Vintage Wallpaper Faux Patina Embossing

I love the look of antiqued, layered, and distressed backgrounds, so one of my favorite things to do is experiment with textures, colors and techniques to see what Too Cool effect will emerge!

Today's cards combine both heat and dry embossing with lots of sponging to create a beautiful background reminiscent of metal with a patina finish!  OOOOOoooo!  Check it out!

Artistic etchings patina card v   Artistic etchings patina card h

Artistic etchings patina card v - closeupIsn't it fabulous?!!!  Talk about "amour!"  I do!  Be sure to click to enlarge the closeup to see all the gorgeous gold embossing details! 

Scroll down to see complete instructions on how to achieve a faux patina finish on your stamped projects!

Card Details: On both cards, I stamped the Notably Ornate image in VersaMark, then embossed with Gold Embossing Powder.  The En Francais stamp was inked in Soft Suede for the background pattern.  I used Sticky Strip to attach the Striped Ribbon underneath the patina piece, which is popped up with Dimensionals.  

Card Supplies

Faux Patina Embossing How-Tos

The key to this technique is layering colors to get the look you want.  I started by using up some scraps I had already created with the bisque embossing technique

Patina 001

I lightly inked one side of the Vintage Wallpaper Impressions Folder with Crumb Cake ink and ran it through the Big Shot.

Patina 002

Next, I sponged Marina Mist ink over the piece to bring out the embossed details.

Patina 003

Then, I sponged on some Always Artichoke, which turned it a pretty teal color and accentuated the embossing even more.  I focused on the embossed areas, trying to leave some of the lighter areas in-between.

Patina 004

Finally, I sponged on Early Espresso ink to darken the entire piece.  You can really change the look of the texture by how much ink you sponge between the designs.  I created a more splotchy and random look on this one.

Now, we're done with the color, but we'll add some heat embossing to make it really pop!

Patina 005

Since I just added all of that ink, I want to make sure to soak up any remaining moisture with the Embossing Buddy before I add my embossing powder. 

Patina 006

Lightly rub the VersaMark Ink Pad over the top of the embossed design, then sprinkle on Gold Embossing Powder.  If you get too much on the design, use a soft, fluffy brush to remove some.  Heat-set the powder with the Heat Tool.  Your finished piece should look something like this…

Patina 008

My inspiration for this background came from a decorative box that I have in my house.  Here are the cards with the patina finished box:

Patina box 1  

I almost think I like my background better than the box!  Teehee!

Experiment With Different Color Combinations

You could really have some fun experimenting with different color combination with this technique!  Patinas aren't only in blues, greens and turquoise!  Why not try some purples, or grays, or even brown and rusty combinations?  Oh the possibilities!

TIP: I found that it's best to start with a light muted color (Crumb Cake, Sahara Sand) and build on that in  progressively darker colors.  The final sponging should be with a really dark color (Espresso, Black, Navy, Grey, Concord Crush, etc.) to really bring out the deep, rich tones of color.

Here are some combinations that I tried:

Patina swatches

Swatch Color Recipes

  • Swatch #1: Crumb Cake, Soft Suede, Cajun Craze, Early Espresso
  • Swatch #2: Crumb Cake, Pretty In Pink, Bravo Burgundy, Early Espresso
  • Swatch #3: Crumb Cake, Rose Red, Rich Razzleberry, Elegant Eggplant
  • Swatch #4: Crumb Cake, Pretty In Pink, Elegant Eggplant, Basic Gray
  • Swatch #5: Crumb Cake, Baja Breeze, Basic Grey
  • Swatch #6: Crumb Cake, Baja Breeze, Early Espresso
  • Swatch #7: Crumb Cake, Baja Breeze, Not Quite Navy, Basic Grey
  • Swatch #8: Crumb Cake, Pink Pirouette, Concord Crush, Basic Grey

Have fun trying this fabulous faux patina technique!

Angie

*************************

SAB_b1_jan2011

3 Easy Ways To Earn FREE Products!

  1. Spend $50 —For every $50 order, you can select one FREE Sale-A-Bration product of your choice!  Order Online now!
  2. Host A Workshop—Host a workshop of at least $300 and earn fone FREE Sale-A-Bration item of your choice, in addition to the generous hostess benefits!  Contact me today!
  3. Join Stampin' Up!—Become a demonstrator during Sale-A-Bration, and receive 15% off your Starter Kit!  Plus, get a bonus product bundle filled with more than $50 in FREE products!  The Bonus Bundle includes a Color Coach, any Simply Sent Kit, any Simply Sent stamp, and any $16.95 punch!  Learn about all the benefits of being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, then sign up today

    8 thoughts on “Vintage Wallpaper Faux Patina Embossing”

    1. Hi Angie, I found your card on Stampin Connections and had to link back to your blog to find out how you did this technique. The background on your card is fabulous. Thanks for sharing your work.
      I have also subscribed to your blog so will get any updates that you have.
      Thanks again and enjoyed perusing through your blog

      Reply
    2. Angie–LOVE this technique. I cannot believe how close it looks to that decorative piece in your home! I have this stamp set on order and I am in to this vintage look and ‘everything Paris’! Love what you do.

      Reply
    3. Hi Angie,
      I followed a card of yours on SC to your blog which is now bookmarked in my Fav on my PC.
      Not only is your blog fantastic!!, but I am in awe of how kind you are to share all your techniques & your fantastic creativity for free! I agree I like your “Faux Patina” better than the item that inspired you, but the box is pretty too!
      I may end up spending the better part of the day hanging out here, and looking at other examples.
      Thanks so much for sharing!!! Shelagh

      Reply

    Leave a Comment