Challenge #3 - More Inspiration

Hi, it's Jo here just to remind you that there are still a few days left until the end of the current challenge on December 31st. Thanks to everyone who has already played in this challenge - your cards are fabulous and so inspiring!

Now, I don't know about you but I always love a quick and simple Christmas card. Here's one I made that came together very easily.

The snow storm/ major blizzard embossing folder creates a very deep impression, but does look good IRL. Unfortunately, I've lost the packaging, but found a very similar EF here.  I decided to alphabetize my stamp sets recently (what a wonderful help this is) and re-found this little cutie from MFT. She's called Snow Day - Pure Innocence. MFT don't appear to produce this stamp any longer, but if you click on the link you'll find something just as cute!

As this will be our final post before the festivities commence Gail and I would like to wish you all a very merry Christmas. We both hope that Santa brings you new crafting goodies and that however you spend it, you have a lovely festive season! See you in 2021 for more embossing folder fun.

It's a ho, ho, ho! - from Gail and Jo!

Challenge #3 - Inspiration

 Hello Squashettes.  Gail here today with a little reminder for the current challenge

Use any Embossing Folder AND Dies/Fussy Cutting

 

Use any embossing folder and also die cuts or fussy cutting. You can use an emboss and cut folder, or a die cut with a matching folder, or chop up your embossed thing, or emboss a die cut thing or fussy cut thing, or just add a die cut or fussy cut something to your embossed background.  Please make sure you include both parts of the challenge on your card and also check da roolz to ensure your entry will be eligible for the random prize draw!

 

I combined Cuttlebug Snowflake embossing folder with die cuts and fussy cutting.

 

 

I embossed a panel of blue card with Cuttlebug Snowflake embossing folder and smeared some Salty Ocean distress ink over the embossed areas.  The diamond is a blue die cut scrap sponged with silver paint.  I stamped and heat embossed Uniko's Bunny, coloured with Promarkers and fussy cut.  I used some scraps of pale blue and white glitter card and a santa hat die for his hat.  The hohoho is a stamped scrap.  

 

 Join the fun for a chance to win an embossing folder from the Prize Vault.

 

Challenge #3

CHALLENGE #3 - USE ANY EMBOSSING FOLDER AND DIES/FUSSY CUTTING

Welcome, welcome, welcome to the third challenge here at 

Let's Squash It! 

Let's Squash It! is The Embossing Folder Challenge.  We are gonna help you explore the world of the not so humble embossing folder and encourage you to dig 'em out, knock the dust off and find old, new and fun ways to make your projects pop. 

We have an awesome team to keep you entertained and awesome challenge themes to stretch your creativity and get you using all those long forgotten and neglected embossing folders. 

For those of you who are just tuning in you can check the previous posts for the story behind the genesis of the challenge and the technique posts for awesome tips and techniques to help you make the most of your supplies and folders.

Challenges start on the 10th of the month and run to the last day at 23.59 GMT.  We will be picking top picks and a winner, who will have a chance to be our guest designer for a future challenge.  There is a little prize on offer for a randomly selected winner and these will all be announced on the 5th of next month.   

So, Challenge #3

And this month's theme is

Use any Embossing Folder AND Dies/Fussy Cutting

Use any embossing folder and also die cuts or fussy cutting. You can use an emboss and cut folder, or a die cut with a matching folder, or chop up your embossed thing, or emboss a die cut thing or fussy cut thing, or just add a die cut or fussy cut something to your embossed background.  Please make sure you include both parts of the challenge on your card and also check da roolz to ensure your entry will be eligible for the random prize draw!

We are very pleased to have our first Let's Squash It!! Empress joining us as our guest designer this month.  Please welcome Linda.

"Hey sister Squashettes – I’m Linda W. (aka ScrappinBari) who blogs at Scrappin’, Stampin’ & Singin’. I started out scrapbooking but switched over to card making in 2007. I live in the Twin Cities, Minnesota, USA & haunt several local craft stores! How many embossing folders do you own? I own a fair few and am grateful to Gail & Jo for bring them into play at Let’s Squash It!! I’m delighted to be their first Guest Designer!!!”

And here is Linda's awesome card!

