Distressed Leaves for Fall

The distressed leaves on this card are perfect for fall.  This was our technique example last month: distressing techniques. Each month we learn a new technique and add a sample to our growing technique ring. If you are local to the Madison/Dane county area then please join us. You'll find the events calendar HERE and you can RSVP right from this site.

Just look at those leaf layers.  This turned out to be one of my favorite cards. There was a little effort involved but boy, don't you think it just turned out stunning!  Of course the glimmer paper caps on the mushrooms really helps.

To start this card you'll need to pick your designer paper.  Once the paper is chosen then pick solid colors for the leaves that will coordinate with the designer paper. I really love our new leaf die because it has an acorn as well as the beautiful leaves.

   

2-Step distressing:  The photo to the right above probably explains it all, but here it is in words.
(1) After die cutting the shape we crumpled the leaf to get lots of wrinkles.
(2) Then we sponged brown ink (Chocolate Chip) over the wrinkles and along the edges of the leaf ... Voila! Distressed.

To do this you'll need sponges.  I confess I tried a kitchen sponge but it just doesn't work. Its too stiff.  Stampin'UP!'s art sponges are perfect. They come 3 to a pack and we always cut each one into 6 pieces like you see in the photo above so we get 18 sponge wedges from 1 pack.

STAMPING TIP:  Staple a piece of paper to the sponge wedge that matches the ink color. Then save them for next time with no guessing about which color is on the sponge!

Here's another tip regarding adhesives.

• Our regular double-sided tape was fine for the backs of the leaves.
• I used Glue Dots under the acorns because they were smaller.
• You MUST use a glue dot on the top of glimmer paper. Tape will not adhere well to the glimmer paper because its surface is not flat.

A few more project details

• The designer paper edge was cut with the new Large Scallop Edgelits die.
• The brown acorns were texture embossed with the Square Lattice Embossing folder.
• The tops of the acorns were cut from Champagne Glimmer paper .
• The leaves were embellished with Crumb Cake Seam Binding and an Antique Brad.

I love how the Stampin'UP! product is all color coordinated.  The fact that the inks, papers and embellishments are all color-coordinated is one of the strongest selling features for choosing Stampin'UP! product.  That and of course the great quality and the super imagery.

So, wouldn't it be great to have all the colors!  Well from now until Dec 16th you have a great opportunity to add to your collection of ink pads.

You get 10 FREE ink pads when you

• buy the Starter Kit -or-
• Host a $450 party

You could even collect orders from friends and family and put in your own order online for $450 to earn the FREE ink pads.  Just be sure to use these special product codes, otherwise you'd be charged regular price for the pads.

• 132652 Brights Classic Stampin' Pads
• 132653 Subtles Classic Stampin' Pads
• 132654 Regals Classic Stampin' Pads 

Do you want them?  What should you do now to make sure you get them? Well, this offer is only available until Dec 16. But that is plenty of time.  Here are 3 different ways to get those free ink pads.

1. Get your calendar, pick a date and start planning your party. Call me to reserve your date. 608-220-3450
2. Show all your friends your catalogs and start collecting orders yourself to get to that $450 mark I can place that order for you or you can place it yourself online here
3. Join Stampin'UP! for only $99. 

→ And you could get 2 free sets by Joining First
and then hosting your own qualifying  party.  ←

Happy Stamping
--Katie