Surprisingly Simply yet classy card

Ever have one of those days where nothing terribly exciting is going on and so you have nothing to blog about? LOL! I'm kind-of having one of those days! Other than attending a very relaxing SU demo meeting last night, I haven't done too much. Sure, I ran some errands yesterday, but who here really wants to hear about my trip to the grocery store or to Lowes? Yeah, I didn't think so :)

How about I show you a card instead?! I just learned this nifty little trick from my friend and fellow SU demo who coincidently is also a SU Founder's Circle Member (Hi, Pat!). This technique is called "Black soot" and it involves fire! Yup, I'm giving you all permission to play with matches, but please be careful!


Supplies: Happiness is a Journey stamp set; Whisper White, Glossy White & Basic Black cardstock; Versamark ink & Basic Black ink; a lit candle & a kleenex

Here's how you do it: Stamp the image with Versamark ink onto Glossy White paper and let it air dry COMPLETELY (it takes about 15 mintues or so). Hold your stamped image face down directly into the orange/yellow part of the flame of your candle. Move the image around to keep it from catching fire (hint: I let the paper burn a bit on the edges to get a weathered look). Keep the image in the flame until it is completely black and covered in "soot." Remove from flame and use a Kleenex to gently wipe off the excess soot using a circular motion. The soot will wipe clean from the stamped image, but remain on the paper.

There you have it! Don't be afraid to get that paper into the flame (and perhaps have a fire extinguisher handy). Have a great day, folks!