Distressed: It’s Not Just to “Make Things Look Old”

Sometimes I feel like people are turned off by the phrase “distressed” because they think “oh I don’t scrapbook old photos, or make those old fashioned looking cards…” Well, I’m here to show you how distressing your cuts can make them pop; how you can make them look more alive and provide depth. Distressing ain’t just for Grandma’s photos anymore, my friend!

Take a look at these cards that are brought to life through a little ink and what we paper crafters call “distressing” or “inking” of the edges.

First off is the purrfect pair of cards to encourage a purrfect day! The cats were distressed using Grey Flannel (even a light colour can add so much dimension!) and the rest of the pieces were distressed with Cocoa. The cat and phrase was cut from Create a Critter, and the sentiment was from one of the stamp sets that comes included with the Cricut Bundle. I used micro tip scissors to cut the actual stamp phrase into pieces so that it worked for this card, and will be more versatile for future projects as well.

Second up is a card made entirely from the Art Philosophy cartridge! I used my Gypsy to create the design using the ticket shape, circles, ovals, and hearts. I was originally inspired by a birthday card I saw on Pinterest (check it out here). The cocoa ink really helps the negative cuts stand out. I sponged some extra ink lightly onto the front of the card as well, not just the edges this time. These sentiments are from Card Chatter: Sympathy and Say It In Style, also stamped in Cocoa ink.

These cards are also my entry into Heart2Hearts distressing challenge!
Check in tomorrow for another pet themed card and another great example of distressing with bright colours!
Thanks for stopping by!