The Illusion Of Layers

Hi! Kara here.

I saw an image posted on Pinterest {where else?} with cute bow ties. It made me think of my dad who asked if he could wear a bowtie to my wedding. He's old school like that ;) Of course, I said yes.

I thought a fun, graphic bowtie birthday card would be perfect for him.

To create my bowties I used a few triangle images from the Just Geometrics: Triangles stamp set.

I stamped them in Mojito and Ocean Drive PURECOLOR Dye Ink and finished each one off with a rhinestone.

I wanted to mat my card front in a coordinating color cardstock, but didn't have any that matched. So here's how I created my custom "faux" mat using ink.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Tape off the edges of your card stock in the desired width. I just eyeballed the white space that I wanted left around the outside of the 'mat' and added some painter's tape, it's about 1/4 inch. (Try varying the size for different looks!)
2. Use a sponge dauber to apply ink to the revealed card stock. (I swiped the color from the edge inward to avoid color seeping under the tape.) You only need to go in as far as will show. No need to color areas that will be covered by the top panel.
3. Carefully remove the tape; it can tear your paper. (If your tape is too sticky, try removing some of the "stick" by pressing the sticky side to your skin and removing it before applying it to your card stock.)

SUPPLY TIP: You can also try using Masking Paper or Post It Tape instead. On a second attempt I used masking paper instead and it was much gentler on the paper and gave a much cleaner edge. I'll link some in the supplies below. But, in a pinch...well, we all have painter's tape on hand. ;o)

For my sentiment I die cut 'dad' from the Epic Dad die set from white card stock. I added color to it using Ocean Drive ink and a dauber. I stamped the banner from Basic Banners in black ink and cut it out however, there is a coordinating banner die.

A very simple technique for stretching your basic supplies. White cardstock is all you need, especially with these PURECOLOR Dye Inks!

This is also a great technique for eliminating some bulk while still giving the illusion of layers. Try adding a second color to make it look like it is double matted.....

Thanks so much for joining me today!

Wplus9 Just Geometrics: Triangles 3x4 Clear Stamps Wplus9 Epic Dad Die Wplus9 Basic Banners 3x4 Clear Stamps Wplus9 Ocean Drive PURE COLOR Dye Ink Pad Wplus9 Mojito PURE COLOR Dye Ink Pad Wplus9 White Premium Cardstock *Tsukineko Ink Pad 10 SPONGE DAUBERS Rubber Stamp *Therm O Web 3D MOUNTING SQUARES White Foam 3777 *3M Scotch ROLL WHITE MASKING TAPE Post-It Adhesive 2650-W *Simon Says Stamp MATTE MASKING PAPER Low Tack 9x12 MTTmsk2 *Darice 8mm 120Ct Rhinestones Round CRYSTAL Clear White 1811-33 *Hero Arts Memories Rubber Stamp DYE Ink Pad BLACK AF101

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