Emboss Resist Technique

This weekend I came across a techniques card that I put together at a Stampin' Up club meeting several years ago. I liked the look of it and decided to give it a whirl. My stamps were pretty excited to be coming out to play, as I have not used them much since discovering digis a few years ago.
The instructions were clear and it looked pretty simple.

I started with two birthday bear stamps that came in a set.

I stamped it with Versa Mark and embossed with snow white powder. So far, so good.

Then I started inking it. Not so good.

It is rather ghostly looking, isn't it? I decided to try embossing in black.

I don't know if I can still call this emboss resist, but the black looks better than the white. The first piece I did in white was so horrible it went straight to the trash without passing by the camera. So I redid that image in black.

Not wanting to admit defeat, I decided to try the white emboss resist again, but with a different stamp. I thought it might work better with a stamp that has a more solid surface.

Still not quite right. Oh well.

I had a little time this afternoon and thought I would give it the old college try one more time. This time I chose an oval frame stamp by SU.

As I was just messing around and didn't expect much, I used a scrap piece of cardstock that already has something on the back.

Unfortunately, I didn't take any before pictures. I masked the stamped image with a Spellbinders oval negative die cut and sponge inked with burgundy. As I was adding the final touches to the piece, it occurred to me that the oval was very like the shape of an eye. That was when the real inspiration hit.

Copics: 0, B00, B02, B05, B24, YG11, YG13, Y15, E00, E11

 

I penciled an iris and then got out my Copics and other markers (Black & Grey). I also used my white gel pen for the highlights. I tried to remember the instructions of artist Mark Crilley that I picked up from watching his You Tube videos.

I think it looks pretty good, except for not having any eyelids. I'm not sure whether I should try to add those or just leave it as it is. Any opinions?

Thanks for stopping by. I hope I have inspired you. If you have any emboss-resist advice or postings about it, I would to hear what you have to say.

Blessing hugs,
Teresa