Faux Leather Bits

I love this technique! It is so easy and adds texture and interest to those little projects. All you need to get started is a sheet of tan craft foam, dark brown or black ink pad, a stamp, and a heat gun. Cut out the foam to the size or shape you want to use. Holding the heat gun about 5"-6" above the foam, heat until foam starts looking puffy and curling up around the edges. Turn off heat gun; quickly press inked stamp onto surface of foam where you want your design and press down hard for about 15-20 seconds. Lift the stamp off the foam. Your stamp should leave a deep inked impression in the foam. You can lightly ink around the edges and raised areas to enhance the carved leather effect and add depth. Here, I've done a small tag and some individual letters. You can use decorative edge scissors to trim your bits or cut out your pieces with a personal die cutter.