Black & White Challenge

I'm sure we all have our go-to favourite colours when we create art work, so it was nice to push my boundaries recently when Lesley, over at Chocolate Baroque, set her monthly challenge as black and white. I actually ended up submitting 3 entries, and whilst not winning the coveted prize, I counted it a victory! This was my first entry using the spotlight technique that has been around for a while.

I decided to pull out one of my original Chocolate Baroque purchases from the Woodland Dreams set. There is so much detail in this one stamp that was possible to actually spotlight two areas, although it could carry one quite happily. Unfortunately I can't recall the dimensions of the card, and its been gifted now, so I can't check but the design really dictates the base layer - the size of the mounts is at your discretion!

Smooth black and white card is essential in order to get the best results, as this technique called for lots of embossing. Liberal use of an anti-static bag also helps. Starting off with the black card, stamp the image using Versamark. I used a stamping platform to help get a good impression - it also provides you with the opportunity to reapply the ink if you miss a bit. Fortunately the embossing ink shows up well on the black card. Once you're happy with your image, add your white embossing powder and heat set. I like the Stampendous fine detail powders as they give a crisp result. Repeat the process using black powder on white card. 

When you have decided on the area you want to spotlight - in this case I chose the birds - cut the two corresponding circles from your white card. I actually used my Scan n cut for this as I didn't have any circle dies of the right size. The circle on the left overlapped the card, so I layered up the black and white mounts before actually affixing the spotlight circles. There are so many "contact points" within the design that it does take a little patience to get it properly lined up, but I think the finished effect is worth it. I hope you agree! 

Until next time, take care.

Lorraine xx