SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE

I don't know about you, but personally I find the resist technique simply irresistible. Working with the snowflakes from the Snowflake Wishes stamp set on page 38 of the current Mini Catalog, is an absolute delight.

To do the resist technique, you start with embossed images, then add ink over the embossing with a stamping sponge. Wherever the embossed images are, the ink will be resisted, coloring everything except the embossed areas. 

Starting with a 4" x 5 1/4" piece of Whisper White cardstock, I stamped in VersaMark ink the smaller of the snowflakes from the set haphazardly onto the cardstock. Since it is difficult to see exactly where I had stamped the snowflakes, I only did a handful when I went to the Heat Station to add white embossing powder to the stamped images and heat embossed them.

Then I was able to see much better where I needed to fill in a bit more with snowflakes. So I stamped in some more of the chilly little things in VersaMark, then heat embossed them too. 

I went back once more to fill in a few of the blank spots around the edges with more snowflakes. 

Usually when doing a resist, I would use clear embossing powder. But, in this case, I really wanted these snowflakes to POP, so I opted for white embossing powder.

Once my embossed snowflakes were completely cooled, I started in on my resist by sponging Seaside Spray ink all over the white cardstock. I gave it several coats so there were lighter and darker areas of the same beautiful blue.

To add a bit more depth to my snowstorm, I stamped a few of the smallest snowflakes here and there among the embossed snowflakes in full strength Seaside Spray ink, wiping any excess ink from the embossed snowflakes. 

I had never done that before and wondered how it would look. To be honest, I am thrilled with the extra dimension and interest these little blue snowlakes added.

The background of this card was so lovely and snowy, I just did not want to cover up too much of it. So, I opted for a fairly small focal point, if you will. I stamped "thinking of you with love" in Seaside Spray ink onto white, then die cut it with one of the gorgeous lacy dies from Ornate Dies (page 182 in the Annual Catalog). I popped that atop a Seaside Spray square cut with one of the Stitched Shapes dies (page 183, Annual Catalog). Before I attached the two layers together though, I threw a snippet of beautiful sparkly white and silver ribbon between them.

The sentiment panel was then popped up raised a bit from center with Stampin' Dimensionals.

To finish it off, I added Basic Rhinestones to the centers of chosen snowflakes. Adhered to a Seaside Spray card base - - - I love this card.

How are you doing on your Christmas card making? If any of you would like to exchange holiday greetings with me, just let me know -- I would love to do that!

Snowy

Smiles.