The Joseph’s Coat Technique is one of those card-making techniques that never fails to impress.

Today I’m sharing an easy version that uses Designer Series Paper, heat embossing, and Blending Brushes to create colourful butterflies that seem to glow through a layer of black ink.

I created this card during a recent live video, and it was so much fun to watch the butterflies appear. You can see the full video tutorial here:

An Easier Version of the Joseph’s Coat Technique

Traditionally, the Joseph’s Coat Technique involves adding colour to cardstock first, embossing over it, and then adding a dark layer of ink over top.

For this card, I used a shortcut.

Instead of creating the colourful background from scratch, I started with the gorgeous Splash of Sparkles Specialty Designer Series Paper. The colours and sparkle were already there, which made this technique much quicker and easier.

I also used Blending Brushes instead of a brayer to add the black ink over top. It worked beautifully and gave the butterflies such a dramatic look.  See the complete list of supplies below.

I also used this paper in another video, which you can watch here: Splash of Sparkles card video.

Lemon Lolly Butterfly Card

This first card uses a Lemon Lolly card base, and I love how the bright colours from the paper show through the embossed butterflies.

Don’t forget the inside of the card! I added a leftover strip of the Designer Series Paper so you get a little peek at what the paper looked like before the black ink was added.

Here is a closer look at the butterflies. The clear embossing resists the black ink and lets those beautiful colours shine through.

You can also see the shine and dimension from the side view.

Highland Heather Butterfly Card

I also created a version using Highland Heather. This one has a softer, more purple look, depending on which section of the Designer Series Paper you use.

 

Bubble Bath and Gold Butterfly Card

This final version uses Bubble Bath cardstock with a gold-speckled piece of Splash of Sparkles paper. I also added gold accents to bring out the sparkle.

Please note that the Brushed Brass Butterflies shown on this sample are retired, but you could easily substitute another small embellishment from your stash.

Stamp Sets and Tools Used

The butterflies are from the beautiful All Aflutter Stamp Set. I used the solid butterfly image with VersaMark and clear embossing powder to create the resist effect.

The greeting is from the Scalloped Blooms Stamp Set. I stamped it in black and punched it out with the 2″ Circle Punch.

Why This Technique Works So Well

The magic comes from the clear embossing powder. Once the butterfly images are heat embossed, they resist the black ink added over top. When you wipe the surface with a tissue, the ink comes off the shiny embossed areas and reveals the colourful paper underneath.

It’s dramatic, but not difficult.

And because the Splash of Sparkles paper already has beautiful colour and shine built in, this version is even easier than creating the background from scratch.

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