Farewell Finial Press

I have to say that when I saw the Finial Press Textured Impressions folder on the retiring list I thought it must have been a typo.  I couldn't imagine that it could possibly be leaving us, but alas, it is true.  As of the end of May one of my most favourite embossing folders will go away (~sob~).
In honour of it's retirement I created this card that uses the Double Embossing technique.  Have a look...

Pretty Thank You card featuring the Double Embossing technique and the Creative Elements and Established Elegance stamp sets.  Sentiment is from Rue des Fleurs.

I have to say that I really love doing vintage-style cards.  They are so easy to pull together and such fun to distress and sponge.  This one really is made by the cool background.  Here is a quick how-to for this technique.
Starting with the embossing folder of your choice, apply Versamark ink all over the smooth side (non-bumpy side) of the folder.  Insert DSP or card stock into the folder and run it through the Big Shot with usual sandwich.  Remove the embossed paper and pour embossing powder all over the raised pattern.  The powder will stick to the Versamark, leaving the raised pattern free from powder.  Heat the powder until it melts and takes on that beautiful shine.  If desired, sponge ink over the raised pattern to accentuate the pattern (I didn't do that on this card because I wanted the newsprint text to show up).   The rest of this card is just about distressing and sponging.  Such a fun and easy card to put together.  If you haven't tried a vintage-style card, what are you waiting for?  It is easier than it looks...and tons of fun!

On another note...in case you missed it, yesterday I told you about some exciting Blog Candy I am giving away this week.  In honour of my Guest Designer gig over at Craft Project Central, I am giving away a free 1 month subscription to one of my lucky blog readers.  To enter, just leave a comment on any (or every!) post between May 1st and May 8th.  The more you comment the more entries you'll have!  I will announce the winner on May 9th and you'll have the rest of the month to peruse this month's great projects over at CPC.  Be sure to stop by here tomorrow...I'll have another of this month's projects to show you...

CASE of a CASE!

Today's card is one that I CASE'd from my upline, who CASE'd it from Wendy Weixler, a very talented demonstrator from the southern US.  I love the layout and CAS design and just had to replicate it for my one of my monthly groups.  Check it out...

Cheeky Thank you card featuring the Rue des Fleurs stamp set.

Inside view

I love the cheekiness of this card...so much fun!  I also love that it is so simple!  The stamped image really pops and I think the pleated satin ribbon peeking out from behind the sentiment panel is reminiscent of frilly underthings peeking out from under a hemline (or above cleavage!).  I really love this card...so much that I think I will be using this design to send to all of my parent volunteers at school...they'll get a kick out of it!