 

Linda's Card uses
Taylored Expressions Embossing folder - NORDIC HOLIDAY

and

Stampin’ Up’s Embossing folder - SUBTLE 3D (for the grid)

Isn't that fun with those little cut and embossed panels!

 

 

And here's some inspiration from the team......

 

 

Gail's Card uses 

Nellie Snellen Embossing Folder - CANAL

 

 

Jo's Card uses 

Darice Embossing Folder - BOLD DAISY

 

 

Please do check da roolz to make sure you will be in the running for da prizes.  

This months randomly selected winner will be able to choose a prize from the

Let's Squash It! Prize Vault

 

Now it your turn!

Grab your embossing folders and dies or scissors and join the fun.

We are looking forward to seeing your cards.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Technique Time December - Cutting It Up

 

Hello Squashettes!  Gail here today to talk about cutting!
In addition to embossing folders I love dies and I am also a big fan of fussy cutting.  In combination with embossing folders these can really add wow factors to your project.  

Maybe you are lucky enough to own one of the cut and emboss folders.  These can be really beautiful, but they tend to be a bit more pricey.  These have built in dies so the whole cut/emboss process is super quick and easy.  This is a Marianne Designs folder that I use quite often.  I've embossed corrugated card and smeared some black ink on it.  A contrasting colour behind the cut outs gives a great pop of colour.

You can also find embossing folders that have matching dies.  If you are going to use an embossing folder and die together I have found it is better to cut first and then emboss.  You have better control on where the embossing is going to be and it doesn't get flattened by going through your machine a second time with the die.   I have quite a few of these types of sets from Sizzix and Cricut.  A few years ago I made rocking Christmas cards using Sizzix Bird #2 embossing folder and matching die.

Sizzix also have a range called Embosslits which cut and emboss at the same time.  These can be really fun, especially with mirror of metallic card.  The wreath on this tag is made using an embosslit folder.  I added some distress ink colour and red enamel dots.

Maybe you don't have any of the folders mentioned above.  You can still use dies to cut shapes and emboss them, but fussy cutting is also an option.  The simplest version of this would be to cut simple shapes, or even use some scraps you have hanging around.  An embossed patchwork background can look lovely.  If you want to get a bit more adventurous you can cut out embossed elements or cut away sections of the embossed detail to give a totally new look.  This also allows you to stretch your embossing folders and use them in more ways.  I inked Sheena Douglas Web Flowers folder with Candied Apple distress oxide and embossed a scrap of yellow card.  Then I cut the flowers and added a die cut birthday sentiment.  

 

This technique means I can use these pretty flowers for many other projects without the spider web.   

I hope this post has given you some ideas or reminded you of some folders you have forgotten about.  The next challenge starts on the 10th, so see you then.  Thanks for dropping by.  Hugz

 

 

 

Winners and Top Picks - Challenge #2

 

Good morning Squashettes!  Gail here this morning and I'm gonna say WOW!!! again.

87 entries to our second challenge!  And loads of lovely comments and chat!!

You continue to overwhelm us with your fabulous response and enthusiastic embrace of our little challenge.  Thank you soooooooo much.  Hugz all round.  

But you are here for the winner and top picks aren't you?  So let's get to it......

You made it almost impossible to pick favourites.  We had a short list of lots again LOL, whittled it down to about 10, then after much chat back and forth we came up with this little line up.......

 

Our two runners up, Impressing us with their awesome cards are

Chris with this gorgeous embossed knit background and cute Santa and Mrs

Mrs A with this wonderful embossed deer background and matching deer stamp.

We hope you'll wear your badges with pride!

Our top pick, most favouritest, and winner of our Empress of Squash award
with a chance to guest design for a future challenge goes to

Lin

with this gorgeous snowy background and beautifully cute robin!

Congrats Lin on being our Empress.

 

We also have a prize to award!  We asked Mr Random and he said

#83

That's Marina with her beautiful embossed snowflake background and cute polar bear.  

Congrats Marina.
Email Gail craftynomad at gmail dot com with your address details and
let me know which folder you want from the prize vault. 

Thanks again to you for your support of our challenge.
Gail will be back on the 8th with another Technique Time.
Challenge #3 will start on the 10th!!!!

