Embossing with Dies for CAS Mix Up ......

Hello again ......

I hope you're enjoying your Tuesday.
I'm back with the launch of this month's CAS Mix Up Challenge.

Joanna is our host for September, and the challenge has a Mixed Media theme, using a real fun technique ..... Embossing with Dies

Now, Embossing with Dies is sort of new to me, especially the version of the technique I've used, but I'm always up for a challenge! 
If it's all new to you too, then check out the CAS Mix Up Blog.  As well as all the fabulous inspiration from the rest of the Design Team, you'll find links on there to some really useful videos showing you different ways of using this technique.

I was inspired by the video Embossed Impressions from the lovely Jennifer McGuire  ...... and I love it!  I just had to give it a try

I used one of the Tim Holtz Mixed Media dies, gently swiped over the top of the cutting edges with Versamark ink and then embossed it through my Big Shot onto the top part a piece of navy cardstock (I did have to put an extra shim in with my plates to get a good impression). 

I then sprinkled over the top with gold embossing powder and heat set, before repeating the process again underneath ..... it looks so pretty! 

Quick tip ..... when using this technique, don't forget to use an anti-static bag over your card BEFORE embossing with your dies.  That way you don't get embossing powder sticking where you don't want it to.
If however, you have been a little heavy handed with the Versamark Ink and it transfers where you don't want it don't worry ....... just use a fine paintbrush to carefully brush away any excess embossing powder before you heat it up.

I stamped my sentiment onto a strip of white cardstock using a gold ink, and placed it across the card where the two embossed panels meet

To finish off I added a tiny gold heart that I had coated with Versamark Ink, and heat embossed three times, in the same gold as my background

So, I've included the theme ....... Embossing with Dies, I've rubber stamped, and I've heat embossed!
Now it's over to you ...... can't wait to see you in the gallery.

We have a fabulous Guest Designer this month ......... Mac (The Sweetest of Peas) is joining is the fun so be sure to pop by and say Hello!

Thanks for popping by ..... enjoy the rest of your day.

Cheerio until next time .......

Products used:
Stamps: Kisses & Wishes 'T' for Transparent stamp set(Penny Black)
Dies: Tim Holtz Mixed Media Dies #5
Inks: Versamark Ink; Delicata Metallic Ink - Golden Glitz
Other: Tiny Heart Punch, Gold Embossing Powder (WOW!)

Happy Easter ......

Happy Easter weekend ........

And a special hello from our little Easter bunny .......

Yes we have wild bunnies in the garden ....... two big ones,

and two little baby ones ...... that I think live under the garden shed!

I just hope the gardener didn't scare them off when he came to cut the lawn the other day!

I hope you're enjoying your Easter weekend.  We're having a nice family Sunday lunch tomorrow .... would you believe it's the first one since we moved into the new house.  We popped into town this morning and did the shopping, stocked up on the wine and ooops! somehow these two found their way home with me too .....

The brand new Fynoderee Spring edition ....... looking forward to trying this one, the Winter one was lovely.  And another new one  ..... the Spring edition of the Rock Rose.  It's going to be a good weekend!
No chocolate for me though ..... my Easter egg was a shiny new laptop ......

No calories!

Anyway ..... before I go and put on my domestic goddess tiara (I'm going to bake a chocolate cake for tomorrow)  here's a little something crafty for you ......

It's been a busy week in the craft room, getting ready for April's blog challenges that all get underway next week.  I did find time to play though, in between all the tidying up. 
I came across this pretty die cut piece and thought it was too nice to put away in the bit box.  Instead I turned it into a really pretty birthday card that was so quick and easy to make.

I've been playing around with a set of the Tim Holtz Mixed Media dies .... I think it's set #5 but don't hold me to that!
I made two cards for Darnell's Twofer Challenge with one of the dies, which you can see here if you missed them.  And speaking of the Twofer challenge, I got a nice surprise this morning when I found out that my cards are one of this month's Winners!  Thanks Darnell, I'm so proud to be part of such a fabulous showcase.

This leftover piece was one I decided not to use for the challenge but isn't it pretty ..... I love all the detail.

I simply die cut it from a piece of white cardstock and then laid it over the top of a piece of card I found in my bit box, coloured using Brushos.

A simple sentiment and a few sparkly sequins .... done!

There's also a matching stencil which I used on the inside .....

Wilted Violet and Worn Lipstick Distress Oxides matched the colours on the front perfectly

Thanks for popping by ..... enjoy the rest of the Easter weekend.
Time to get that cake in the oven I think.

Cheerio until next time ......