Hello Stamplings!
Normally, I like to finish my coffee with you while we chat about chatty schtuff, but today we are going to get right to my projects. The reason being is because I've got a batch of Christmas cards on the conveyor belt and you know what it's like to start a batch and then get disterupted. Think Lucy and Ethel in the chocolate factory!
At this month's Zoom session with friends, we played with embossing folders, another crafty product I have a bunch of, but tend to overcook.
Onefer
This is so brilliantly schparkly and golden that even the camera was successful in reflecting it without the need of a closeup!
I have a Gemini Jr. which I love for cutting dies, but pursuant to paragraph two above, I never got around to learning what sandwich it likes to eat when I use an embossing folder (e/f). So this Zoom session was also great because it forced me to figure out the menu for both my regular e/fs and my 3D e/fs. The e/f I used for this card came with the Gemini Jr. It's called Regency Swirls.
I learned two different techniques making this card. The first was double embossing. For that, you emboss your card front using one e/f and then you run it through a second time using a different e/f. First, I ran my blue-green panel through the machine using SU's 3D e/f called "Subtle." Which it is. And then I ran it through again using the Regency Swirls e/f.
The second technique was heat embossing part of the textured pattern you achieved during the first technique. For that, you pat your design's little bottom with your embossing buddy (or the like) to keep the embossing powder (e/p) only where you want it. Then you lightly tap your Versamark ink pad here and there in places where you want your e/p to stick.
I chose to use gold e/p and as you can see, haha, I apparently wanted the gold to stick everywhere! It's not aickshully the right artsy idea the technique is meant to convey, but as I always say, you can never have too much gold.
As such, I matted the card with glimmer gold paper, crop-0-diled the corners, added a schparkly gold ribbon (ribbon!), and then finished it with a thanks die from Simon Says Stamp in matching gold paper. I'll be making more of this beautiful gilded design for Christmas cards.
Challenges
- Pixie's Snippets Playground: Use those snippets! My blue-green paper and the sediment paper are snippets.
- Simon Says Stamp Wednesday: Layer it up.
- UnstampaBelles: Inspire with a twist of thank you. Who inspired me to get into this craft? Sadly, it was so many years ago, I have lost touch with the ladies who invited me to my first SU workshop because they are no longer enjoying this hobby. But I do know ~ and am happy to be dear friends with ~ the ladies who first welcomed me into Blogland and the wonderful world of challenges, so this thank you is for them!
Twofer
Real quick, this design was made using a technique you are prolly familiar with. The one where you ink up your e/f, spray a piece of watercolor paper, place it in the folder, and then run the e/f through the machine. The e/f I used is a NBUS Spellbinders Floret Cluster. I used a portion of the piece to make a panel which I backed with a narrow plaid mat to keep the design CAS. The hugs sediment is from MFT. It was cut from the same embossed panel, which Hammy then backed with another cut made from black fun foam.
~~~
Enjoy your day! No, seriously, enjoy, and be safe! LITS!*
*Life is too short!
To open the pop-up comment box that let's you jump to the end w/o scrolling: Click CTL + Home. Click the Home tab under my blog banner which resets the post. Click Page Down to reach the end of the post. Click Comments and a pop-up box opens. Click "Jump to Comment Form" and wallah, no more car pool tunnel! Mwah! (p.s. If you ask me a question in your comment, please remember to leave me your email address so I can respond. Thank you!)
64 comments:
Gorgeous cards, you've really made the most of all that delicious texture. I tend to forget what lovely techniques there are with efs and end up just using them to, you know, emboss stuff.
Jane
Two great cards using embossing folders. They tend to get neglected here despite the fact that I have a few (who am I kidding - LOTS!!).
Two lovely cards and two different techniques...love the beautiful colours on your first card and love the design of your 2nd card...I know I don’t make best use of my embossing folders although saying that I used one yesterday!
