A Front Porch Kit Tutorial...Masculine Style!

Hi, this is Susan posting today to show you some fun techniques that I used when creating this card for the Inspiration Gallery for the current "Time To..." Front Porch Kit.  If you haven't seen the kit yet, you can order it online at http://www.frontporchkits.com/ or call the LBH at 817-431-7930 to order while supplies last.  This kit is fantastic and my favorite to date!

The first technique I want to show you is for the background layer of the card.  The card is a regular A2 black card and the background is a piece of white cardstock cut slightly smaller than the front of the card (4" x 5 1/4").  For this tutorial I used the Sizzix Postcard Alterations embossing folder (although I used the collage folder for the sample above).  

First you need to open the embossing folder and ink the top piece (yes, the folder itself).  You can use any ink, but I like to use Distress Inks because they stay wet longer than other inks and give you more working time.

Then center the white cardstock inside the embossing folder and run through the Cuttlebug.

Your cardstock will now be embossed as well as colored!

Here's a quick tip for you:  you don't need a fancy "reverse corner punch" - just use a small circle punch!

Now on to the little kraft cardstsock gears that were included in the kit.  These are exclusive Front Porch Kutz!  (If you purchased a kit and would like more, or if you didn't get a kit and would just like some gears, you can purchase the SVG file on the website for a minimal fee and cut as many as you would like on your Cricut.)  Here is a closeup of all three gears.

The gears were not very grungy looking, so I used three different techniques to get them to look old and used.

I inked the first one with Versamark (embossing ink).  The easiest way to do a small piece like this is to place it face down on the ink pad and press it into the ink. (Don't mind my dirty pad - it's well-used!)

Then sprinkle with Vintage Photo Distress Embossing Powder, completely covering the cardstock.  Tip: when using Distress Embossing Powder, be sure to shake it well before using to completely mix the release crystals in the powder.  Heat with a heat gun until set.  Cool, then gently wipe off the gear with your fingertips, removing the crystals that did not melt.  (Distress powder differs from regular embossing powder as it contains crystals that won't melt, thus giving the distresssed look.)

Use a blending tool to swipe Vintage Photo Distress Ink over the gear.

Your first gear should now look like this - nice and old and rusty.

I painted the second gear with black acrylic paint.  You could also just start with black cardstock and skip this step.

Once it is dry, ink it with Versamark ink by pressing it into the pad as shown above. Then sprinkle with regular silver embossing powder. (Tip: transfer those embossing powders you use often to a small plastic container for easier and faster application.)

Heat with the heat gun until "grainy" - not completely smooth, if possible.  While still hot, sprinkle with UTEE (Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel) or place face down in UTEE in container.

Heat again with heat gun until it starts to melt, but not too smooth.  If it gets too smooth, you can blot it lightly with a paper towel to make texture. Cover with black acrylic paint, removing most of it before completely dry.  The gear will look something like tarnished metal. Remember, each will be totally unique!

I also painted the last gear, this time with dark brown acrylic paint. You could also cut the gear from brown cardstock to eliminate this step.

When dry, ink with Versamark ink as shown above.  Completely cover with Rust Embossing Powder.

Heat with heat gun until melted.  Then swipe over the gear with black Staz On ink, wiping any excess off if desired.

The gear should now look something like this - another rusty look.

Here are the three gears again. I think they look pretty cool and grungy!

I hope you will try some of these techniques to add some masculine flair to your projects.  Please share with us if you do! Our newest Front Porch Kit is still available for purchase! This kit is called Time To... and you can order online at http://www.frontporchkits.com/ or you can purchase at the LBH!

Thanks for reading!

Susan