Mixed Media Technique! Textured, Embossed Molding Paste

Hey again, Peeps. I just finished the Online Card Class called "Stenciled", and I've very much enjoyed it. It's a great class even for those who are experienced at using stencils. I learned a few new techniques, and it was a good review of some old ones as well. 

This was inspired by today's class. 

I cut down a piece of heavy weight mixed media paper to just less than what fits on a card (less than 4.125 by 5.5). I like working on panels because if I'm messy, I don't mess up the card base and ruin it. 

Here, I'm using my Hearts Galore Tag Stencil, which you can find in my Etsy shop here.

This stencil has two hearts that are filled with hearts, thus the galore.

I masked off the area that I didn't want to use. Washi or tissue tape is great for this, because it will pull right up.

I slathered on some embossing paste. I wanted this to be very dimensional. 

I didn't want to see any of the little hearts at this point, and that's how I knew I had lots of embossing paste.

I carefully removed the tape and lifted up the stencil to reveal lots of bumpy hearts.

While it was wet, I sprinkled red embossing powder on the paste. Then I set it aside to dry. 

While that was drying, I took my goopy stencil and placed it, goopy side down, on top of a Gelli print paper that I had printed a while back. You can't waste that goopiness, Peeps! I placed a piece of paper over the stencil to rub it into the Gelli print.

I lifted up the stencil to find some lovely little ghost hearts. They weren't absolutely perfect, which is really the look I was going for. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

I added more embossing powder/

And, here it is, in all it's imperfect goodness.

Then, I went for another "print" with the embossing paste covered stencil. I used a piece of paper to press down.

And this one was a little more "smashy".

I added some more embossing paste, and since the hearts were a little more "open", I decided to try something else. I embossed with red embossing powder first.

Then, I lined up the stencil again, pressed versamark refill into the hearts,

and covered them with this lovely embossing enamel. I love the texture and shine of this product.

Ready to be heated...almost.

One of the hearts wasn't completely covered, so I just colored it in with my embossing marker.

Here it is, all filled in with powder.

And the shine is just so pretty.

I covered a red card with some clear embossing powder over a swirl design.

And I cut out the big heart. I wasn't happy with how "plain" it was, so I just rocked the edge in a Versamark pad, covered the edge with silver embossing powder, and heated away. NOW it looks appropriately blingy.

Shaping up to be a nice embelly.

Lots of dimension.

And here's the final card. I didn't put a sentiment on the front since I think that special "someone" will know what it's about. I'll write something gushy inside.

Thanks for looking, Peeps!

Fondly, Tami

I'm linking to:

Ivy and Elephants

Mixed Media Weekend In LItitz, PA!

Hey, Peeps. I've been busy preparing for my mixed media classes at the Cozy Crop House in Lititz, PA. Here's a little blurb if you're in the area, or plan to be in the area. And if you don't already know about Cozy Crop House, check it out!

Mixed Media Weekend!

 Come join us at the Cozy Crop House in Lititz Pennsylvania! This is an adorable retreat house set up for crafting in an amazing space, complete with yummy meals and cozy sleeping accommodations. 
The weekend of February 14-16, 2014 there will be a jam packed Mixed Media Weekend. 
We'll jump right in on Friday with a little ATC project just to warm up, then after dinner will be the first workshop! Saturday there will be three workshops and one on Sunday. If you are able to stay a little later on Sunday, a bonus workshop is being planned. You will learn a lot of techniques and go home with finished projects.

I'll be teaching along with the wonderfully talented Teresa Fenstermacher. You can check out her beautiful work here. I love her simple, clean lines, use of color, and inspirational designs.
In the first workshop, Teresa will be teaching an altered book:
DESCRIPTION: In this workshop we’ll deconstruct a vintage hard cover book then decorate the cover with paint, gesso, and ink using masks, stencils, stamps, and household items. We will then re-constructing the book placing sleeves in it that hold #8 sized tags. (bonus - you get to keep the vintage book paper!) Now you will have a place to store the technique tags you create when taking online courses!

In the second workshop, she'll be teaching a collaged canvas: 

DESCRIPTION: Let’s make a beautiful 8x10 canvas to keep for yourself or give as a one of a kind gift! Create the background using ephemera, patterned paper, paint, and ink. Learn to create layers with stamps, texture mediums, stencils and rub-ons. We’ll add a girl and a phrase to make your canvas unique. 

I will teach two Gelli Plate workshops:

First class:

DESCRIPTION: Have fun learning how to use a Gelli Plate, which is all the rage in mixed media and paper crafting. Make your own one-of-a-kind monoprints with custom colors using acrylic paints, stencils, masks, and a variety of other texture tools. We will learn a variety of techniques with the plate and use them to make altered tags. You will go home with a 6x6 Gelli Plate, several prints, and a stencil.

My second class will be a canvas banner workshop. 

DESCRIPTION: Use your skills learned in your first class to make a mixed media canvas banner. Learn more techniques, including grungy flowers, playing with glass glitter, and other fun stuff!

Kate Rothacker, owner of the CCH, will also be teaching a Mixed Media and Metal Elements workshop.

If you'd like to join us, please contact Kate at  cozycrophouse@gmail.com 

for more information.

 Contact her soon,  simce we are keeping it "cozy" at just ten students 

and the weekend is filling up fast! 

You can check out the Cozy Crop House at this link

Hope to create with you there!

Fondly, Tami