Even though making 24 different cards in 24 hours was a challenge last weekend, I still found time to experiment.  Today’s Z-fold card was the second of the 24 and I love the faux wax seal I created for it.

THE BASIC CARD AND ENVELOPE

I created the basic Z-fold card base using Thick Very Vanilla Card and my Stampin’ Trimmer.  To start I cut the card to 5-1/2″ x 8-1/2″.  Then with the long side at the top I scored the card at 4-1/4″.  Next I flipped the card over so that the other long side was at the top and scored the back at 2-1/8″.  Finally I folded the card into the Z shape along the scored lines and sharpened the creases with a Bone Folder.

Next came the Under the Mistletoe 12″ x 12″ Designer Series Paper (DSP).  I chose this pretty plaid and cut two pieces, each one 2-1/8″ x 5-3/8″.  These were fixed to the left and right sides of the folded card with Multipurpose Liquid Glue (Tombow).

I decided to decorate the Medium Very Vanilla Envelope with the same plaid design DSP.  I cut a piece 2-1/2″ x 6″ and attached it to the envelope flap with liquid glue.  Then using my Paper Snips I cut the DSP to shape following the edge of the flap.

THE SENTIMENT LAYER

The sentiment layer came next starting with a piece of Very Vanilla Card.  Using Garden Green ink I stamped ‘wishing you everything on your list’ from the Signs of Santa Stamp Set.

Then using my machine I cut out the piece with the #4 (largest) of the square dies in the Stitched Shapes Dies.  I made sure to keep the sentiment in the top right corner to leave room for the image and seal.

Next I cut some Real Red Card using the #9 plain-edged die from the Layering Squares Dies.  Then I fixed the die-cut sentiment to it with liquid glue.

The fun Santa and elves image was cut from a piece of the Santa’s Workshop 12″ x 12″ Specialty Designer Series Paper using Paper Snips.  Then that was added to the sentiment with more liquid glue.

Finally with Stampin’ Dimensionals under just the left half of the sentiment layers I attached them to the front of the card.

Only one more element was needed.

THE FAUX WAX SEAL

The faux wax seal was so easy to make, I can’t believe I haven’t done this before.  Basically all you do is create an area of hot embossing and stamp into it.

This faux wax seal was a little more challenging as I wanted it to be a particular shape.  But I used my machine to cut out the shape of the seal from Thick Whisper White Card using the die from the Santa’s Signpost Framelits .  Then I using VersaMark ink I added 4 layers of Gold Stampin’ Emboss Powder.  Finally while the final layer was still hot I pressed the seal image from the Signs of Santa Stamp Set into it.

The key to the technique is to ensure that you have a good amount of embossing for the stamp to press into.  The nice thing is if it doesn’t look quite right you can remelt the embossing and try again (just don’t over-heat it).

To show you just how easy the process is I went back and created this short video for you.

Once my faux wax seal had cooled I attached it to the sentiment layer with liquid glue and I was done.

This is such a fun technique and this particular stamp image is perfect for it.  I do hope you’ll give it a try.

Well that’s it from me for today.  I have a full schedule of chutney and relish making, with a little crafting thrown in for good measure.  I hope you have a great day too.

PRODUCT LIST

UPDATED 2020: Sadly the following products have retired and are no longer available from Stampin’ Up!

• Under The Mistletoe Designer Series Paper
• Santa’s Workshop Designer Series Paper
• Signs Of Santa Stamp Set
• Santa’s Signpost Dies