Faux Tile Technique using Clear Embossing

The following is my first attempt at any sort of online tutorial ... so be gentle, please.

These cards were made using a FAUX TILE Technique.

This is by no means original to me, I learned it years ago (pre-daughter) so I'm not even sure what store it was at. It's a faux tile technique using clear embossing - preferable the UTEE (Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel).

To start off, here's a list of supplies needed:

- Brass Stencil with window panes

- Versamark embossing ink pad

- clear embossing powder (I prefer UTEE-Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel)

- Image stamped (as desired)

- Post it pad or soft-tack masking tape (like architect's/illustrators use)

- Heat gun

First, take your cardstock you want the tile to look like in the end. Oftentimes, I'll start with white - you can sponge in more color later - or stamp on a lighter color. Tape or mask with Post Its the area on the stencil that you don't want to be tiled. Here, I've masked off one row on the top & right side of the stencil.

Next, stamp the images you'd like directly over the stencil. Here, I used some of the silhouette stamps from Gina K Design's Botanicals set, in Stampin' Up's Certainly Celery. I let the image sit for a couple of minutes and then gently wiped on the grids to get rid of any excess ink from the stencil (from trial & error, I found out it CAN mark up your Versamark pad if you don't). Before removing the stencil, you can use a sponge, sponge daubers or pom-poms on that "grabber-thing" (sorry, lacking technical term) and sponge either from light ink pad or chalks around the edges of either the entire panel, or each pane. Lightly stamping each pane DOES make it look even more realistic in the end.

Once you are satisfied with your image, again, let it sit for a couple of minutes and then take your Versamark Pad and directly apply over the stencil, making sure you have an even coat overall. Carefully remove the stancil and Post Its and sprinkle with UTEE - This is how it should look before heat setting ...

This image on the left is a result of 3 layers of the UTEE. When you're applying the powder again, take a thin paint brush and lightly brush off any excess powder in between the lines so your 'grout lines' stay true and the tiles don't run into each other.

After letting the image cool, you can apply your 'grout'. Here, I'm adding some Tea Dye by Tim Holtz. You can add any color, but looks great with either a darker color or complimentary color - or, I suppose you could even leave it white if that was your preference.

Here are 2 finished panels - One, sponging more colore before adding Versamark, then sponging in a golden brown ... the other, leaving it 'clean' before the Versamark and sponging in a green. The darker sponging makes the tile pop more. Again, both of these were used with white card stock as a base, but it also looks good with lighter colors, then at the end sponging in a coordinating color for the grout lines.

Now, because these are on the heavier, thick side when you're done, I'd use a very strong tape (like the red tape you peel off) to adhere the image panel to any mats or card stock.

Another aside - if you try this on regular designer paper, the embossing will bleed right through the paper, almost obliterating the design on the paper - but maybe worth experimenting. I haven't tried it with patterned cardstock.

Good luck - would love to see what you come up with if you try this technique. Hopefully everything was explained, but if you have any questions, please feel free to ask.

Thanks for stopping by ...