Double-Embossing - A Tutorial

Hello, Crafty Folks!

I have been super busy this summer!   I was invited to be a Guest Blogger for ClearSnap®.  I am a long-time fan of the company and their inks were the first I ever used back when I began creating stationery.

Double-embossing is a technique I used to create a tutorial for the ClearSnap Blog.   I am sure there is another name for it, but I wanted to do something different and decided it would be fun to mix wet (heat) embossing with dry (embossing folders) embossing to create visual interest.

The process is simple.  If you are new to crafting, embossing is easy to learn.  For seasoned crafters, it is something you already know.  This tutorial  is to help you think differently about ways to use embossing techniques to enhance your creations.  

I find it more economical to create my own "faux" metallics with embossing.    ClearSnap® Copper Embossing Powder is my favorite.

This is a fun way to create visual interest and maintain a CAS design!  For this fun quilted design, I used ClearSnap® Silver Embossing Powder and We Are Memory Keepers' Next Level "Quilted" Embossing Folder.

To create a different visual on this card, I simply changed the direction of my embossing folder.   I created a fun detail on my word bubble by wet embossing the edges. 

I hope you will give this technique a try!  I would love to see your results!

Hugz,

Chana

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Challenge #8 - Color Challenge - Rusty Chairs

Hello, Crafty Folks!

This week we are tackling the old COLOR Challenge!

Draw your inspiration from this photo.  You can mix and blend the colors as you please.  

Your project can be a card, tag, altered object, scrapbook layout, or mixed media.  The purpose of this challenge is to increase your understanding of Color Theory in design.

Try to limit your neutral colors to 1 or 2

 

Turquoise  Red  Orange  Brown

MIXED MEDIA CHALLENGE TOP THREE

We only had two entries last week, but both were fabulous! 
Thanks, ladies for playing along.  I hope you will join in this week as well!
Don't forget to grab your badges!

HEATHER of MY ART JAM

DEONNA B of FOR THE LOVE OF CARDMAKING

THE MEANING OF COLOR

(excerpted from)

Understanding Color & The Meaning of Color

By Joel Lumon Black

Color meanings vary from culture to culture, and will influence the impact your design has on your targeted audience. Here is a list of a few meanings on how colors are interpreted by brands:

Color Wheel

Hue is the primary value of a color and how the color red, green, blue, purple, etc. is perceived through the eye.

Saturation of a color is the overall intensity or brightness of the color, any color that appears dull is referred to as desaturated.

Value is the lightness or darkness of overall colors schemes.

Blue: Security, Trust Worthy, Stability, Loyalty, Wisdom, Confidence, Trust, Friendliness, Preservation, Courage, Science.

Green: Wealth, Money, Calming, Trees, Ambition, Endurance, Healing, Calm, Generosity, Natural, Completion, and Protection.

Red: Energy, Power, Vigor, Leadership, Courage, Passion, Activity, Joy.

Yellow: Optimism, Childish, Freshness, Law, Education, Arrogance.

Pink: Romantic, Feminine, Love, Beauty.

Orange: Cheerful, Passion, Pleasure, Enthusiasm, Fascination, Creativity, Fun.

Black: Powerful, Mysterious, Elegance, Sophistication, Functionality. 

OTHER TIPS FOR UNDERSTANDING COLOR THEORY

• Research Trends
• Read design magazines
• watch television commercial, see what colors are popular
• watch fashion trends
• Watch Tutorials
• YouTube Videos
• Design Gallery Videos and Tutorials (SCS, StampTV, etc.)
• Experiment
• Use the colors from your paper stash,.mix them up in unusual ways
• Keep a color journal with your favorite palettes

Project Specifications

Materials Used

Amber Bottle (Kevita® Sparkling Porbiotic Drink)

Designer Papers:

  Prima® Almanac Collection 6"x6" Paper Stack

  Simple Stories® Snap™ Basics 6"x6" Paper Pad

Dies:

  Sizzix® Alterations™ Alphanumeric (3/4" Tall)

  Memory Box® Open Studio™ Stitched Heart Layers

Select Your Bottle

   I Used Goo Gone and two cycles in my dishwasher to clean the bottle

I collect these bottles, so I have a supply on hand,  

You can skip the dishwasher, just make sure that no glue or other debris remains.   

 I cut my design papers down to 5".  Two sheets were required to cover the bottle.  I placed a 1/4" piece of Scor-Tape along one edge and joined the two sheets together.  I then wrapped the paper around the bottle and measured for a 1/4" inch over lap.  

Once I had the correct length, I added Scor-Tape around the edges.   

Cut your acetate circle a bit larger than your circle.  My acetate circle and my hole are the same size.  so, to hold the cover in place, I applied Scor-Tape.  I had to apply it so a litte is inside the circle.

 I played with my embellishment and other challenge colors.  I determined the position for my label and cut a hole in the paper.

 I applied a layer of Gesso to the bottle.  I made it smaller than the size of my paper.  After it dried, I applied Mod Podge to the back of my label and to the Gesso.  Gentle pressure was applied to seal.

Apply Designer Paper and Bottle Top Treatment.

I apologize for the bad photography!  I will try to get better pictures and post them later!

Thanks for stopping by!

Chana

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Challenge @ 5 - Use Three Different Papers

Hello, Crafty Beginners!

This week the challenge is to use three different design papers.   The challenge here is to combine papers that in most instances would never be used together.    

Paper Piecing is a wonderful way address a challenge like this.

Here is an example of Paper Piecing using three papers.

The third design paper is used in the bodice, skirt ruffle, socks.  It is a smaller dotted print than the background paper.   Try to keep your designs cohesive.  Don't add components simply for the sake of covering up empty space.  Empty space can make your design more interesting to the eye.  Over embellishing can diminish your design and become tiring to the eye!

Traditional Card Using 3 Design Papers

Color integration is a key factor when combining papers.  

To add interest, you can pop in a contrasting color as a counterpoint.

Paper stacks and scrap kits contain coordinated papers that work well in combination.  Challenge yourself by using papers from your stash or mix papers from different stacks!

Our Site is intended as a resource for new crafters, however, our challenges are open to all!

Good Luck!  Thanks for stopping by!

Hugz,

Chana

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Challenge # 4 - CASE This Card

Hello, Crafty Peeps!
One of my biggest challenges when I first started paper crafting was CAS designs.  CAS is the acronym for Clean And Simple.   CAS design employs a minimum number of layers.  Usually it is a single layer card.  Minimal embellishment and lots and lots of White Space.

White Space (negative Space) does not mean simply leaving it untouched.  The untouched space must contribute to the overall graphic design.

This week, you can practice CAS design by CASEing this Card.   CASE is the acronym for Copy And Share Everything (Copy And Share with Everyone.)   What I want you to do is copy the Sketch. You must change at least 3 things.  You can use either the interior or exterior design as your CASE!
Good Luck!

Exterior Design

Interior Design

Remember, all challenges remain open until December 31, 2016.  You can enter your project at anytime and I will give you feedback!   Hugz,  Chana!

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