See how much a simple paper braid can add to a card!

When I saw this cowgirl in the new goodies from Rubbernecker, I kept picturing a paper braid as part of her story. Of course that meant I had to experiment and to be honest, not only was this easier to make than I thought it would be, it really looks perfect on this card. I was aiming for a leathery look and by golly, I think I nailed it!

This card was actually very easy to create and since it was mostly a freehand experience, it was quick and I kept thinking it was a great card to make multiples of. If you are one of my Southwestern friends, think about whether or not this card could serve you as a Thank You card, “Just a Note From…” card or even a holiday card so you can make a stack and always have them on hand.

Card Base and Deckle Layer

Use cream cardstock to cut an A2 sized card base and the deckle layer.
Use a large blender brush and Mango ink to color the card base and the deckle layer.
Apply darker shades of brown around the borders of the deckle layer using Cinnamon and Pumpkin ink.
Cut a black piece of cardstock place behind the deckle layer and attach it to the card base using ATG adhesive.
Punch holes in the corner of the deckle layer using a paper piercer and insert black brads.
Apply strips of mounting tape to the back of the deckle layer and attach it to the black card base layer.

Making the Faux Leather Paper Braid and Cowgirl Silhouette

Tape the end of three .125” wide strips together and tape to the base of your work area to secure for braiding. Run your fingers lightly up and down over each strip to make more pliable.
Braid the three strips carefully until you have a long enough tassel for your embellishment.
Secure the end of your tassel with an additional strip of cardstock using glossy accents. You should leave about 1” of the braided strips left loose and trim to the desired length when finished.
Remove tape and repeat this process for the other end.
Use back cardstock to cut the silhouette cowgirl and attach her in the center of the deckle layer using mounting tape.
Finish by applying touches of glossy accents to the back of the faux leather paper braid and attach it to the deckle layer to create a frame for the silhouette cowgirl.

Check out my Faux Leathers, Faux Snakeskin and Faux Gold tutorial to see how to create the appearance of faux leather strips and backgrounds. Take a look at my Fun Cowboy card to see more of the new western dies from the new Rubbernecker release.

5424-03D Cowgirl and Cowboys Die [ RBB ]	5176D Nested Deckle Rectangle Dies [ RBB ]	Color Fuse Set #2 [ RBB ]
Color Fuse Set #3 [ RBB ]	Crossover II Fabric & Paper Cutting… [ RBB ]

The Color Catalog by Sarah Renae Clark [ SRH ]	Picket Fence Studios – Tools – 4-Pack… [ SBC ]	Dress My Craft – Circle Punch – 1.25… [ SBC ]
Mini Applicators, 12 pk, PanPastel Sofft [ ELH \| ACH ]	Amazon.com: Scotch CAT 085 Advanced… [ AMZUS ]	Mini Glossy Accents, Ranger Accents [ ELH ]
Amazon.com: Mini Foam Dots… [ AMZUS ]	Amazon.com: Scotch 1/2-Inch by… [ AMZUS ]	Fiskars 01-005452 Recycled Bypass… [ AMZUS ]
Teflon Bone Folder, Essentials by Ellen [ ELH ]	Scor-Pal Measuring & Scoring Board 12×12 [ ELH ]	Glue Dots, Mini (3/16″) [ ELH ]
Amazon.com : Accent Opaque White 8.5”… [ AMZUS ]