TECHNIQUE THURSDAY, FAUX SNAKESKIN & ALLIGATOR...

Tonight was my Technique Thursday class. This time out we tackled the Faux Snakeskin and Faux Alligator techniques. I have done the Alligator Technique before in a 3D class (Faux Alligator Wristlets) last year, but never covered it in my monthly Technique Thursday classes.  The Snakeskin Technique goes with it beautifully.  They both are marvelous for masculine cards.  I kept the card very simple so that the two techniques would be prominent.  Also, I did two versions of the card as I couldn't decide whether the Crumb Cake or Naturals Ivory focal piece was better.  What do you think?  Enjoy!

ALLIGATOR MEETS SNAKESKIN MOTORCYCLE CARD SUPPLIES:

• Stamp Sets – Motorcycle (#117657, $8.95), Occasional Quotes (Hostess Level 3)
• Card stock – Cajun Craze, Early Espresso, Crumb Cake or Naturals Ivory
  
• Ink – Early Espresso, Pumpkin Pie, VersaMark
• Ribbon – Early Espresso 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon (#119955, $6.95)
• Accessories – Clear Embossing Powder, Stampin' Dimensionals, Bounty Quilted Paper Towels
  
• Tools – Brayer, Bone Folder

SNAKESKIN TECHNIQUE:

1. Cut a Bounty Quilted paper towel to size needed for project.
2. Bray Classic ink over the paper towel until well covered. Repeat on the other side of the towel.
3. Misting with water now can help “fade” the quilted pattern.  Do not mist before braying as the paper towel will stick to the brayer.
4. Using the Direct-to-Paper method, press the ink pad onto the paper towel saturating the entire surface.  Flip and repeat on the other side.
5. Emboss both sides with Clear Embossing Powder. Don't worry if it smokes a little bit when heating.
6. Allow to dry overnight before adhering to your project.

Tip:  Back lighter colored "snakeskin" with Whisper White cardstock before mounting on your card.  This helps hide the quilted diamond pattern.

See the samples below for how the paper towels look with various colors.  They can be significantly darker than normal.  The sample on the technique card is Cajun Craze.  In the center, they are Pumpkin Pie with Tangerine Tango on top (top), Crumb cake (middle), Soft Suede (bottom).  The snakeskin on the card was done with Pumpkin Pie.

ALLIGATOR TECHNIQUE:

1. Using the Direct-to-Paper method, cover an entire piece of card stock with VersaMark. Use darker or vibrant colors for best results.
2. Cover the entire surface with Clear Embossing Powder.
3. Draw lines through the embossing powder with a bone folder or a stylus. For a more realistic look, use uneven lines. Tip: Practice with different patterns for unique looks. 
4. Shake off the excess pieces of embossing powder that accumulate and heat emboss until the card stock piece is shiny.