Italian/Portuguese Tile Inspired Note Card with Anthony's Paper Craft

Hello all!  Today I am sharing my individual Design Team post for Anthony's Paper Craft.  Our theme for this month is "anything goes" so I decided to finally get an idea out of my head.  Anthony has a bunch of "tile" images, all which can be seen HERE in the Mandala/Tile section on his website, and every time I look at them they remind me of Italian or Portuguese tiles like in the photo below. 

To make my card I used one of the images from the Tiles Set 1.  This is a set of 3 tile stamps about 1 5/8" square.  He also has the same images in a larger stamp too.  But that's another card idea sitting in my head. 

I pulled out a tool that many stampers have forgotten about - the stamp positioner like a Stampa-ma-jig.  You know, the precursor to the Misti stamping tool.  I did not think I could make this card using the Misti.  Too much work.  

I started by cutting a piece of white cardstock with a stitched rectangle die.  Then I used a ruler and pencil to find the center of the cardstock and I stamped the tile using the stamp postioner and some Versafine Onyx Black ink.  Then I embossed the image with clear embossing powder.

I continued by stamping and embossing the next image.  On and on until the cardstock was fully stamped.  It seems like a lot of work but it goes by quickly.  

Then I colored the images using only 6 BIC Intensity Ultra Fine Tip Markers - Fandango Pink, Key Lime, Blue Skies Blue, Sunset Orange, Hot Aqua, and Yellow Blaze. 

Now came the difficult part for me - what color card base to use.  White?  Black?  Orange?  So I made card bases using all 3 colors.  Then I decided I wanted to make one using each color but I was not going to remake the card.  So...I....scanned, printed, and die cut the card front.  The photo below shows all 3.  The original is on top and the printed are on the bottom.  

 

As you can see, the printed are a bit muted and not as vibrant as the original.  So I buffed the printed pieces with some Judikins MicroGlaze.  Yes, you can also use the Tim Holtz Distress Micro Glaze since it's basically the same thing. This not only seals and protects the work but also gives it a nice sheen.  Look at the difference!
  

Then I adhered one to each of the white, orange, and black card fronts.  The original piece is on the orange card front.

Now to finish off the cards.  I wanted them to be a "hello" card so I pulled out a die I had in my stash from Top Dog Dies (closed) and I cut the word and it's shadow from the same colors of the cards, above,  and then I adhered them to each card.  

Done!  I know this card looks like a lot of work but it took me less than 45 minutes to make.  Both the stamping and the coloring.  But, then again, I love to color while listening to music or podcasts.  I'd love to know what you think of these cards.  Do you have a fav?  I really love the orange.  

Thanks for stopping by the blog today.  Until next time...

Hugs from Brasil!

~Michael