Challenge #4 - More Inspiration

Hi there, it's Jo here with a little reminder that Challenge #4 still has until the end of the month to run!

We're looking for an animal to accompany your embossing folder(s) this month and I couldn't resist using this fabulous cat from AALL and Create for my card.

The embossing folder is from Darice and, somewhat unsurprisingly, it's called Frame. I tried to find a link, but I think it's only available on Amazon as it's an oldie. I searched my stash and found this lovely spotted card. It's white on the other side so works perfectly as a single layer.

You can find the current challenge here, and we'd love you to play along!

Challenge #4 - Inspiration

 Hello Squashettes.  Gail here today with a little reminder for the current challenge.  Lots of lovely entries already for this fun theme.  Thanks for all your support and kind words.

 

 

Use any Embossing Folder AND an animal

 

Use any embossing folder and an animal. 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 Nellie Snellen Snowy Cottages embossing folder with a fussy cut sheep!

 

 

I embossed a panel of white card with Nellie Snellen Snowy Cottages embossing folder and added some Sky Blue archival ink over the embossed areas.   Then I went a little crazy with the glitter glue LOL. Winter sparkle!!!!   I mounted the panel on a pale blue card base.  I stamped the front half of Hobby Art Baa Humbug Sheep on some white card, fussy cut, added a touch of pink Promarker to his face and added him to the card

 

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

 Thanks for dropping by.  Hugz

Challenge #4 - Use an Embossing Folder and an Animal

 Welcome, welcome, welcome to the fourth 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.  Don't forget to check 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 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.   

 

Jo and I try to visit all your entries and leave a little love.  Whilst visiting we notice that there are very few comments from other players.  So we have added a rool that you must comment on the two entries before yours in the linky.  Let's share some extra love with our fellow crafters in these strange times. 

So, Challenge #4

And this month's theme is

Use any Embossing Folder AND an Animal

 

This month we want to see any embossing folders and include an animal.  The animal can be part of your embossing folder or you can add one with stamps, dies, stickers or any other method.   Anything from the animal kingdom is acceptable.  Please remember to use both parts of the challenge and check Da Roolz to make sure your entry qualifies for the prize.  **New rool added 9th January**

 

Please check Da 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???  

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

Let's Squash It! Prize Vault

 

 

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

Gail made this lovely card using Gemini
 embossing folder Butterfly Effect

 

 

Jo made this beautiful card using Darice
embossing folder Flowers

Click on the links to hop over and check out how we made our cards.

 

 

Now it's your turn.

Grab your embossing folders and animals 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 January 2021 - To mist or not to mist??

 

Hi there, Squashettes, it's Jo here to wish you all a very Happy New Year and to pose a very important Embossing Folder related question: to mist or not to mist??

I thought I'd try a little experiment to see whether misting or spritzing your cardstock (before running it through your embossing machine) really improves the quality of the embossing.

First off, I grabbed some leftover card that was sitting on my work desk. I picked an embossing folder at random from my growing collection (I blame Gail), sandwiched the card and ran it through my Cuttlebug. Then I misted a second piece of the same card and repeated.

Here's what I got...

Embossing Folder - Leaves

Mmmmmm, well it's hard to see but the misted card seems to have a slightly deeper embossed effect. The card has warped very slightly.

Here's a close-up. It does look nice and hasn't damaged the texture and finish of the card. This is Papermill card  (about 80lb weight) and seems to have survived a spritzing nicely. Was it worth doing? Yes, I'd say that it probably looks better.

Next, I tried another colour card. This is Bazzil Basics, which is my go-to colour card.

This card just soaked-up the water like a little sponge. Yes, it gave a nice impression, but was totally ruinous of the texture and finish of the card. Drying it with my heat tool just made the card look scorched, and removed the nice surface sheen that Bazzil has. 

 I also tried some Crafter's Companion watercolour paper and could certainly see a difference.

Having looked at some very persuasive blog posts and videos about spritzing and misting, I realised that many of the best results seem to be achieved when using Stampin' Up! cardstock. I tried a different embossing folder and some Temping Turquoise card, and was very impressed with the result.

Kaisercraft - Crochet Doily

It's probably tricky to see, but the misted card has a much deeper impression and looks great.

To my mind whether you mist or not depends on the cardstock you're using. Thicker card generally seems to give better results when used in an embossing folder and is also less likely to tear. If you're planning to use a heavier, thicker card a little spritz of water certainly seems to improve the embossed effect you get.

I guess my advice would be to do a little test with your cardstock before spiritzing or not. Also, don't overdo the spritzing - remember, you're misting not drowning the card.

There's another challenge on the way, so Gail and I will see you soon for more embossing folder fun!

BTW - All views in this post are entirely my own, and I'm not receiving any form of remuneration from the companies I've mentioned.

Winners and Top Picks - Challenge #3

 

 

Hello Squashettes!  Gail here today.  Having a white rabbit day so please bear with me!

Awesome entries to our third challenge

You continue to overwhelm us with your fabulous response and enthusiastic embrace of our little challenge.  Thank you soooooooo much.  Hugz all round.  At this rate we will have to recruit some people to help with the comments!! 

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.  The short list was long and thank cyberland for Mr Random.......

 

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

Marina with this lovely New Year card

 

and

Karen with this wonderful white on white 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

Joanne with this gorgeous embossed and coloured sympathy card

Congrats Joanne on being our Empress.

 

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

#22

That's Julie B with her beautiful embossed snow background and cute snowman.  

Congrats Julie.
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.
Jo will be back on the 8th with another Technique Time.
Challenge #4 will start on the 10th!!!!

Take care.  Keep safe.  Hugz