CAS Mix Up - November Challenge - Embossing Folders

It's the first of the month and time for the November CAS Mix Up Challenge!   Bonnie is our hostess this month and she wants us to use embossing folders in new and different ways.

Who knew there were so many ways to use an embossing folder?

Dry embossing can add wonderful texture to a background or stamped design, 

but don't stop there.  Check out some or all of the videos over at CAS Mix Up to find 

new and exciting ways to use those folders. 

I was inspired by this embossing folder technique video for my cards today.   I made two similar cards as the technique I used involved sponging over either one or the other insides of the opened embossing folder.

I used an embossing folder, stamps, die cuts, washi tape, little flowers, and a puffy heart!

So this is what happened when I sponged Guacomole Acrylic Paint over the inside of the front panel of Tim Holtz/Sizzix Cracked Embossing Folder, spritzed it liberally with water and pressed a panel of watercolor paper over it, pressing for a bit to allow the watery paint to absorb into the watercolor paper.  

I'd call this one the positive print from the embossing folder.  The green has colored the actual cracks of the design.

Stamps are from Thanksgiving Wishes by Lil' Inker Designs, Die cut frame is Pierced Feature Frames from PTI.

And here is my 2nd card that I used the same technique on but sponged the paint over the inside back panel of the embossing folder - getting what I would call a negative print.  The green has colored the spaces between the cracks of the design.

Stamps are from PTI  Forest Floor: Autumn.  The die cut frame is Pierced Feature Frames from PTI.  

The outside frames are popped up on foam tape.  I added little white flowers to the first card and a puffy heart sticker to the 2nd.  I wrapped a piece of washi tape - Lena's Pattern by Alexandra Renke - around the middle of both cards before adhering the print.

You can also try to get a 2nd print off each side.  Be sure you have your watercolor panels ready to press it right on the folder  -  a 2nd print comes out a little less defined since there is less watery paint on the folder.  Be sure to wash off your folder immediately so the paint doesn't dry on the folder.

I took one photo from my worktable showing the embossing folder, the paint, sponge and the two designs I got - the one on the left resulted from sponging over the inside of the back panel (my 2nd card) and the one of the right resulted from sponging over the inside of the front panel (my first card).

So two rather different looks from one embossing folder - used in a different way -  by sponging acrylic ink over either the front or back, spritzing with water liberally, and pressing watercolor paper over the panel!   Remember to wash your folder immediately so the paint doesn't dry on it!

We hope you'll get out all of those embossing folders you have and try out some of the new ways to use them!

Hop on over to the CAS Mix Up Blog to see how all of the talented Design Team and our wonderful Guest Designer Cornelia (Stempel Spass) have used embossing folders in different ways!  You have until 11/24 to link up your creation!   Remember to keep it CAS!

I'm also linking my card to:
Less is More

Cupcake Inspirations
Theme - Fall

Stamps:  Forest Floor: Autumn - PTI, Thanksgiving Wishes - Lil' Inker Designs.
Paper:  Water color paper - Canson, Vintage Cream - PTI
Ink:  Cocoa Bean - PTI
Accessories:  Guacomole Fresco Finish Chalk Acrylics - Paper Artsy, Pierced Feature Frame Dies - PTI, puffy heart sticker - Michaels, Vanilla flowers - Simon Says Stamp, foam tape, Washi Tape - Lena's Pattern/Alexandra Renke, sponge, water mister, Cracked Embossing Folder - Tim Holtz/Sizzix.