TO THE SHOP...

Saturday, 27 February 2010

Challenge 25 'Embossing,' Winner of Ch 24 & Goodbye to Elaine

How to play: This fortnights theme is 'Embossing,' you need to make a craft item (card or other) which features embossing somewhere, it must also include a DIGI IMAGE somewhere but this doesn't have to be a Bee Crafty one.

Please submit your entry by Saturday 13th March (Midday UK) by posting on your own blog and leaving a comment below, with a direct link to your item if possible (see the link tip to the right). The PRIZE is one of Bee Craftys downloads!

There are lots of different approaches to embossing and many tools available, my DT have used a variety of techniques and included some tips to inspire you with their examples...

Victoria spotted a great tutorial on The Cuttlebug Spot which inspired her to create this fantastic double embossed card using 'Seated Bunny.'
 
 
Sheri has combined two embossing techniques to great effect in her super boys card using 'Seated Boy.'
 
The main panel was embossed with an embossing folder (Dots by Quickutz). The little panel that Seated Boy is sitting on was embossed by hand using my Score Board & Tool.
 
Start with a larger piece of paper, you can then trim to size. Tip: If score tool is not scoring easily, lightly rub a piece of wax paper over your cardstock. The tool will now move more easily.
 
Kim has used heat embossing on her charming birthday card using 'Little Lady Birthday.'
 
Here are some tips for heat embossing on a digital image:

Option #1: To emboss the entire image, print image from a ink jet printer. Ink stays wet longer. Apply embossing powder immediately so that it will still stick to the image. Emboss with heating tool. (I didn't do ithis option on my card.)

Option #2: If the embossing powder doesn't stay on at all for you using option #1, try using a Zig emboss writer. It's a pen so you would just go over the entire image and then apply the powder. Work with small sections as it dries up fast as well. Emboss with heating tool. This is what I did on my card.
 
Lori's very pretty card using 'Whimsical Girl and Bird' is embossed with 2 different Quikutz folders - Large and Small Dots - in addition to some heat embossing with clear embossing powder and heat gun on the image.
 
Trix has created a charming, rustic card with 'Fluffy Bunny and Flowers' which uses an embossed background.
 
Winner of Challenge 24 'Sew Cute' ...is Renata for her beautifully made and cleverly stitched card, well done!
 
Goodbye to DT member Elaine. Elaine has been a great member of the Bee Crafty Design Team, producing consistently lovely, well crafted cards....but due to other commitments has had to leave us.
Best wishes Elaine, you will certainly be missed!

Saturday, 13 February 2010

Challenge 24 'Sew Cute' and Winner of Ch 23

How to play: This fortnights theme is 'Sew Cute,' you need to make a craft item (card or other) which features real or pretend (faux) stitching / sewing, it must also include a DIGI IMAGE somewhere but this doesn't have to be a Bee Crafty one.


Please submit your entry by Saturday 27th February (Midday UK) by posting on your own blog and leaving a comment below. The PRIZE is one of Bee Craftys downloads!

Here are some tips that might help...then read on for the great DT examples...
 
1. Use a sewing machine. Elaine and Victoria have used sewing machines but produced really different results, Victoria recommends embracing the 'shabby chic' effect as a design choice (or if your sewing machine skills are a bit lacking!)
 
2. Consider different ways to get the stitched effect - this is Sheri's advice;
I like to use a piercing template/ruler to ensure a straight line.
To secure the template and paper in place pin it down to the foam mat while working.

Instead of a Gel Pen, I prefer using a Poster Paint Marker by Sharpie. They give me a dark smooth line for the faux stitching. (I use the Extra Fine Tip marker)

3. You could use an embellishment which already has stitching on it, such as a ribbon - see Kim's card below
 
4. A really easy way to get a stitched effect is to neatly draw on dashed lines, particularly effective around the edge of die cuts and images (use a fine liner or similar in black or a colour to compliment your design.)
 
Design Team Inspiration
 
Sheri's beautiful, romantic card using 'Whimsical Girl The Kiss' is delicately framed by her great stitching technique (see above for tips on how to achieve this look.)
 
Victoria's gorgeous colours work really well with her shabby chic stitching and the 'Whimsical Girl Heart Garden' image.
Trix has combined rustic textures and made great use of 'Whimsical Girl The Kiss' by cutting out the image.
 
Elaine's beautifully constructed card sees some great stitching which frames the 'Whimsical Girl Heart Garden' image.
Kim's charming Valentine card features 'Whimsical Girl Heart Garden' and cleverly uses ribbon which already has stitching in it!
Lori has used fantastic colours and bold stitching detail on her 'Whimsical Girl The Kiss' card. 


Winner of Challenge 23 'Romance' is...Crystal for her gorgeous altered candy box, such a pretty project and great example of romantic upcycling! (Love the ribbon ruffle.)
 
 
What a huge response to this challenge, and so many lovely craft creations, thank you all for participating :)