Step Three, BUT be ready for Step Five IMMEDIATELY.

Step Five; IMMEDIATELY press your chosen stamp -- which had been pre-inked up with VersaMark -- into the hot embossing powder. Hold the stamp in place for a few beats. Then, gently lift the stamp straight up.

And below is what you will have -- IF YOU WERE LUCKY. I was actually lucky my first try. It wasn't perfect, but I loved it anyway.

Because the heavily embossed piece curled up somewhat, I cut another circle from cardstock in the same size as the metallic piece. I then used green glue to adhere the two layers together. 

To give it a little more added strength and flatness, I adhered this double circle to a burgundy circle in one size larger.

I then adhered it to the background created with an embossing folder with several Stampin' Dimensionals, to hold it as flat and even as possible.

Initially, I'd thought to make a traditional A2 size card. But, I ended up deciding that the heart piece should BE the card, so I opted for a 4 1/4" x 4 1/4" card. 

Being a strange size and a square besides, I decided to create my envelope from the same burgundy cardstock with my trusty Envelope Punch Board.

I just wish you could run your fingers over the sumptuous texture of the heart piece. It is simply exquisite in the way it feels. I can't believe it was made with a stamp pressed into hot embossing powder! 

Try this technique! I wish you as much luck as I had in my first attempt!

Anniversary

Smiles.