Photo Tutorial: Bamboo Background from the Brick Wall Embossing Folder

You're gonna love this one! I am always looking for new ways to use products that seem very limited or specific. The Brick Wall Textured Impressions Embossing Folder for the Sizzix Big Shot was one of those products--I love it, but I knew I'd love it even more if I could do different techniques with it, know what I mean? So I set myself a goal to come up with three new ways to use it, and here's the first one!

This Brick Wall adventure coincided with my current love affair with the Botanical Builders framelits, also a Big Shot tool, so a bamboo background seemed like a natural with my tropical-like die-cut flowers. My first attempt wasn't perfect, but it was good enough to make me think you might enjoy a photo tutorial so you can try it at home, too! So here we go!
One caveat before we begin: use Early Espresso dark brown ink, not Chocolate Chip. Chocolate Chip has a surprisingly high concentration of red in it, and when the water hits, it turns the ugliest shade of rose pink. Not at ALL what we are going for. Trust me on this one!

Emboss a couple of the Crumb Cake pieces, because you might as well make several of these while you're making a mess, right? Yup, this is another messy technique. Make sure your surface is either non-porous, like my 12x12 concrete floor tile, or well-protected by Grid Paper.






There you have it! as you can see from the state of my fingers and nails by the end of the tutorial, you might want to wear gloves when doing this technique. It doesn't bother me to see my hands dyed all kinds of fun colors--I can point to each color and tell you what I made in the craft room that day! But I hope you will try this technique even if you are not a "messy" like me. It will look amazing on your summer projects!

Thanks so much for visiting Song of My Heart today. I LOVE having you here. Feel free to leave a comment--I read every single one! and if you need Aqua Painter pens or the Brick Wall folder or anything else I used, please visit my online stamp store so I'll get credit for your purchase. That keeps me in business and able to share free tutorials like this one. I appreciate it!

 

 

Comments

[Lorene I.]

This is super cool! Thank you for sharing. Gives more "life" to the framelits, too; not the same-old flower thing. :)

[Sharon]

Freaking amazing. Can't wait to try it

[Nicole Steele]

I think this is one of the most beautiful cards I have ever seen, Lyssa!

[Kim Springer]

Now all I have to do is find this folder in my collection of stuff!! Thanks for this excellent tutorial!!

[Chris R. from Iowa]

I don't even know if I ever bought the brick EF, I need to check that out. This looks amazing and does look like bamboo. Can't wait to see someone make a card with this and a the little koala bear! Wonderful photos!

[Barb]

Great idea and thanks for sharing all the details!!!

[Kim]

That is so darn cool! Love it. Thanks for sharing.

[Judy Garza]

Fabulous tutorial Lyssa! THANK YOU for sharing!!

[Terri Brown]

Great idea! This will look cute with a punch-art panda too. Can't wait to see what your other 2 ideas are. Oftentimes I won't purchase a product if its uses seem limited. Thanks for sharing!

[Kimberly Jones]

This is amazing! Yes, it will be a fabulous background using the Botanical Garden suite. Wonder if you did more of yellows and greens for the younger shoots of bamboo....oh no, now one of us is going to have to get inky. Can't tonight. Easter Sunday tomorrow and I don't know if I could wiggle my way out ! But then again, why not, keep them guessing...I already do...TFS and Happy Easter

[NaomiW]

This. Is. Brilliant. I've been thinking about getting that embossing folder, and now you have made up my mind! Amazing work!

[jennifer reynard]

Brilliant tutorial! You went above and beyond....can't wait to try this! Thanks for taking the time to post such fabulous instructions!

[Sabrina R]

This is such a lovely idea!! TYFS with us all. It look fantastic with the Botanical Builder!

[Essayons]

Love it!- Looking forward to seeing the other optional uses!

[Betty Visotski]

Brilliant idea. Thanks so much for sharing.

[Carolyn]

I don't think I have seen such a lovely card.Your exact instructions are amazing.Thanks for sharing for us all to admire & to copy.
Carolyn

[Jan]

Wow what a amazing effect X looks so realistic X thank you for sharing the 'how to do it photos' !

[Jill Lancett]

Thanks so much for sharing this great tutorial. It's easy to follow and has that wow factor...

[Shirley H]

I am in awe of your ability to see another use for the brick embossing folder and your creativity to replicate the look of bamboo.

[Caroline King]

this is so cool. love that I was able to buy this brick folder (got the bundle package), will now have to try this technique. have the stamp set and dies for the flowers.....just love it.

Thank you for sharing this with us.

Caroline

[Nancy]

Lyssa - your card is drop-dead gorgeous! Thanks so much for sharing this technique. I love that you extended the life of my brick wall embossing folder. :D

[Krystal]

LOVE this!!! Thanks for sharing!! Can't wait to try it out. And thanks for making it a picture tutorial. I prefer them over videos every time. :)

[Marilyn]

What a great way to use that embossing folder! Now to take a look at it because I just got the wonderful Botanical Garden bundle. I'll also be searching for the third way to use it. Love the basket, too.

[Susan]

Love it! What a fabulous idea! Thank you for sharing

[ANILA MALKANI]

May 'Song of your Heart' continue to sing out loud and clear ...and inspire people like us!

[Marie]

I'm certainly going to try this beautiful technique of yours. Thanks so much for sharING your beautiful works. Xxx