This bold birthday card by Dominique Benanni uses Tim Holtz Distress Inks, Embossing Glaze, Stamps, and more to create a layered, textured look that really stands out. In honor of February, she used the kissing stamp technique—transferring one stamped design onto another stamp before stamping it onto the panel—for added depth and visual interest. It’s a fun way to mix patterns and give classic birthday sentiments a little extra love!
Tim Holtz Distress® Ink Pad Peacock Feathers
Tim Holtz Distress® Oxide® Ink Pad Peacock Feathers
Tim Holtz Distress® Embossing Glaze Peacock Feathers
Tim Holtz Distress® Embossing Dabber
Tim Holtz Distress® Archival Ink Black Soot
Tim Holtz Cling Mount Stamp Tiny Prints
Tim Holtz Stampers Anonymous Cling Mount Stamp Bold Sayings
Emboss It™ Embossing Pens Black & White
Tim Holtz® Distress White Heavystock (cut to 4"x6")
Other:
Stamping platform/ Stamping Blocks
Double Sided Foam Tape
Happy crafting 2026 to you all! For my third assignment, I'm suggesting an under-utilized stamping technique. February is here with its theme of love at play, so I thought that a kissing stamping technique (with an extra twist), would be appropriate for this assignment. So I propose using this technique for a birthday theme card.
Step 1: Ink the Tiny Prints Background Stamp with the Distress Ink and Oxide Ink pads of your choice. Then stamp it on a 4" x 6" panel cut from Distress White Heavystock. If you are using a stamping platform, you can repeat the process if you wish. Mist lightly if you are using Distress Heavystock cardstock, instead of Distress Watercolor cardstock.
Step 2: Once dried, apply Distress Embossing Ink to the edges of the panel and pour the Embossing Glaze onto those edges (I suggest to do one edge at a time). For this step, I highly suggest using a Ranger Anti Static Pouch.
Step 3: Place your bold stamp onto your stamping platform (you can also use an acrylic block) and your background stamp onto an acrylic block. Sufficiently ink your background stamp with an oil based ink such as Distress Archival Black Soot. Then stamp the inked stamp onto the bold stamp. This is the step that gave the technique its name “kissing” (meaning transferring the inked impression to another blank stamp).
Step 4: Once the transfer is done, quickly stamp it on a 4" x 6" panel. Do not remove it, let the panel dry well. Without removing your stamp, clean off the ink from the bold stamp.
Step 5: Here's the extra twist: Go over your stamped image with an anti static pouch. Then strongly ink the bold stamp with the Distress Embossing Dabber. Stamp it on top of the stamped image (repeat this step if necessary, I did it twice).
Step 6: Pour your Distress Embossing Glaze onto your inked impression. Remove any embossing specks with a brush.
Step 7: With your heat gun, melt the Embossing Glaze. The beauty of the Distress Embossing Glazes, is their translucent characteristic, even though the colours are very pigmented (this is why I highly recommend the anti-static pouch).
Step 8: Cut that stamped cardstock to about 3”x4”. You can also use Distress Embossing Glaze on the edges (optional).
Step 9: Assemble your two stamped background elements by layering them (with 3D foam tape to create depth). You can opt to add thread, ribbon or others elements to your card, as you wish. Voila, your birthday card is ready!
Enjoy the process!
Bonjour! My name is Dominique, and I am from Montreal, Canada. For a while, I was a kids art teacher. I came across the stamping world about 30 years ago. Tim Holtz’s mixed media art universe further opened my horizon about 20 years ago. Ever since, I have been exploring and creating full time in my precious studio. I love creating with textured backgrounds, watercolors, with vintage vibes. My work aims to tell poetic stories. I have a passion for collecting tiny vintage antique objects. All this keeps me sane! Find me on Instagram @dabennani, anytime!
