Every now and then I’m reminded of an old technique and sometimes a stamp set prompts that memory. This was what happened when I pulled out the Butterfly Gala Stamp Set. I realised that the butterfly images would be perfect for a tone-on-tone background technique using clear embossing powder.

Clear Embossing Technique
I began this project with one of the dual butterfly images from the Butterfly Gala Stamp Set and a 3-7/8″ x 5-1/8″ layer of Merry Merlot Card.
Using VersaMark ink I stamped the butterfly image randomly over the card, taking care not to overlap the images. Next I sprinkled the sticky ink with Clear Stampin’ Emboss Power and tapped off the excess. Then after removing a few stray specks, I melted the the rest of the embossing powder using my Heat Tool set on 2 (high).
Once the embossing had cooled down I wrapped some Petal Pink 5/8″ Organdy Striped Ribbon around the card and secured it on the back using Tear & Tape Adhesive.
For my card base I chose Thick Very Vanilla Card. After cutting and scoring the card using my Paper Trimmer, I folded it along the scored line and sharpened the crease with a Bone Folder. Then I fixed the embossed background layer onto the front with Stampin’ Dimensionals.
At this point I decided to use the smaller butterfly from my chosen image as the coordinating feature for the project. So using Merry Merlot ink I inked up the small butterfly and stamped it in the middle of the flap on a Very Vanilla Medium Envelope. To be sure that none of the larger butterfly appeared I simply placed some scrap paper under that part of the image as I stamped.
For the inside of the card I used the same process to stamp the small butterfly in the middle near the top of a 4″ x 5-1/4 ” piece of Very Vanilla Card. Then I fixed the stamped layer inside the card base using Multipurpose Liquid Glue (Tombow).
SENTIMENT LAYER
My card background with tone-on-tone clear embossing looks very elegant and I wanted a sentiment to match. So after looking through my collection I chose the Woven Heirlooms Stamp Set which I haven’t used in a while.

I selected “Wishing you a day of love and joy” and using Merry Merlot ink stamped it onto a piece of Thick Very Vanilla Card.
Finally I cut out the sentiment using the #3 circle die from the Stitched Shapes Dies (counting from the smallest up). Then after adding it to the card front with Stampin’ Dimensionals my project was complete.
I love how this project turned out and the clear embossed background really does create a luxury feel. What do you think?
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