Sympathy Card Swap- DONE!

EMBOSSED WAX RESIST ON PHOTO GLOSSY PAPER

Doesn't it feel great to get something creative done? I made 19 sympathy cards today pretty much all identical. Just a slight ribbon change for the last three. Otherwise, I used Copic markers, one of my daughter's sketches (photocopied to multiply the quantity), and a set of my Spellbinders. I am drooling over this card background technique!

I was also super excited to incorporate a NEW technique (to me.) Wax paper resist on glossy photo paper with Distress Inks by Tim Holtz! I had the wax paper. I had a craft iron. And I had the 4x6 HP photo paper by the bagful! I have several Sizzix embossing folders. And of course big Tim Holtz fan that I am, I had the ink! It worked so well. I love the delicate distressed look it gives my card backgrounds! The bonus is that I even plan to use the remaining "used" sheets of embossed wax paper itself on baby cards for next month's Baby card swap! No way am I wasting such a beautiful embossed vellum-like leftover! (Don't worry I will post those when done as well so you can see.) :)

Here is a tutorial I wrote up about the process. I bet you have all the stuff you need in your house right now!

Embossing Folder Wax Paper Resist Technique - *Kathleen Aho

1. Cut regular wax paper to fit embossing folder.

2. Run wax paper through inside the folder just as you would for cardstock to emboss it in your choice of machine.

3. Place glossy 4x6 photo paper shiny side up on a heat proof surface or very firm ironing board. I used a wooden table and my silicone/teflon heat proof craft mat. Place embossed wax paper with it's raised surface facing down on the glossy photo paper.

4. Place one piece of scrap white cardstock on top as a "pressing cloth" to protect your crafting iron from wax and gloss finishes. Press 5-8 seconds on low iron setting heat or until the wax transfers to the photo paper. Keep your iron moving. You can see the wax pattern on the photo paper when you hold it up and turn it in the light. Set aside used wax papers since they can only be ironed once.

5. Use Tim Holtz Distress Ink to color the glossy paper to any color your prefer. The deeper you ink it, the more the wax resist shows off the pattern. Wipe off any streaks with a paper towel.

Uneven coverage is part of the Distress charm! Don’t try to be perfect.

6. Create your own delicate distress backgrounds, accent backings, and photo or journal mats. I used mine as card backings here. Who knew embossing folders could be 'reversed' in this way for such versatility? I thank those smart gals over on Splitcoaststampers for the concept!

SUPPLIES:

Craft teflon mat or ironing board

crafting iron (any household iron that is no longer used for clothing so it is ok to get it "dirty")

Embossing folder shown here: Sizzix #6 Christmas Set --but any will work!

any Big Kick, Cuttlebug, Wizard, Texture Boutique or Big Shot rolling die cutting and embossing machine

Distress Ink used: Tim Holtz Broken China blue. Try lots of colors --or several on one piece!

Photo paper: 4x6 HP (any standard photo paper will work.)

Wax paper: I used grocery store HyVee brand --but any will do!

navy blue 1/4 inch chiffon ribbon

mini white brads

Copic markers

Spellbinders: bracket from Nestabilities