Inlaid Embossing Techinque

I'm not entirely sure who discovered this fun technique or even when it first became hot.   The technique involves adhering shapes to the background and then running it through the Big Shot with an embossing folder.  I have most frequently seen this done with the Square Lattice Folder and flowers and it never really inspired me.

Then I was looking through a friend's swaps at convention and came across an inlaid embossed card that would have knocked my socks off if I had been wearing them at the time.  I don't know who to credit because I did not write down who created it.  But I knew I had to create my own version of it and this is it:

Colors: Island Indigo, Pool Party, Basic Black, Whisper White. Stamps: Easy Events and Happiest Birthday Wishes Hostess Set. Big Shot: Lattice Embossing Folder, #2 Circle Die.  Punches: 1/2", 3/4", 1", 1-1/4" and 1-3/4" Circles, 2-3/8" Scallop Circle.  Accessories: Markers, Aqua Painter, Dazzling Details, Crystal Effects, Basic Black Scallop Dot Ribbon.

I copied the colors and using the circle punches to create the background but I used different images and embellishments.  First of all, I love these colors together.  Second of all, I love the way the circles looked embossed into the background.  So thanks to whoever it was that created the card. (And if you recognize it, please post in the comment section so I can give proper credit).

For the cupcake, I used my markers to color along the lines.  Then I took the Aqua Painter water colored over it. Then I added Dazzling Details to the frosting and Crystal Effects to the cake plate.

But this was the same day I was in the juice.  So when I finished that card, I had another idea:

Colors: Lucky Limeade, Basic Black and Whisper White.  Stamps: Happiest Birthday Wishes Hostess Set. Big Shot: Square Lattice Embossing Folder.  Punches: Itty Bitty Shape Pack, 1/2", 3/4" 1" & 1-1/4" Circles. Accessories: Basic Black Grosgrain Ribbon, Markers, Designer Printed Brads

Love Limeade with Black and White too!  If you look really, really close, you might notice that the embossing is opposite on both my cards.  I get asked all the time which side of the lattice embossing folder is the top. The catalog shows that the "+" should be pressed into the card stock making a lattice mark on top.  But for inlaid embossing, I think the opposite way looks better. 

One of these cards will be featured at my September Card Buffet.  Vote for you favorite in the comment section below so I can decide which one.