SNEAK PEEK, Mamboing for Strength & Hope...

More sneak peeks for you today!  I made this card for a shoebox swap and presentation at my upline's meeting tomorrow night.  By now, you probably know I struggle with CAS (Clean & Simple) cards.  They are so hard for me - especially single layers ones.  I always think they are not enough.  But this time I was determined to design a very simple card to showcase the technique I was presenting as well as the new Strength & Hope stamp set, Postage punch and Melon Mambo embossing powder in the upcoming Summer Mini Catalog.  I think I accomplished my goal - YAY!

Last year, I saw a swap with what I call the "Open Space" Creative Embossing technique.  I designed several cards with this embossing technique including my Christmas in the Woods Christmas card.  My upline asked me to present this technique at our meeting tomorrow night.  Since I was writing the tutorial for the attendees, I thought I would share it here as well.  Enjoy!

MAMBOING WITH STRENGTH & HOPE SUPPLIES:

• Stamp Sets – Strength & Hope (W#118100 $17.95, C#123660 $13.95)
• Card Stock – Whisper White, Melon Mambo
• Ink – VersaMark
• Punches – Postage (#122344 , $15.95 begins May 1)
• Accessories – Melon Mambo Stampin' Emboss Powder (#123223, $4.75 begins May 1), Basic Pearl Jewels Accents (#119247, $4.95), Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430, $3.95)
• Tools – Big Shot, Finial Press Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (#115963, $7.95), Heat Tool

"Open Space" Creative Embossing Technique

(click photos to enlarge)

1. Insert a thin cardboard shim (like the whiteboard that backs the DSP packs) between the multi-purpose platform and the Tab 1.

2. Place a thin wood frame on top of Tab 1 of your multipurpose platform.  (I got mine at Michaels for .99¢)

3. Place your card stock inside your embossing folder, being sure to center it on the design.

4. Place the embossing folder on top of the wood frame, being sure to center the folder over the opening.

5. Place a clear cutting pad on top of the embossing folder.

6. Run through your Big Shot.

7. Enjoy the final result!