TECHNIQUE THURSDAY, Neutral Shadows...

This project features a brand new technique called Neutral Shadows.  I saw a card on SUDSOL using the technique and fell in love with it, so I had to use it for this month's technique class.  I chose to keep the card very monochromatic and neutral, although I did add a bit of color on the blossoms. 

I don't know the official technique directions as the technique was from a subscription-based service, but the steps I came up with to achieve the effect follow the card recipe.  I used a mini stencil brush for my card, but you can also use a Q-tip.  This was my first attempt at the technique and you can see that the top half of the image has a little more of a darker shadow than the bottom half as I perfected the technique.  The shadow effect is a little softer with a Q-tip.  Enjoy!

NEUTRAL SHADOWS BLOSSOMS SUPPLIES:

• Stamp Sets – Easter Blossoms (W#121905 $25.95, C#122057 $18.95)
• Card Stock – Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake
• Ink – Whisper White Craft, Crumb Cake, Soft Suede, Regal Rose Classic
• Ribbon – Chantilly 1/2" Crochet Trim (#118480, $6.95)
• Punches – Scallop Oval (#119856, $16.95), 1-3/4" x 7/8" (Large) Oval (#119855, $15.95)
• Accessories – White Stampin' Emboss Powder (#109132, $4.75), Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430, $3.95)
• Tools – Big Shot, Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder (#120175, $7.95), Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder (#117335, $7.95), Oval Scallop Frame Die (#114521, $19.95), Sponge Daubers, miniature stencil brushes or Q-tips

NEUTRAL SHADOWS TECHNIQUE DIRECTIONS:

1. Stamp your image with White Craft Ink onto a white or very light piece of card stock.
2. Heat emboss using White Embossing Powder. Allow to cool.
3. Using a very small stipple brush or a Q-tip, add a light neutral ink to either side of the embossing to highlight. The idea is to keep the color “thin” or as close to the embossing as you can, but you can adjust this to your liking.
4. Buff off any remaining or excess ink from the embossed image with a paper towel or tissue.