Busy Background

This card began with a very bright and busy background paper from DCWV (The Grade School Collection).  To tone the background paper down, I used Inspired by Nature stamp by Stampin' Up and embossed the text with Ranger Seafoam White embossing powder.  I had seen a similar technique demonstrated byTracy Wegener at Paper Crafter's Library when she created her thank you card.  In the center of my card I created a black circle with a punched border using a Blue Hills Studio Honor punch. I printed the sentiment and embossed it as I did on the background paper.  I also added some small gems around the circle. The card base is blue cardstock. I used the same  blue cardstock to cut two strips that I added to a strip of black cardstock. I adhered it across the center of the card behind the circular embellishment. I think the bright busy background on my card was toned down by using this stamping technique.  It would have been better with a background stamp that has more text, but I don't have that sort of stamp yet.