Embossing Blog Hop

Welcome to the Embossing Blog Hop!

 I am so glad you have decided to join us today. We have a great hop for you with lots of tips and techniques on how you can add either dry or heat embossing (or BOTH) to your projects. There are pictorials, videos, and how-to's at each stop.

• Along the way you will have the opportunity to win some blog candy and enter a challenge to showcase your work.
•  Comments will be welcomed at each stop. We want to know what you think. Share whether you like to emboss or if it is something you want to try. Our goal is to encourage you to try a new technique.
• We would love for you to follow so we can visit you too, but it is not necessary. We want to meet new creative friends and be able to share ideas. Learning from each other makes us better crafters. 
• Lastly, ENJOY!

Here is my project...

Here are the papers I started with...My Mind's Eye Lost and Found Two.

Once you decide which paper you want to use for stamping and heat embossing, take a static bag and rub over the area (as shown below) to prevent the embossing powder from sticking to the paper. I purchased mine at Michaels for $5.99 but used a 40% off coupon.

 I used a VersaMark stamp pad, embossing powder, and a rubber stamp. You have many options when it comes to embossing powder. This is Recollections gold. The rubber stamp is from Michael's dollar bin.

After you stamp the paper, pour a generous amount of embossing powder over the stamped area. Shake off the excess powder carefully onto a piece of paper and pour the remains back into the container. You may use a small paint brush to dust off any loose pieces of embossing powder.

Use your heat embossing tool to melt the powder. I move my tool in small circles over the stamped area to prevent burning of the paper. It is amazing to watch the powder melt and begin to glisten.

If you are not up for heat embossing yet, you always have the option of adding texture to your projects with dry embossing. There are numerous patterns by Cuttlebug, Sizzix, QuikKutz, and even Hobby Lobby has their Paper Studio line of folders.

Swiss Dots by Cuttlebug

 Here is my card again...

 Additional materials:

Florals Embellished cartridge ~ bird (p. 61) cut at 1 3/4"

black and white cardstock

gold ribbon

black gem flourish

Here is the line-up for our Embossing Hop.
There are only 9 of us, so you do not get lost along the way.

Georgiana ~ http://carsonscricutcreations.blogspot.com

Carri ~ http://doubleclickconnections.blogspot.com (Next)

Karen ~ http://littlescrappieces.blogspot.com

Jessica ~ http://chick-n-scrap.blogspot.com

Anita ~http://scrappyhappymommy.blogspot.com

Colin ~http://crimsoncricut.blogspot.com

Kate ~ www.smallbitsofpaper.blogspot.com

Gwen ~ http://thisandthatbygwen.blogspot.com

Pat ~ http://patsscraps.blogspot.com


Are you ready for some goodies?
I found this perfect embossing folder that I want to share with one lucky visitor.

Be sure to leave a comment on this post for your chance to win. I would like to know your embossing background, preference, and/or favorite brands. Include your blog name (if you have one) and your email address, so I can contact you if you win. The winner will be announced on Saturday, April 7th.

If there are more than 50 comments, I will add a different embossing folder for another lucky winner (or you can pick this one if you like it too).  

How About a Challenge?

We thought it would be fun to offer a challenge to allow you to add an embossing technique to your next project and share with others.

Create a new project (a card, layout, altered art, etc.) using either dry or heat embossing (or both) and post here. Let us know if you used a technique you learned from this hop and which one.

Another winner will be selected from all the entries and will be announced next Saturday. Here are some of the goodies you will win.

The more entries we have, the bigger the goodie pack gets. If we have at least 5 entries another piece will be added. If we have 10 submissions, then another craft item.

We are looking forward to seeing what you create! 

Now hop on over to Carri at Doubleclick~Abusybee to see her awesome embossing video. 

  Stay Creative,

Georgiana

The Three R's

Happy Diva Tuesday!

It is hard to believe that there are only 9 1/2 weeks of school left and the last quarter always flies by since there is so much to do to get the 5th graders transitioned to middle school. I have a few students in my class that have excelled with their Accelerated Reader (AR) points, so I made these awards for them. I may need more, but I thought I would start with the top 3. 

Are you a Die Cuttin' Diva? Do you like challenges? You should give us a try!

Die Cuttin' Divas

Our challenge this week is...Three R's

Rosettes, Ribbon, and Rhinestones

Here is my project...

Scallop 6 (p.41)

Doily (p. 25)

Bracket 1 (p. 26)

Materials:

Ribbons & Rosettes cartridge ~ rosettes and medallions cut at 1 1/2"

Making Memories paper~ Just Chillin' stack

Spellbinders ~ Label 5 and Label 2

ribbons

rhinestones

white cardstock

hot glue gun (not shown)

Looking forward to seeing your projects!

Stay Creative,

Georgiana

Feed the Birds

Good Morning,

Welcome back for another challenge at Made Especially for You.

This week's challenge...

Use Distressed Ink

I have to be honest. I only have one , yes only one, Tim Holtz distressed ink pad and I just bought it last week. I picked tea dye, but my best crafting buddy told me to get Walnut next. What other colors do you suggest?

