To know me is to love me.....

...and if you know me, you know I love to use my stamps in unusual ways!

Being on this design team has opened my eyes to discovering new ways to utilize my stamps like I never thought of before and having great resources like the Trash-to-Treasure book by Arnold Grummer motivates me to a whole new level! On p. 102, Mr. Grummer discusses using a "rough or patterned surface to use as an embossing plate." Keep in mind that this technique uses a freshly formed wet sheet of paper to emboss with versus using a dry sheet of paper along with a embossing plate. 

This is my card I created using a stamp from Paper Smooches, Timber, to emboss with.

I took my wet sheet of paper, ( go here for the steps to make your own paper ) couched it, and then laid the paper over the wood grain stamp. I then placed them both in between the boards of the Garden Press using the adjustable straps to tighten the pieces together. Figuring I might need a little more pressure, I placed the press on the floor and stood on it for a few minutes, and then set it aside to dry. 

Once dry, I removed the sheet and cut it to the size I needed for my card. The wood grain impression was lightly rubbed with Rangers Vintage Photo Distress ink across the grain to emphasize it a little more. I stamped the deer out from the Paper Smooches Happy Camper set and cut it out to adhere on the front of the card along with the sentiment that I printed out off my computer. And then finished off the card with some hand sewing around the border of the base paper.

---------------------------------------------I didn't forget--------------------------------------------

I also wanted to add a picture of the paper that I made from the left over napkin that I used when I created my Wabi-Sabi bowl the other week. I promised you a follow-up, so here it is, and you can refer back to this post where there is a video to watch if you want to make one of your own.

--------------------------------------------a contest------------------------------------------------

 Did you know that April 22nd is Earth Day? Are you planning any special activities for it? Well, Arnold Grummer is sponsoring a contest, so get out your paper making supplies and join in. If you don't have any, then go HERE and use code 20Four when checking out,

 save the earth and save money...what could be better?

Contest:  Create any paper project with paper you make by recycling wastepaper. 

Prize:  $50 Shopping Spree @ www.arnoldgrummer.com

How To Enter:  Send a .jpg of your project (up to 500pix) to:info@arnoldgrummer.com with 'My Recycled Paper Project' in the subject line.

Include a line about what you recycled, the name of your project, your city and state.
You will receive a message acknowledging your submission.

Contest Dates:  March 15 - April 30

Winner Announced:  Arnold Grummer's May Newsletter