Faux Tooled Leather

I first saw this fabulous technique on Beth Fox's blog. She saw it on Michelle Zindorf's blog. I loved the effect but wanted to simplify it a little and use all SU product.

This is my final card so you can see the full effect. For this card I started with a 3 1/2" square and used the smaller swirl from Priceless. I know the copper cardstock is retired, but it was just too perfect for this project! While I wouldn't do this for a workshop, I did it with Rhonda, Pauline and my mom for our shoebox swap, and they all just loved it!
For the tutorial photos, I used a 4" square of Creamy Caramel cardstock and the large swirl from Priceless. The first thing I did was make a dot in the center of the square with my Versamarker. (You could really use anything if you are going to put something in the center like I did.)
I used my Stampamajig to stamp the swirl 4 times in Versamark then I embossed with clear EP.
I brayered Basic Brown ink over the square in both directions. The first layer will look uneven, but the second layer in the other direction will help even out the color. You could also use Chocolate Chip. Let it dry for a few minutes and then wipe the excess ink off the embossed areas.
Next I stamped the berry branch from Always in Chocolate Chip between the swirls. Wipe away the excess ink again.
Next, I stamped Sanded background in Basic Brown. Again, wipe away the excess ink.

The last step (not shown) is to sponge Basic Black around the edges. I used a dabbing motion rather than my usual swirling motion for a more mottled effect. And again wipe away the excess ink from the embossed images. Then I roughed up the edges with the Cutter Kit.

For my medallion, I chose an image from Baroque Motifs. I stamped it with Chocolate Chip craft ink onto Creamy Caramel cs and embossed with clear EP. I sponged Creamy Caramel ink over the whole thing so the color would match the background better. I cut it out and adhered it to a Really Rust scallop circle. I attached the medallion to the background with a copper brad and used a Really Rust mat. The sentiment is from Sincere Salutations.

Supplies (all SU): Stamps: Baroque Motifs, Priceless, Sincere Salutations, Sanded; Paper: copper (retired), Creamy Caramel, Really Rust; Ink: Versamark, Basic Brown, Chocolate Chip (classic and craft), Basic Black; Accessories: clear EP, Versamarker, copper brads, scallop circle punch, sponge, heat gun, Stampamajig, cutter kit

Happy stamping!