Colorful, vibrant cards are incredibly wonderful. I make a lot of them, but it’s nice to step away from all the color every once in a while and retreat to colorless hues. I made a lot of bright cards this past week with flowers and sunshine, but I’ve also had an itch to use the Postage Due stamp set for a while. Why not cap off a colorful week with this muted and elegant card? I’m very happy with how it turned out. 
Tips, Tricks and Reminders
- Double Time Stamping. Triple Time Stamping came back with a vengeance last year. It was (and still is) very hot. Line up the layers of white card stock , stamp and then layer card stock beneath the layers to create a layered look. As I studied this image from Postage Due, I knew I wanted to see it in layers, but I limited the layers to two so that the image wouldn’t get too broken up. Rather than just stamping in black, I stamped with VersaMark and embossed both layers with black embossing powder.
- The Layers. I want to share the measurements for the layers on the front of this card. I was really happy with how it turned out, and some of that has to do with how effectively the card stock pieces are layered. Here’s a quick rundown (working our way from the outside to the inside):
- Basic Black – 5-1/2″ x 4-1/4″
- Whisper White – 5-1/4″ x 4″
- Basic Gray – 5″ x 3-3/4″
- Basic Black – 4″ x 3″
- Whisper White – 3-3/4″ x 2-3/4″
- Basic Black – 3-1/4″ x 2-1/4″
- Whisper White – 3″ x 2
- Texture. When I layered these pieces I knew I needed additional texture in the gray panel behind the stamped image. Should I use an embossing folder? No, it will fight with the image itself. Should I tear the paper to add a rough image? No, it will detract from the clean lines – and you know how I love clean lines. Here’s what I did: I dragged my Basic Gray ink pad over the Basic Gray paper. It adds just the right amount of texture to the background to give interest without detracting from the image in the center.
Stamp Set: Postage Due Papers: Basic Black, Basic Gray, Whisper White Inks: VersaMark, Basic Gray Accessories: Black Embossing Powder, 3/16″ Neutral brads, Stampin’ Dimensionals
There’s still time (maybe). Yesterday’s post included a Blog Candy giveaway. You can still leave a comment on this post for a chance to win this:
I will pick a winner tonight, so leave your comment on yesterday’s blog for a chance to win.
Thanks for stopping by my blog today!
Brian
Oh Brian – I do love your cards! They are such an inspiration – another stamp set I must get!! I am a bit like you – I can’t be doing with rough edges, etc. It must be neat and tidy – and your cards are always this. But I also like a little bit of glitter, occasionally!
Such an elegant card Brian! I love the layers and clean lines!
I love, love, love black and white and triple stamping but you take it all to new heights. Your cards are always so,elegant.
So handsome! I love a black embossed stamp! And,you may have started a new trend with this Double time layers!
Definitely dramatic with the color choices and the black embossing powder. The way you texturized the Basic Gray layer, Brian, was the perfect choice! An embossing folder would have been too much as you said. (Clapping here!) This is one of my very favorites!
I love Triple Stamping but this Double Stamping is gorgeous too. This colors always make a very elegant statement and the black embossing just took this card over the top!! Thank you for sharing the measurements for the layers, that always helps a lot.
Have a great weekend.
A saturday stunner ! Very original ! This is so different . I love everything about it .
I totally agree with Sonny!!!
Once again …GORGEOUS! Colors, technique and layout make the perfect combo for this stamp set!
Another great card! I love the double stamping. Sometimes the triple stamping seems a little too busy for me. I would have never thought about adding texture the way you did. Another great idea, but I would have expected no less from you! Thank you also for the measurements of the layers. Have a great weekend!
For someone who is anti glitter, and I have heard you comment that heat embossing powder might as well be called sparkle-less glitter with the same amount of mess, I’m so pleasantly surprised to see you using embossing so much and so beautifully lately. I personally love the effect heat embossing provides and this card is no exception. Just beautiful, Brian
Your card is gorgeous Brian! I love the layered look and you are right! Two layers was a great idea. I look forward to your next video. Thank you so much for sharing!
So nice, Brian. I like the simpler look of the double time stamp, and I especially like that you embossed the layers. This is sharp!
I love triple time stamping and have thought about but have not done it only twice….what a nice look, thanks for sharing. Love the idea of heat embossing the two layers too…nice touch,
Love this card. Was wanting this set for awhile…now I know it will be on my next order! Love the embossing too!
Beautiful card Brian! I really need this stamp set! Done in the black and white, it’s stunning!
With biking all the rage around here, this would be a perfect card for any occasion. Bicyclists are like stampers, totally committed to their passion and around this area we have husband/wife as well as family “teams”. Great card Brian.
this is stunnng! I have made these, but now have to use versa mark……stunning!
I have never wanted this stamp, until NOW! Thanks a bunch you enabler you! lol
Awesome card, and the double layer is the perfect crowning touch to showcase that stamp. Thanks for adding your layer measurements!
Love the card. That stamp set is on my list. I have been eyeing it for some time now.
Wonderful card,love black and white!
Love this one. So different from anything you have ever done.
I love this. It looks fantastic.
LOVE LOVE LOVE this Brian 🙂
WOW!!!! What else is there to say! I love the way it pops too….where did you add the dimensionals?
I love the black and white card and the embossing!
I look forward to every card you post. Your cards are elegant but simple and I love that clean crisp look of each card you produce. Keep them coming! Hopefully I’ll get to meet you at the conference this year, it will be my 1st and I’m looking forward to it. Becoming a demonstrator is the best thing I have done in a long time, this 1st year has brought new friendships and I just can’t get enough stamping in!!! Love that blog candy…
This is such a great card! Shows that you can make a stunning card with limited supplies! Great for new stampers!! I might make this into a bundle! Thanks for sharing, Brian!
One of my favorite stamp sets gone classy!!! Thank you for the inspiration!
Brian, I love what you did with this card and color scheme! Have recently been looking for “black and white” card ideas and will no doubt CASE yours at some point!
Never would have guessed what stamp set you were using! Great job! Love the card.
Diane Gil
You are so talented! Just love your cards and how you “Brianize” established techniques. Thanks for sharing.
Triple time with a twist, love it!
The card is beautiful. I just got around to buying this stamp. I really, really want that blog candy!!!!! I’m not kidding I want it! No, really I do! heheh
SUCH A GREAT CARD!!!!!! You always do the coolest things! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Love, Love, Love this! I’ve enjoyed your blog for months now and I’ll be a 1st time orderer of your’s tomorrow – thank you for the inspiration and the daily chuckles!
Is this a retired set?
Love this! What a great masculine card!
I truly love this card. I do believe it will become a swap for convention. I will tweak it so it is not a complete CaSe!!!