Here is my Design Team project...

 I inked all the edges.

Materials:

We R Memory Keepers paper ~ White Out collection

Whoopsi Daisy digi

crinkle ribbon

brown buttons

cream craft thread

Crayola colored pencils

Spellbinders ~ Labels Two

This Week's Sponsor:

Thanks Whoopsi Daisy!

Can't wait to see all those projects!

Stay Creative,

Georgiana

9 Months 'til Christmas Blog Hop

Welcome and Good Morning,

 Last month, I stopped by Heather's at Princess' Paper Projects and saw she had already started her Christmas cards. Well, I can be a procrastinator and I was impressed that she was getting ahead to alleviate the stress in December. She offered to expand her group and I decided I needed to join. I would like to have enough cards this year to actually send a few out to friends and co-workers.

  

Here are my Christmas cards: 
Die-Cut

Materials:
Jolly Holidays cartridge  ~ branch cut at 2 1/2" and bird 1 3/4"
Recollections papers ~ Jolly and Bright

red, white, green, orange, brown, and black card stock
white glitter
red crinkle ribbon
red and green polka dot button
wiggly eye
Spellbinder ~ Labels 6
computer generated sentiment

Digi

Materials:
Pink Cat Studio Digi Stamps
K&Company paper
kraft card stock
Crayola colored pencils
tan ribbon
burgundy gems
Spellbinders ~ beaded ovals
computer generated sentiment

Christmas Goodies:

Since this is a countdown to Christmas, I have a gift for one lucky person. Please leave a comment stating if you are a planner or a procrastinator. Be sure to include your blog address (if you have one) and your e-mail. The winner will be announced Friday, March 30th.

Here is this month's line-up:

Shari - http://sharispinkpalace.blogspot.com
Heather - http://princesspaperprojects.blogspot.com
Mary - http://maryshappyplace.blogspot.com
Georgiana - http://carsonscricutcreations.blogspot.com (That's Me)
Kerry - http://mommakcrafts.blogspot.com (Next)

Be sure to hop over to Kerry now to see what she has created. If you are interested in joining next month just leave a comment. You could get a jump start on your cards too.

Stay Creative,

Georgiana

Ribbon Loop Flower

Happy Saturday!

Hello everyone. Look what I made...my first attempt at a ribbon loop flower.

I have been trying to make some different types of flowers and have been very unsuccessful. I have been watching videos, reading articles, and practicing, but none of them have come out the way I want them to. I decided to try a ribbon loop after I found a hair clip in my daughter's drawer. All the videos used 6 - 8 strips of ribbon, but I was determined to use just one long piece.

My daughter called it UGLY because the ribbon loops are different sizes, but I think it adds character...nice way to justify, huh? I added a stem and some leaves and...now it is the best. : ) Yes, I am still justifying!

Although it is my first attempt I like the style and can see many more, especially since there are so many color and patterns of ribbon.

If you are interested in knowing how I made mine, just let me know. I can add a pictorial.

Challenges:

Little Scrap Pieces ~ Use Yellow

Get Inspired with Chatter Scene ~ Just Elements

DL.Art ~ Flowers (Thankful Thursday)

Be sure to come back tomorrow.

Stay Creative,

Georgiana

Welcome Spring (Good-Bye Spring Break)

Good Afternoon,

It seems to be a regular Friday afternoon now. It is the end of Sping Break and the beginning of a regular weekend. This week was relaxing and a few projects were accomplished...just the way a vacation should be. Well, that is until we plan our next big get-a-away. Not sure if it will be a cruise to the Eastern Carribean or a trip to the Grand Canyon, but it will memorable.  

I wanted to try and get a few more challenges in before my time became limited again (FCAT is in a couple of weeks, which will mean LOTS of school work to prepare for the BIG test!).

Here is my project for today...

In the picture above,  I stood the card up while outside. It was actually 90 degrees today. Almost summer weather. I took another picture but laid the card down so the grass wouldn't be in the way. 

Materials:

Heidi Grace papers ~ Daisy Dear

white card stock

Serenade cartridge ~ vase and stem

Animal Kingdom cartridge ~ WELCOME cut at 1/2"

blue buttons

white ribbon

Martha Stewart blue and brown flowers

Martha Stewart blue and brown gems

Challenges:

Fantabulous Cricut ~ 3 Flowers

Dies to Die For ~ Brown and Blue with a die cut

Use Your Stuff ~ Anything Goes

Bitten by the Bug 2 ~ Welcome

Celebrate the Occasion ~ Welcome Spring

Whimsical Wednesday ~ Spring

Simply Create Too ~ Spring

Retro Sketches ~ #3

Hope you have a great weekend,

Georgiana

Strolling Through the Park

Welcome to the Strolling through the Park Blog Hop and Challenge with the Creative Cutter Room!

Visit each of the following 6 Design Team members, find the required element from 4 of the DT members and submit your new project at the Creative Cutter Room for a chance to win a prize (posted below).

Theme: Create a project incorporating something you would see in a park and  include all 4 elements!

