Aura Technique instructions

The Christmas Nativity card was made using the Aura Technique. It's really quite beautiful and very easy to accomplish. Here are the instructions (all products from Stampin' Up! are highlighted):

1) Stamp main image from Heavenly Peace with Classic Black ink. (Versamark ink or embossing can be used as well)

2) Color image with markers, Wonder Watercolor Pencils, Pastels etc.

3) Using a stamping sponge, rub Encore Gold pigment ink in a circular motion into the white card stock, starting from the outside edges and leaving a white border around image, about 1/4". Rub a thin layer, then heat set ink with a heat gun.

4) Use a dauber and DAB (don't rub) More Mustard or Summer Sun Classic ink on the white areas around your image. Start with the smallest areas in center of image and work outward. It’s okay if you go into the gold inked area.

5) With a sponge and classic ink colors that match closely to the colors in your image, DAB the color around outside of image, on top of the mustard color.

6)Use another sponge and DAB Classic Black ink on top of the gold, starting from outside edges and work your way inward, but be careful not to go into the (mustard) aura (hence the name of this technique). You want the gold to show through the black ink, so try not to RUB the black ink into the gold, just DAB it. Make sure you follow the shape of your image—if you don’t go in enough, it’ll look like a big circle blob.

7) Use the Ticket Punch on all four corners. Mount image onto black cardstock to make the image "pop". Insert gold mini brads in each corner. Roll the Rough Tracks Wheel over Cranberry cardstock, then attach image on upper area. Tie gold cord around brads on top and into a bow.

8) Emboss the saying from the your picture with Black Detail Embossing Powder onto Confetti Cream cardstock, then onto Brushed Gold cardstock. Attach to Cranberry layer on bottom of card.

The Aura Technique is fun and stunning-have fun with it!