Take care..stay safe
Hugs. Anne x
Oh how shmarkly and elegant that gold card is Darnell - and Hammy didn't have a paw in it!! So glad you let him help with the second card, which is also gorgeous!
Stay safe
Blessings
Maxine
Wow Darnell you have created two beautiful cards l am loving the embossed backgrounds and the gold on the first card is outstanding and the 2nd card love the layout and the colour totally adorable they both are ...ooh so nice for Hammy to have a paw in it stay safe xx
Oh my that gold looks terrific! I have a load of E/F and never use them... Silly really when I see the lovely results you got. Your second card is just as lovely and I really like the 'hugs" cut from the same panel... Even on it's own that would wow! Be safe.. sending hugs your way
What a stunner, Darlene! Love your card - so beautiful. Thanks for joining Gail and I at Let's Squash It, Jo x
Both are so beautiful and I love all the shimmer and shine.b
Cute cards! I tend to forget about my e/f’s also!
Have a great day!
Marilyn❤️
Yummy!! Great cards Dolly, even though I had no idea wot you was goin on about when talkin about 'Regular' and '3D' - although I now have discovered ( once I have wiped the cobwebs from the EF's) that I bought a '3D' folder cos I liked it but now don't have a clue wot to do with it as I don't have a junior anything although my starsign is Gemini so does that count? Can I use it in any old machine?? Off to find out!
xx
OMG..Two Gorgeous and Golden cards with smashing techniques, my dear sweet Dolly:-) TFS very early this morning...Denny and I are headed out soon for the 2 hr drive to the trailhead for an all day...day hike. TFS and waking me up with all your metallic shine. Love and Hugs...Nancy
Two very beautiful cards Darnell, love the designs and colours, especially your first card.
Hope you are well and keeping calm, keep safe too, Kate x
Your blue-green with the gold is GORGEOUS! Love the double embossing and all that sparkle!! And what a great idea to cover only half of your card with the embossed panel and then to make your greeting match! Both look great. Thanks for the inspiration!!
These are great looking cards that I am sure Hammy helped create. Love the colour of teal green? Or is it Aqua green? With the gold which I will try to steal..um be inspired and make one similar. The yellow card is so bright and cheery and also love that style. I will check out the new challenge blog.
Two beautiful cards, Darnell. Thanks for sharing what you did and learned to make that first one. It's a beauty! I think it is terrific that you have zoom calls with your friends for crafty time! Way to work around the virus! :) Thanks so much for sharing!
Hi Darnell, Loving the cards. If I had to pick a favourite, it would be the first one.
I have loads of embossing folders and dies, but rarely get the Cuttlebug out. Think in the New Year, I'll try and sell a lot of them.
Hope you have a nice day. Sue
Love all that gold and the embossing! This card is GORGOUES, my friend! You spritzed the watercolor paper and not the EF? Maybe that was my problem and why I couldn't get a smooth background. I need to try that again! Good luck with those Christmas cards. xoxo
Two embossed beauties, Darnell - just love all the gold on card one and card two is a ray of sunshine!!
I love your onefer. I am definitely going to play with that technique. You are right about never too much gold. Your twofer is bright and cheerful. I don't use that technique much as I am usually really messy with it and then have to stop and clean the workspace.
DOUBLE embossing???? Why didn't I THINK OF THAT?? Such a fabulous idea I may have to give it a whirl!
The fun you've had is evident - in both cards, D!
=]
Beautiful cards and great techniques you used Darnell. Love the double embossing idea. I have to try that. TFS
Another technique to try out and if mine (it won't) turns out like yours I would be over the moon, I love your gold first one, the EF is gorgeous, love the ribbon and the tag, all fabulous. Your second is so sunny and lovely, the EF is fabulous too with the matching sentiment WOW! Great work on both, hope your Christmas cards are finished! LOL.
Faith x
Double embossing?!! Oh my word! I've never thought to try this. Love the result you got so definitely going to be trying this technique. Thanks for the inspiration. Also will be looking into the new Squash It challenges. Sounds like fun.
