October's CAS Mix Up Challenge ......

Happy weekend to you,

Happy World Card Making Day too!  It's the perfect day to launch this month's CAS Mix Up Challenge

It's my turn to host, and the challenge for October is a Mixed Media one, with the prompt .....

Blackout Embossing 

Time to get out all your favourite embossing folders and have some fun!

This is a new to me technique.  I've seen it used a lot online, and it always looks stunning, but I haven't really done much of it myself. 

The first time I tried it, I didn't actually use any colour, I just simply used a black ink over the debossed side of an embossing folder design, so I'm not even sure if that can be classed as the 'Blackout Embossing technique'.  (I'll show you what I mean at the end of this post!)

Anyway, on with this month's challenge.  

I've got two cards to share with you, the first is using a pretty embossing folder from Simon Says Stamp called Blossom Field.  It's a pretty floral design, with lots of little details.

I simply ran the EF through the Big Shot with some plain white cardstock.

I then coloured the flowers, on the de-bossed side, using Distress Oxide Inks, in shades of pink and yellow.  I found the easiest way, for me, was to use small blending brushes to get the colour into the debossed detail of the card.

This is quite a thick EF so the detail is quite deep in the cardstock which is what you need for this technique, so that when you rub over with the black ink you don't get too much on the coloured bits.  Does that make sense?

I used Black Soot Distress Oxide on this card, but Nocturne Versafine Clair or any black ink would work just as well.  Try whatever you have to hand.

I gently rubbed the ink pad over the surface of the card, to bring out the coloured, debossed design ........ this was so much fun to do!  Try not to add too much black ink at once, I think less is definitely more with this technique.  Build up the depth of colour gradually .... remember it's always easier to add more than it is to take it away!

A simple stamped sentiment and a few highlights with a gold gel pen finishes off the card

This technique also works well with cardstock that has already got colour on it .......

I found this small piece of card in my bits box.  It's a leftover from a previous project I think, possibly a mop up piece by the look of it.   

The embossing folder is Piped Floral Lace from Altenew (I think this is my favourite EF at the moment ...... I love it!!!)  Again this is a deep, 3D, folder, giving lots of detail. 

Just remember, if you use already coloured cardstock, make sure you put it in the EF folder the right way up ..... you need the coloured side to be debossed.

For a bit of extra interest, but still keeping things CAS, I added my blackout piece to a white, die cut postage stamp frame and added the same in black, underneath.

If you need more inspiration for October's challenge, then check out the latest post on the CAS Mix Up Blog.  There you'll find more fabulous ideas from our Design Team and, there's also links to some useful videos showcasing this fun technique.

We also have a fabulous Guest Designer this month. Darnell from djkardkreations is joining in the fun so be sure to pop over there and say Hello!

Remember to follow the Challenge Guidelines ......  and keep your cards CAS.

Before I go, here's a picture of what I mentioned earlier ..... something I played around with whilst taking part in the #100 Day Challenge earlier in the year.  

It's the Blackout technique (sort of!) without any colour ....... I love this look, but then again I'm a big fan of black and white with just a hint of colour!

I'm really looking forward to seeing your take on the Blackout Embossing challenge.  I can't wait to see your entires in the gallery.  Have fun!

Thanks for popping by ....... enjoy your weekend.

We've spent the last few days in the lovely town of Knaresborough.  An historic market town in North Yorkshire. 

Nice walks, great places to eat, and the weather's not been too bad either.

We walked through Nid Gorge, quite a long walk but nice ....... I need the excercise!!

The next stop on our travels is one of our favourite places .......... we're off to the city of York!

Cheerio until next time .......

Products used:

Card 1

Embossing Folder ...... Blossom Field - Simon Says Stamp

Inks ........  Distress Oxide Inks - Mustard Seed, Scattered Straw, Picked Raspberry, Black Soot; Versafine Clair - Nocturne (for the sentiment)

Stamps ....... Happy Birthday sentiment from my stash
Other ......  Gold Metallic Gel Pen

Card 2

Embossing Folder ...... 3D Piped Floral Lace - Altenew

Inks ........  Distress Inks - Mustard Seed, Scattered Straw, Wild Honey; Versafine Clair - Nocturne 

Stamps ....... Happy birthday Sentiment from my stash
Other ...... Postage Stamp dies; Small crystal gemstones, black cardstock