WHITE HIGHLIGHT EMBOSSING

 An easy technique that combines a few elements that, if chosen carefully, will work well together. Patterned paper is the base; this is then dry embossed with an embossing folder, which is then coated carefully with white pigment ink to bring out the design of the embossing folder. Lastly, an image or die-cuts and words are added to complete the look. The main criterion is choosing your patterned paper and embossing folder so they will both work together, with neither overpowering the other. 

"I do lie"


"Moister"


"Note to self"

"Hustle & grind"

"Full bloom"

"Endless possibilities"

EASY BLACKOUT TECHNIQUE

 A previous blackout technique I used was more time-consuming, as it involved colouring the entire background of the embossed image with a permanent marker, such as a Sharpie. This was using embossing folders, not stamp embossing. I coloured the design of the folder with watercolours or other colouring medium, then filled in the background with the black Sharpie pen. As I mentioned, it is time-consuming.

This time, it's a much quicker way to create a similar look, but by using the debossed side of an embossed image and using an ink pad over the top to colour the background. It gives a more imperfect look, and I took it up a notch by clear-embossing the ink swiping (that's the shine you can see on some areas of the ATCs). I have managed to use normal 2D embossing folders as well, so you're not limited to only using 3D folders.

Abra cadaver

Diet

No shortcuts

Positive thoughts

Be-leaf

Live simply

EMBOSSING FOLDER PAPER CASTING

The last time I did Paper Casting in class was back in 2012 and it had been around for years before that, albeit in a different way by doing the paper cast process over a red rubber stamp. Since embossing folders have been around, this is a much easier and quicker technique to do using the folders and a die-cut machine. I used toilet paper last time but found some great little serviettes at IKEA and tried them out, and they worked perfectly.  Previously I had used Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist to colour my backgrounds but this time around, nothing quite beats Ranger Distress Stain Sprays, the Mica Stain Sprays can also add a gorgeous bit of shimmer to the coloured background.

"Strange"

"Dark and gloomy"

"Bend"

"One life"

"Plant parenthood"

"Seas the day"

This last atc is from a previous class, Brushos &

Other Powders. 

"See the world"

                                           

ALCOHOL INKS & ACETATE EMBOSS

I wanted to stay with acetate this fortnight as it was such a joy to work with at the last class so I combined a few favourites to make our backgrounds for this class  -  alcohol inks, acetate, embossing folders and a little coloured foil.  I didn't use the embossing folders on all of the backgrounds as I think you can get a great look just using the alcohol inks on un-embossed acetate.  You have to decide which side you'll stick down to your white card (this shows off the alcohol inks to their best advantage) as some of the alcohol inks in thicker areas stay sticky.   I just used the old trick of pressing some coloured foil onto the sticky bits and this transfers the foil and stops the stickiness.  I used either double-sided adhesive paper all over the back of the acetate piece to attach it to the white card, or just used skinny red-liner tape as this is the most transparent tape.  By the time you add all your bits & pieces to the top, you really don't notice the tape anyway.  Yes, I used the same wording on two of the atc's as the colouring and wording suited both.  😏

 "Potential side effects (#1)"

"Aquaholic"

"Use your wings"

"Potential Side Effects (#2)"
(no embossing folder used)

"Not what they seem"

"Foreboding"
(no embossing folder used)

EMBOSSED WAXED BACKGROUNDS

 This technique embraces the depth of the 3-D embossing folders that are available through the various companies now.  I've used plain black cardstock and only 3-D embossing folders for this technique, though you could try it with your normal embossing folders as well.  A trick I learnt was to lightly spritz with water one side of the card stock before running it through.  This relaxes the card stock and allows for the deep impressions without causing excessive cracking and tearing which can happen if you skip this step.  It's not a bad habit to get into when you're using your normal embossing folders too!  I followed up with some distress oxide ink as these will show up on dark card stock (stick with lighter colours though and don't expect a true colour representation!), then I applied the Art Alchemy Waxes from Finnabair as well as my old collection of Treasure Gold waxes.  These waxes show up really well on black and are a staple of many a mixed media/card maker/paper artist.

"The heart"

(This little folded 3-D heart from Sizzix is a test 

of your patience, but oh so worth it)

"Don't look back"

"Bitter"

"Aspire"

(The computer does enjoy fiddling with the 

tones and shades of metallics, rest-assured

all these silvers match)

"Selfie"

(The squiggly lines in her hair are made by using

the fine Distress Embossing Marker Pen, then

just clear embossing.  A neat effect!)

WAX PAPER FRESCO

This is another background technique that uses a few products we've used before in our classes.... Wax Paper, Embossing Folders and an embossing machine (Big Shot or Cuttlebug etc.) and Distress Ink Pads.  I have also utilised some Angelina Fibre in this class as well although it's pretty hard to see.  It's on the first atc, Bling out your dead and I've captured some Angelina Fibre in copper between the card stock and the waxed paper before I've embossed and coloured it.  I've also added some loose fibres underneath the picture.  Unfortunately this is another of those atc's that has to be seen in the flesh to appreciate all the shimmer of the fibres.  Yes girls in my classes, there is a new quote sheet out, number 22!

"Bling out your dead"...

"Drama Llama"... (I've also used some

Angelina Film under the image on this one

and across the front of the image too)

"Picturesque"...

"Unloved flower"...