Two beautiful cards, Darnell! I've done those techniques, but I have never used watercolor paper for that second technique. What a great ides! How fun you have Zoom stamping sessions.
WOW! Tones of gold and yellow...very autumnal and very gorgeous. Your embossing technique is STUNNING especially with the metallics. This message is over so you can get back to your assembly line.
Gosh I love that idea of using 2 EF. I love my linen one and then I could use one of the others-great tip and one technique that I might actually try! I love all that added gold after-I like the arty look too.....mine would have to be like that too!!
I finally got here to see you...where is my coffee??
They are both beautiful, Darnell xoxo
Two super makes, great EF's with super colours and sparkle.
Kath x
WOW!! The first one is just a stunned with all that glamorous gold!!Love love love it!!! And the CAS is lovely and sunny!! Great use of your EFs!!!
These are stunning, Darnell. I love the gold on that double embossed card and the soft yellow is so cheerful. Great job on both. See, you can ink up your folder!
Gorgeous cards using your embossing folders Dolly! I LOVE the first card with the double embossing and faux patina techniques combined. It is so beautiful with all that gold. Great finishing touches with the pretty ribbon and sentiment. Your bright and sunny flowers for your second card are so cheerful and fun. Another great technique! Love, Lolly
Love the cards! The gold embossed one is fab! I’ve given away 95% of my e/f only kept the few 3D ones I had from sizzix. Nice to hear you’re getting together with crafting buddies via Zoom. Hugs to you and Hammy.
Sounds like fun! You are not alone with the unloved efs!
I haven't heard of the first technique before - thank you! Will have to put that one on my must try list.
Gorgeous cards too!
Your gilded background is gorgeous (even if more gold than intended). It's beautiful against the gold card base. And your simple strip of inked up ef is lovely bordered with that bit of plaid dp! Great fun to zoom with you last week!
Ooooohhhh, double embossing, that looks great! Two fabulous cards Darnell!
Two fantastic cards and great techniques using your EFs Darnell, and the first made me fetch out my sunglasses as I was completely blinded by the wonderful gold shimmer from the gold pearl embossing and glimmer gold paper, and love the rounded corners, and the two EFs make a brilliant looking background. The second is so pretty too with the inked up EF and the spritzed watercolour paper put inside and ran through your machine, and what a beautiful result. I love the double layer die cut sentiment too using another piece from the same panel. x
Wonderful cards, and great techniques! Love all the gold too, both are brimming in yellows.
As for the inky e/f technique, I've only known a different way to do it... ink up the e/f, spritz the e/f, then add your paper! Good to know it works another way, I'll have to check out the difference to see which I like better
what a great idea combining Faux patina and double embossing awesomely artsy :)
I love dry embossing & love your cards, Darnell! The first one is just gorgeous! I've got to give it a try. Thought my Gemini was going to break, so haven't used it with embossing folders. Maybe I need to read the instructions again.
Oh wow Darnell,...I'm simply lovin' your first card... gooooorrgeous colours and the gold embossing of the swirls is so elegant.. the second is really lovely too... I've just been playing with my E/Fs too... new challenge if you're interested. https://letssquashit.blogspot.com/2020/10/challenge-1-geometric-and-metallic.html
Hugs and stay safe Robyn
Looks like you had so much fun makng these! And they look good! Hugs, Gerrina
I love that you're doing crafty zoom sessions with your friends Darnell and what a lot of fabulous techniques you're revisiting and then sharing with the rest of us - it's all a win-win! The first card is a real head turner with all the gold shimmer against the celestial blue. And a ribbon!!! I would have to dig deep in the stash to find a ribbon but yours looks wonderful! I hadn't come across the second technique so read about it with interest. It looks so effective on your card. Fun fact: I own just two EFs! Sending hugs, Vicky x
Gorgeous designs and thank you for these helpful tips I now need to make time to find my rmbossing folders Love and hugs Carole x
Beautiful cards and good tips as I just got a Gemini Jr.!