I have always wanted to go to Yellowstone National Park, but we have not been able to yet. We attempted to go one year for Spring Break, but the park was closed until April due to the snow. My husband promises that we will go one day. Until then, I can only imagine what it would be like.

I do not have a required element for you, but I have all the required elements in my project!

Here is my Park Project...

Materials:

Campin' Critters cartridge ~ Forest (p. 61) cut at 3 1/2" and bear (p. 41) cut at 2" 

Camp Out cartridge ~ sign cut at 1 1/4"

Heritage cartridge ~ gold misted birds cut at 1/2"

brown and green cardstock

Swiss dots and swirls embossing folders

family charm with green floss

gold glitter for badge

Submit your new project for a chance to win a prize!

THE PRIZE

Challenge Starts today March 22 and runs until April 4, 1012!

You will need to collect 4 elements total and include each element on your project and then submit your project at the Creative Cutter Room!

Some rules to keep in mind while playing along:

Project submissions must be new, no back linking

CCR must be mentioned in the description with a link back to here

Entry must fit theme to be qualified for the prize

Prize must be claimed within 2 weeks

Please link your project posting not just your blog

Please comment after linking

You have until April 4, 2012 to enter your project.

Here is the line-up, 4 out of the 6 will have a required element:

Carri

Diana

Elaine

Jessica
Georgiana (That's Me!)

Tonya

Looking forward to seeing your creations!

Georgiana

Blog Awards and a Hoppy Easter card

Good Evening Crafty Friends,

Today is the half-way mark of Spring Break and it has truly been stress-free. Just the way vacation should be. I still have few chores that I want to finish before Monday, but I know they are not going anywhere. : )  

I want to send a big THANK YOU to Amy at Amy's Crafting Space for thinking of me. I am extremely appreciative that she thought of me and passed on this award. I surely do love my crafty friends.

Here are the terms under which this “Green Blend Award” are to be given.

1.This award is for any co-blogging friend who has helped you develop your blog in any and all ways.

2.This award is for any co-blogging friend who has cheered you along in your blog building, craft advancing career.

3.This award is for any co-blogging friend who always stops by and is kind to you. You can count on them to always be one of the great comments at the end of your post.

4.This award is to be given to 3 to 5 Blends whom you feel meet the listed requirements.

5.Create a post with the terms of use and publish your Blends of choice.

6.Blend of choice may copy the award from your blog and proudly post it on theirs.

7.Blend of choice may continue the kindness by issuing this award to keep the circle forever growing.

I am passing this award on to the following bloggers:

1. Carri ~ Abusybee at DoubleClick Connections

2. Pat ~ Pat's Scraps

3. Karen ~ Little Scrap Pieces

We keep in contact on a regular basis, share recipes, compare shopping trips/deals, and just check on each other's well being. I truly have made wonderful crafty friends and I am glad that you are in my life. Enough of that sappy stuff...that is definitely not me!   

I want to send a big Thank You to Amy the Redheaded Crafter for passing this award to me. I am honored and will generously share with others.

Here are the rules and guidelines for this award:

~Thank the person who gave you this award. That’s common courtesy.

~Include a link to their blog. That’s also common courtesy — if you can figure out how to do it.

~Next, select up to 16 blogs/bloggers that you’ve recently discovered or follow regularly.

~Nominate those bloggers for the Versatile Blogger Award — you should include a link to their site for others to see how versatile they really are.

~Finally, tell the person who nominated you 7 things about yourself."

Here are my 7 things:

1. I teach 5th grade.

2. My favorite meal is pepperoni pizza with a Coke Zero.

3. I secretly wish I could be an FBI profiler...must be from watching all those crime shows in my spare time.

4. I am extremely frugal.

5. My favorite subject to teach is Math.

6. I am addicted to the computer. Every time I turn it on there is something new to read.

7. My dog, Molly, is like one of my kids. She can never get enough attention.

Here are the Versatile Bloggers that I follow regularly and think are amazing. These are in no particular order:

Carri ~ Abusybee

Pat ~ Pat's Scraps

Karen ~ Little Scrap Pieces

Lisa ~ A Mermaid's Craft

Patty ~ Creative Diva

Diana ~ DL.Art

Sherrie ~ Sherrie Scraps with Passion

Kate ~ Small Bits of Paper

Amy ~ Amy's Crafting Space

Cheryl ~ Cards by CG

Jessica ~ Chick-n-Scrap

Jean ~ Jean's Crafty Corner

Colin ~ Crimson Cricut

Gerda ~ Gerda's Cards Creations

and

Amy ~ Redheaded Crafter

Lastly...

Here is today's project...

Materials:

My Mind's Eye paper ~ Lost & Found

Nate's ABCs cartridge ~ rabbit (p. 34) cut at 2 1/2"

brown flowers

pink brad

computer generated sentiment

brown ink

wiggly eye

Challenges:

2 Sisters Challenge ~ Spots/Dots

Scrappy Frogs ~ Spots

My Craft Spot ~ Springy Scallops (border punch)

Mojo Monday ~ sketch

Stay Creative,

Georgiana