Continuing with our "Back to Basics" theme in 2010, I would like to talk about the "Little Black Accent." A dear friend of mine, Betty, makes beautiful cards and there was something neat about them. I couldn't put my finger on it. I just thought about how much I liked what she made. Later on, I saw a couple of other cards that gave me that same feeling. I starting wondering what it was. So, I looked closer. I discovered it was that "Little Black Accent" of cardstock. It was so subtle, yet so wonderful. There wasn't much there, but it sure made those cards 'pop.'

When we cut cardstock or paper to be the mat for an image, it is usually .25" larger than the image, giving a .125" border around the image. In the case of using black as the accent, you will cut the mat .125" larger than the image, giving you a border of .0625" around the image, just enough for that "Little Black Accent."

Below are some examples using the 'Little Black Accent.' All of the card examples are 5.5"x4.25". Try this on your next project and see how it makes the look of the card or scrapbook page change. I hope you enjoy this little technique.

by: Penny Yoder, Artistic Guide

 Stamps:
Background stamp by Local King Rubber Stamp
Image by Auntie Amy

by: Penny Yoder, Artistic Guide

 Stamp:
The Angel Company

by: Penny Yoder, Artistic Guide

 Stamps:
Sentiment by The Angel Company
Rose Unknown

by: Penny Yoder, Artistic Guide

 Stamp:
Sentiment by The Angel Company

by: Penny Yoder, Artistic Guide

 Stamps:
Image by The Angel Company
Sentiment unknown