Take care.  Keep safe.  Hugz

Challenge #2 - More Inspiration

Hi, it's Jo here with a little more inspiration for Challenge #2 - Use a Christmas Themed Embossing Folder and Stamps.

This challenge has now closed over at Christmas Kickstart, but happily we have a few more days of festive embossing folder fun here at Let's Squash It! as we continue until the end of the month.

Here's my final offering for this challenge:

I inked Big and Bold Winter Wishes Snowflake in a few different aqua shades and then embossed it using this lovely folder: A Magical Time from Couture Creations.  Sadly, I can't find a shop link for this folder. It was super tricky to photograph, but looks lovely IRL.

So, don't forget that there's still a few days left to play along with this fun challenge - we'd love to see what you can create with a Christmas embossing folder and stamps.

CHALLENGE #2 - INSPIRATION

Hello Squashettes.  How's the jolly month of November progressing for you???  I hope you are all keeping happy and well and enjoying squashing stuff.   Gail here today with a little more inspiration for our current challenge Use a Christmas Embossing Folder AND Stamps.  

 

Please note we are asking specifically for a Christmas Themed embossing folder to be used on your project along with stamps.  If anyone want to make a non-christmas card then that's fine, as long as the folder you use is Christmas themed LOL.  I did seriously consider converting my igloo to a sandstone hut, or a grassy knoll, but in the end the white on white of virgin snow kept me honest.  

I used two embossing folders and a stamp for this card.  All three were magazine freebies!  I embossed a white card panel with Practical Publishing's Igloo embossing folder and, because I wasn't convinced that igloos are only for Christmas, I then embossed Immeadiate Media's Merry Christmas border embossing folder at the top of the panel.  A few snow flakes got partially squished, so I used a little tool to puff em back up again.  If you look real close you will see the line when the folders overlapped.  I will be more careful with positioning my top plate next time!!!   Then I stamped the Practical Publishing Bear on white card, fussy cut and added him to the scene. 

Here are the two embossing folders I used.  Love that igloo!!!

Grab you embossing folders and get squashing!! 

If you do stick with a Christmas card you can also link up at Jo's Christmas Kickstart challenge where the theme is Use a Christmas Themed embossing folder and stamps!  Sounds kinda familiar.........

Thanks for dropping by. Hugz

CHALLENGE #2 - CHRISTMAS AND STAMPS

Welcome, welcome, welcome to the second challenge here at 

Let's Squash It! 

Let's Squash It! is The Embossing Folder Challenge.  We are gonna help you explore the world of the not so humble embossing folder and encourage you to dig 'em out, knock the dust off and find old, new and fun ways to make your projects pop. 

We have an awesome team to keep you entertained and awesome challenge themes to stretch your creativity and get you using all those long forgotten and neglected embossing folders. 

For those of you who are just tuning in you can check the previous posts for the story behind the genesis of the challenge and the technique posts on the 8th of the month, for awesome tips and techniques to help you make the most of your supplies.

Challenges start on the 10th of the month and run to the last day at 23.59 GMT.  We will be picking a winner who will have a chance to be our guest designer, and top picks.  There is a little prize on offer for a randomly selected winner and these will all be announced on the 5th of next month.   

So, Challenge #2

And this month's theme is

Use a Christmas Themed Embossing Folder AND Stamps

 

 

This month we want to see Christmas Themed embossing folders and stamps together.  The embossing folder must clearly have a Christmas theme, so snowflakes, baubles, Santa in a sleigh, poinsettias, Christmas characters etc.  We'll also accept patterns featuring reindeer, candy canes, holly etc or folders including Christmas words or phrases.  Please do not use for example a circle folder or stripes and say you coloured it red and green so it's Christmas! Let's keep this fun, so please ensure that your card fits our themes and uses both parts of the challenge. 

 

Please check the roolz before you link up your makes.  We are a card challenge.  You must use a named embossing folder.  Other types of embossing are allowed to enhance your project but you must use a named embossing folder.  Both parts of the challenge must be included and also be the focus of your project.  Did we mention the embossing folder???  We have link and challenge limits.  Please check the roolz before you link up.

