Indian Blessing Card Tissue Paper Collage

I have had this rubber stamp that was given to me gathering dust for a few years. To be honest I never was sure how to use it. I was looking at it and thought perhaps I'll make a Thanksgiving card with it. Well,like most things I do this card ended up going a totally different direction.

It started with me trying to find a way to use tissue paper that I bought to try a technique which is pretty much bleed resistant. So although I only paid a dollar for the wrapping tissue paper I didn't want to waste it. I decided to see if I could stamp on the tissue paper. I wasn't sure as it has a coating on one side. I still had in mind making a Thanksgiving card until this morning when I looked at my stamped tissue collage and inspiration hit.

Being the "Queen" of frugal I first took a piece of gray card stock left over from a print and cut and cut it to size. One side had the printed registration mark on it so I turned that over. I then tore the tissue paper into random shapes and sizes. Using a glue stick I started layering the torn pieces. Some places have more pieces than others. I really like how it turned out.

When I was satisfied with my collage I stamped. The stamp I used is "Journey's End". I did find this link if you would like to purchase the stamp. http://ibrakeforstamps.com/journeysend.aspx

I tried on a scrap of tissue paper first using Vintage Distress Ink but the detail was not as crisp. So I went back to using my old standby for detailed stamps. Memento Black Tuxedo. It pays sometimes to play with ink on scraps first.

I felt like this card needed something but was not sure what. Then I decided to see if I could find a short Indian blessing to print on the leftover packing paper. The person I'm making this card for has often said the blessing about my moccasins making happy tracks in the snow so when I found this blessing I knew it would be perfect. I did the sentiment in Word but any word processing program would work.

I took a piece of copy paper that was scrap because my printer had messed up. On the backside of the paper I sprayed adhesive and then covered it with the packing paper. For me it was easier to put a bigger piece of paper on  and then trim to letter size. I decided to do the full size this way as the copy paper gives the packing paper more body and I can use the scraps in other projects since I don't have "Kraft" paper or cardstock.

Another way to do it would be to print on copy paper first and then glue your piece of packing paper over the printed words and print again. My printer has a rear load as well as the drawer and for something like this it is better to load it in the rear. By the way if you are adventurous you can print on ribbon or fabric this way.

That's all for now! I've been doing more experimenting and still have one more Thanksgiving card to come up with. Just not sure how I'm going to do it. Hopefully my muse will come and tap me on the shoulder.

Wishing you Happy Frugal Crafting till we meet again!