When the current catalog was revealed earlier this year, I was immediately drawn to the Naturals Composition Designer Series Paper. This sturdy, clear embossed 12″x12″ pack of DSP would certainly prove to be a versatile friend for all sorts of great projects. It’s my fault, though, that I’ve only used it once. It was this draining guilt that led me into my craft room to create a project with this paper.
Tips, Tricks and Reminders:
- Use the tools you have. You already have the sponges and sponge daubers (well, I think I remember seeing them in your craft room the other day), but when was the last time you used them? Don’t forget they are there! To create this look, I simply sponged the DSP with Primrose Petals and then wiped over the image with a paper towel (you already know the brand I use, right?). Wiping the image removes the ink from the embossed portion of the DSP (the ink won’t really dry there, so it’s best to wipe it off so it doesn’t transfer to something else).
BEFORE:Â
AFTER:
- It’s called Word Window for a reason. I know I didn’t invent this concept, but until now, I have only used my Word Window punch to create a tag-like label – I just haven’t found a reason to make that punch be a window. Instead of trying to stamp on the background through the window (soooo much room for error with that), here’s what I did:
I knew I wanted the base layer of my card to be Crumb Cake, so I stamped the sentiment on a scrap piece of Crumb Cake (I’m going to do something with that later):
I punched a scrap piece of Very Vanilla Cardstock with my Word Window punch and adhered it to the Naturals Composition DSP right where I wanted it to be.
I punched right over the punched scrap.
Here’s how it looked after it was punched:Â 
I positioned the “friends” sentiment (from above) perfectly behind the punched window and adhered it to the back of the sponged piece of DSP. I then glued all of that to the Crumb Cake card base. All of this to avoid stamping precisely in the place I wanted to stamp? Why, yes. ‘Tis true. And it was well worth the labor.
Stamp Sets: Just Believe Papers: Natural Compositions Designer Series Paper, Crumb Cake Inks: Primrose Petals, Soft Suede Accessories: Crochet Trim, Word Window punch
Thanks for stopping by my blog today!
Brian
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This is great! I haven’t paid any attention to that DSP either but this is really classy and seemingly simple. I also appreciate your tips on how to line up the sentiment so perfectly. Thanks for the inspiration!
The DSP doesn’t even look like the same paper, after you sponged it! …Beautiful.
Oh my word! This is beautiful! And so easy! You lost me however on the placement of your sentiment inside the card. Sorry how is the sentiment sure to be on the opposite side of the punched window? I’m a little deft. 🙂
Hey Patti! I glued the scrap piece to the back of the DSP (lining it all up) and then glued that piece to the card base. I wanted to avoid messing up the stamped sentiment on the card base – I am no good stamping under pressure. 😉
So excited to try this! Thanks for reminding us of this great product.
Thank you Brian for sharing this beautiful DSP. Your creativity, suggestions, and tips and right on target.
beautiful card, Brian. I, too was lost on how you lined it up, but saw your reply up above, so in that one area, there are really 3 sheets of CS– (DSP, the slip with the word on it, and the kraft card base), right?
That’s correct, Kathy. I’ll go back into the post and edit it so that it’s clearer. Thanks for the feedback.
Sorry! I’m still lost with this concept…you may need to show us the inside?
But go to bed, you’re tired!
The stamped sentiment (on a scrap piece of Crumb Cake) is sandwiched between the front DSP and the card base. I’ve re-written the wording. Maybe it’s so simple to you, Patti, that you are getting lost. 🙂
Just like putting a new window in a house…right? Nice use of that DSP, I love, love, love it. My daughter used it for a cover on a beauteeeeful journal. Keep up the posts, they are informative and entertaining.
Brian, I have been in love with this paper ever since I saw it in the catalog. However,,,,until now, I had not thought of sponging it to give it a completely different look! What a super idea! And I love how you did the sentiment; what a great tip! Thanks so much! Love this card! awesome!
Genius on the sponging! I love this DSP and it hadn’t occurred to me to do that and it’s so cool! And I really like how the window looks for the sentiment. Oh, I see that I’m just repeating what Bobbi said… what can I say… I agree with her whole-heartedly!
WOW! I just got this DSP on Thursday and will starting using this week…it is fabulous! And your card is, gorgeous!!!!!!!!!! Thank you for sharing your how-to…..I knew we could sponge on it but think you are the first to really show it…..thank you! And thank you for rewriting the way you did the Word Window punch, I didn’t get it either!
What a beautiful card–& terrific idea Brian–once again thank you!
This is gawjuss!!! –Terri
Good morning! This is still a beautiful card even though it’s old news now! he he! 🙂
Have a great day!
As Yogi Berra said ” This is deja vous all over again.” It bears repeating …gotta get me some of that paper…great idea …Brian, you just keep `em coming and we all just love it …. BTW.. IT`S PRETTIER THIS MORNING THAN LAST NIGHT !!!!!! I `ll be back to see how the card swap is progressing ..
I love the simplicity of your designs! It’s so creative to do the word window that way; I would have never thought of it (even though it’s called a word “window”)! Great job!
As always another great tip! After punching the Word Window I would have tried to stamp my sentiment right on the card base (through the window). Your method is much more precise. Thanks for sharing!!!
I am so in love with this card! I have had this DSP for months and haven’t even opened it. Now I am going to have to because this is an absolute MUST TRY card. Has anyone told you lately you are amazing??
Oh, Sammie! You know how to flatter a guy. I, too, will be making more projects with that paper. I have all sorts of ideas – all surrounding sponging. I may have to bore y’all with some repeats of technique because this got me really intrigued. Thanks!
… and I totally understand how you put the wording sandwich together 🙂 I can just see this technique with the Postage Due stamp! Sponge in different shades … ooohhhhhh!
I LOVE THIS CARD! Just beautiful. You are so creative!
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I just received this beautiful DSP today and did a Google Images search to see what folks had done with it – your card stood out by a mile! What a fabulous idea – simple too – thanks SO much for the inspiration! Ruth x