One of my favorite elements of design is texture. As an interior designer I would juxtapose rustic, almost country elements against the smooth elements of contemporary design. When done right the final look was always beautiful. I think that this love can totally be translated into the paper arts. Today's creation reminds me of the same contrast in textural elements.
I began with two key supplies - Basic Grey's Wassail papers, brads and buttons and Rummage Bin Winter Vintage Signage.
I began by inking the focal image with Memento Rich Cocoa except for the sleigh itself.
I then used a warm red chalk ink to selectively ink only the sleigh. As you can see in these photos this is a technique that is quick and easy. I wasn't worried about the slight overlap in color being I was looking for a distressed look.
I then added the border to this "sign" using Distress Embossing Powder. The grainy texture of this embossing powder gives a feel of wood.
I then added just a little more depth to the color of the sleigh with Prismacolor Color Pencils.
I have seen so many beautiful combinations of brads and buttons and decided to give it a try. The brads that Basic Grey designs have too large a prong to fit through the button holes. I spread the prongs open and then used my Tonic Scissors to trim the prong back to half it's width. Please be certain to wear safety glasses and be cautious if you try this technique being the prongs become quite sharp when brought to such a fine point. It is almost like using tin snips and it is important to keep your eyes covered just in case a piece of metal pops off while cutting.
I then inserted the brad through the glossy button and then through the felt snowflake.
Once my card was completely put together I added a clear glaze to the surface of my sleigh to once again add a high shine and smooth surface right next to the distressed wood border. When covering such small surfaces the glaze is so well controlled when using this pen.
Look at all the amazing texture in this one little square.
- Rough Texture - Cuttlebug Swiss embossed Crimson Note Card, Distress Embossing Powder, Felt Snowflake, Red and Green Hemp
- Smooth Texture - Button, Brad, Sleigh and smooth papers
Think about texture and contrasting the smooth and rough textures the next time you create a card. It might help push you into a new way of looking at your creative process.