Coincidentally, the same challenge theme is also running over at Jo's Christmas Kickstart Challenge blog, so if you make your make between the 10th and 23rd November you can link it up there as well.  

 

Please do check the roolz here and the rules there to make sure you will be in the running for da prizes.  

This months prize.

 

Your choice of an Embossing folder from the Prize Vault!!

 (Under construction!  Opening soon)

 

 

Here's the inspiration from the team to get us started

 

Gail made this cool snowy card using
Crafts Too Snow Tree embossing folder

 

Jo made this beautiful snowy card using
Cuttlebug Christmas Snowflakes embossing folder

Now it's your turn.

Grab your Christmas themed embossing folders and stamps and join the fun.

We're looking forward to seeing your projects!

 

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Technique Time November - Embossing a Stamped Sentiment

Hi, it's Jo here again and I'm happy to be sharing a little technique tutorial with you. 

I was chatting with Gail a couple of weeks ago and sharing my woes after embossing a beautiful stamped sentiment which I had heat embossed and then run through an embossing folder. In my head it should have looked wonderful but it was an epic fail. 

This set me thinking about whether you can emboss sentiments - if you follow these simple steps then I think you'll agree that the answer is 'Yes'!

Step #1

Select a suitable stamp! I think this is where I went wrong before as the sentiment I'd chosen was a bit too dainty. This time I went with a nice, simple, bold sentiment without too many words. 

This set from Colorado Craft Company has some lovely sentiments that are nice and 'heavy'.

Step #2

Position the stamp and card. Seriously, what did we do before the arrival of the MISTI!

Step #3

And stamp! I picked black Versafine ink. You need plenty of contrast between your ink and your card.

Step #4

And emboss! 

I picked a folder where the embossed images wouldn't be too crowded or break up the wording too much.

(Oh dear, I've just noticed that my bin is just visible in the corner of this picture. Ha ha, bet that never happens to Jennifer McGuire!)

And here we have the final result: a nice, crisp sentiment. So quick and easy too.

There'll be a brand new challenge along on 10th November, so please drop back and join in the fun. As always, your comments and queries are very much welcomed and appreciated as Gail and I would love this to be a forum for sharing tips, hints, and inspiration. We're in no way experts and are always interested in your comments and advice as we all travel along together on our embossing folder journey!

Happy embossing!

WINNERS AND TOP PICKS CHALLENGE #1

Good morning Squashettes!  Gail here this morning and I just gotta say WOW!!!!

Over 50 entries to our very first challenge!  And loads of lovely comments and chat!!

Jo and I are humbled and overwhelmed by your fabulous response and enthusiastic embrace of our new challenge.  Thank you soooooooo much.  Hugz all round.  

But you are here for the winner and top picks aren't you?  So let's get to it......

You made it so hard to pick favourites.  We had a short list of 50ish LOL, whittled it down to about 10, then after much soul searching and coffee and cake we came up with this little line up.......

 

Our two runners up, Impressing us with their awesome cards are

Michele with this gorgeous snowy scene

We loved the matt gold metallic card used with that gorgeous triangular pattern making a perfect Antarctic sky background and a simply stunning design.

Karen with this wonderful copper and navy card

We loved the copper metal background with that awesome pattern and more geometry with the stars.  A super elegant and very striking card.

We hope you'll wear your badges with pride!

Our top pick, most favouritest, and winner of our Empress of Squash award
with a chance to guest design for a future challenge goes to

Linda W 

with this adorable robot card!

We loved the wonderfully metallic, beautifully irregular geometric background.  The robot continued the industrial theme, softened by the wonderfully geometric cardioids (hearts).

Squashy factoid:- Cardioids are geometric shapes like circles with a dimple on one or more sides ie hearts or stars.

Congrats to our top picks.

We also have a prize to award!  We asked Mr Random and he said

#16

That's Bonnie with her beautiful embossed Christmas Tree design.  

Congrats Bonnie.
Email Gail craftynomad at gmail dot com with your address details and
I'll get your prize in the post. 

Thanks again to you for your support of our new challenge.
Jo will be back on the 8th with another Technique Time.
Challenge #2 will start on the 10th!!!!
Exciting times!!!

Take care.  Keep safe.  Hugz