These are fantastic Darnell, such great effects with embossing folders (of which I have many and never use!!). Hope you are doing ok xx
both cards are gorgoeus!
Helo, hello, my friend!! :) Two FABULOUS cards! And some great techniques! Thanks for sharing! Enjoy your Christmas card making and weekend! :) Hugs
Two wonderful card Darnell, especially the top card. I love the colours.
Sue xx
Love them both, but that first one...OH WOW.
You've been having fun again I see, and what a pretty pair of cards you have here! I just love the embossing technique you used with the gold and the hugs card has a great side panel that just dazzles! Love the simplicity of the design! NJ on both!
2 brilliant cards, I am so enjoying seeing all the embossing folders showcased recently. I have the same folder you used on your first card (for the same reason too) and adding the heat embossing to it is masterful, I will have to give it a go xx
Two beautiful cards and two great techniques, the gold on the first card is gorgeous and I love the rounded edges (little touches like that always seem to please me). I do love using the technique that you used on the second card, it is lovely to be reminded of it!
I hope your Christmas card factory is going well! Keep safe and well. Hugs, Annie xxx
Lots of yummy gold texture on your card. It is very tactile. Thank you for joining our challenge at Unstampabelles and the ladies who inspired you. Wynn DT
I love these! Such gorgeous techniques you have used - your cards are beautiful! I must start using my embossing folders more. Take care and stay safe my friend. Hugs xxxxxxxxxxx
Wowie, that's a gorgeous embossing folder on #1! With the gold it looks just like carved wood with gold leaf. I like it with the extra little smudges, too. I love the color you started with and I can even see the Subtle embossing under the bolder embossing. As for #2, I did not know about using wet watercolor paper for this technique, but I'm filing that away in the vault 'cause I love how it looks and I really want to try it. I've tried this technique, but not with wet paper. Pretty card!
What a debut with that technique, Darnell ... so schparkly, so stylish, so elegant! Your yellow texture-y blooms on the second technique hugs card are lovely ... bright, happy, sunny! So pleased you had so much fun zooming ... and got that bonus of now understanding your favourite sandwiches!! LYAMYLALMA ... HYHAWW! Big hugs and bisous, Anita :)
Two gorgeous cards ..... love the double embossing on the first design, great shine too. I love the flourish EF.
I always forget about embossing folders and the gorgeous results you get from these fun techniques. You've inspired me my friend xx
This turned out so fantastic. The double embossing embossing is so fun and the addition of the gold is gogeous? So many techniques! Way to go!
Ooooh, how clever this snippets card is Darnell. It looks like heavy brocade from the wonderful ball gowns of yesteryear. I loved reading how you made it - although I'm not going to fully understand it until I sit and play of course. So lovely to see you in the Playground!
Sorry I'm late commenting!
Hugs
Di xx
How funny - i just read your details on the snippets card making again and see the folder is called Regency! So I was on the right track about ballgowns! xx
It is a while since I visited the playground. I can't comment on every card but your lovely gold one jumped out at me.
I also under-use my embossing folders. Maybe I should give them another outing. I love the technique you have used, and you certainly can't have too much gold, especially at Christmas. Kate x
Two beautiful cards but extra loving the first one and all that texture x.
Love, love, love the two cards - especially the first one, looks so rich and elegant. Like the narrow band of plaid around the second anel as well.
Just got a Gemini a few weeks ago (clearance at Hobby Lobby), for a really good price and just couldn't pass up. I keep my instruction book sitting right beside the machine to look up the sandwiches. So far loving this little machine.
I completely agree with you, Darnell. A woman never has too much gold! I love both cards, the e / f embossing technique always gives beautiful and elegant effects. And when we add a flush to it, we have some really brilliant cards, just like yours.
xx
Post a Comment