Stamps and Stencils - STAMPlorations March Challenge

Well, my faithful friends, the world and happiness have colluded  this week, because I got some card assignments that I was beyond stoked to take on.

I get to work with stencils!!!

**Insert Happy Dance Here**

STAMPlorations challenge is Stamps and Stencils so break out those flimsy plastic sheets of awesomeness and put them to use! Don't have stencils to try? Make your own by using the negative from a die cut image. Or better yet - check out the stencils in the STAMPlorations shop! They've got some awesome ones that have just been released! 

All this week (or for the next five days) I will be showing you one new medium to try with your stencils. Today's session will focus on.... drumroll please........

Embossing Paste!

Now, if you haven't worked with embossing paste before, I encourage you to head to your nearest craft store and buy yourself a jar. This stuff is FANTASTIC for creating awesome textural designs. There are different colors and textures of embossing paste, but I really like the Wendy Vecchi line. Embossing paste has the texture of shaving cream. It's light and airy and can dry naturally or be heat set. 

But first things first. 

I took a chalkboard sign die cut and stamped an awesome sentiment from the Blossom Overture STAMPlorations set. I layered that over some newsprint designer paper and put my stencil (Botanical Lush from STAMPlorations) over the lower left corner. 

I use a palette knife with my paste. You want to tape down your stencil (as pictured above) and swipe a very thin layer of embossing paste over the top. Scrape off the excess paste and put it back in the jar. Then - and this next bit is important - run to the nearest sink and clean your stencil because your paste will dry very quickly (about 15 minutes). 

You can use a heat gun to dry your paste (which I did because I'm an impatient lady). I then started painting over the top of it with Distress Paints (Broken China and Salty Ocean).  I also painted the corners, as well.



To say that I am sorta in love with this card is to say that Kim Kardashian's butt is sorta big. 

As for YOU - well you should go check out the STAMPlorations Stamps and Stencils challenge. We've got some awesome prizes, including a STAMPlorations gift card for the winner! You should also stay tuned because on March 8, 9, and 10 there will be a big stencil blog hop at the STAMP blog with even more prizes. And we've got a fabulous guest designer, Milla! Leave her some bloggy love! 

I will be showcasing the following techniques:
Stencils and Distress Paints
Stencils and Embossing Powders
Stencils and Sponging 
Stencils and Distress Spray Stains 

Whew!! So if you didn't know how to use stencils before now, you sure will after I get done with you! 

As for me, I'm going to link my card up to support some other amazing challenges:
Craft Stamper Magazine - Take It Make It - Anything Goes
Virginia's View - Embossing 
Make Art Challenge - Stencils
2015 World Wide Open Design Team Competition
ColorQ - thanks for the amazing color palette - I never would have put these together!

A big crafty welcome to my new followers! Thank you for making my day. 

Also - on a personal note, I will be gone for most of the next 5 days on vacation with limited access to the computer. So if I don't return your comments now, please don't feel bad! I'll do my best to play catch up when I get home!