It’s all in the details!

How did February fly by so quickly?  This is already the 4th Sunday and my last post as a Limelight Designer.  Thanks to everyone who stopped by and left me such wonderful comments throughout the month!  Since I just attended a Copic certification class by Debbie Olson last week, I’ve been on a Copic coloring roll.  If you’re a newbie to these alcohol based markers, she suggests buying Copics in groups of 3 of the same color family which is why Flourishes’ color collections are so great if you’re wanting to know where to start with color choices.

So, let’s get on with my first card…

 Detail #1:

A subtle yet elegant detail that I love to add to cards is embossing with Nestabilities…they’re not just for cutting!  With the proper “sandwich”, you can create an embossed frame around your image.  I have a Big Shot die cutting machine, so this description fits this machine.  Start with opening the multipurpose platform to Tab 1. Then add 3 layers of cardstock, a clear cutting plate, a rubber mat, the cardstock that you plan to emboss, the Nestie (with cutting side DOWN), and another clear plate.  I like to tape the Nestie to the CS with two tiny pieces of Scotch tape where I’ve lessened the stickiness by putting the tape on my clothing first.  You’ll want to GENTLY remove the tape so you don’t tear off any of the paper.  Practice this technique and tweak it to your liking.  You may need to add another shim of cardstock for a heavier embossed look.

Here’s another card using this same embossing method…

Detail #2:

When cutting out a colored image to pop up on a card with foam dots, you may notice the white edge that remains.  A simple way to remedy this is to take a Copic marker and swipe it along the edge of the image and the whiteness disappears.  You can use black around the entire image or use a green around the leaves, pink around the rose, etc.  I guess Freud had a name for people like me, but it really does finish off your project nicely!  You don’t want to hold the marker to the edge very long or the ink will feather into the card stock.

Detail #3:

Just like a special button may finish off a tailored jacket, so can a bit of sparkle top off a card.  I added some Diamond Stickles to the centers of the roses or you could add some light touches of a Copic Spica pen to make your image more interesting.

So…nothing really profound for you this week…just a reminder to pay attention to details that could add that “wow” factor and make your cards a bit more special!  Happy creating everyone!