Hugs and Kisses and Holiday Wishes Belli #44

I found a little time to play yesterday, and I wanted to try this sketch challenge from the Technostamper blog. I didn't follow it exactly - instead of the oval, I used a Labels 1 Nestability shape.

For the stamped image, I decided to do a cracked glass technique. I stamped the image (from Just Rite Stamps) and let it dry. Then I covered it with Distress Embossing Ink (Ranger), poured Stampin Up's Glassy Glaze enamel on that, and heated it up until it melted. I repeated this two more times until I had a nice even glossy coat. To crack the "glass," I put this piece in the freezer for about 5 minutes, and then took it out and immediately bent it here and there to get the "glass" to crack.

When I had enough nice sized cracks, I smooshed my ink pad on top and let the ink settle into the cracks, then I buffed it off with a tissue. I love this technique! It's different every time.

I debated what to add to this card, and I settled for a simple ribbon with some branch punch-outs. This card didn't need any brads or flowers or a bunch of other stuff. Ya know me, I like to keep it simple. :-)

Stamps: Just Rite Christmas Stamp Ensemble
Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa, Distress Embossing Ink
CS: Chocolate Chip, Riding Hood Red, Whisper White, Kiwi Kiss, Old Olive
Paper: Basic Grey Blitzen collection
Other: Chocolate Chip wide satin ribbon, Martha Stewart branch punch, Glassy Glaze Enamel, nestabilities

Edited to add: This week's Belli Challenge is to use UTEE to make a cracked glass image. UTEE (Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel) is the same as Stampin Up's Glassy Glass Enamel. Why don't you pull out your jar of UTEE and give it a shot? :-)