Emboss that...and that...and even that!

Once you start, it is hard to stop! So easy to do, and it gives a completely different look, dimension, and even texture to a project. While creating this layout for one of my favorite workshops, I decided to try embossing the scalloped circle, and then thought the title could use a little bit of jazzing up, and with those two steps done, the silhouette was just begging to be embossed as well! The results: a beautiful, well balanced layout with richness in texture and dimension!

How does one emboss one might ask? The answer is a simple process.

1. First, cover the designated piece (such as a dimensional elements circle) in Versa Mark ink.

2. Over top of wax paper, cover the stamped image with embossing powder.

3. Lightly tap the image on it's side so that the excess powder will fall off.

4. Melt the embossing powder with the Heat Gun.

5. Set the piece aside to dry.

Note: When embossing a stamped image, simply apply the VersaMark to the stamp as you would a regular ink. Stamp image to paper. Follow the remaining same steps as stated above.

It's the little details are always what makes that special touch!

Supplies used: Cocoa Embossing Powder, Heating Gun, VersaMark, On Target Dimensional Elements, Just Blooms Big Pinks, Basic Craft Buttons (Cocoa), Grace Level 2 Paper Collection, Rustic Edge Anchors & brads, Foam Squares, Twilight & Barn Red Cardstock, Friendship Large and small Sized Stamps and Childhood Portrait stamp set.

Blending the old with the new...

Have I mentioned that I can't get enough of the "awesomeness" of scrapbooking? What other craft can you blend new "hot-off-the-press" supplies with well-loved retired ones, and still have a finished project that makes you say WOW?? That is just what I did when I created this layout for the Just Me Series. The colors I chose (Heavenly Blue & Chocolate) were inspired by a fellow CTMH colleague almost a year ago, as with the concept of using accents as bullet points in the journaling. I built the layout from there, adding my own touches where desired. I love how the now-retired Heavenly Blue & Colonial White My Accents blended so well with the newer Chocolate Mini-Medley and the new Heavenly Blue & Chocolate Ribbon Rounds! The alphabet I choose was our Large Chocolate alphabet.

Tip: To create the flowers, simply add a Circle Window Charm to a piece of Heavenly Blue (or choice color) cardstock. Trim off excess cardstock. Then, using 3-d Foam Squares, attach to the center of the Just Blooms Big Pinks Flower. Adhere the flower to the page with Glue Dots for a tight hold.

Other supplies used: Corner Rounder, SpongeDaubers, Chocolate Exclusive Ink.

To see the detailed views of this layout, click here.

Why am I posting this layout now? All of the buzz with the mystery "Goodie" boxes that CTMH is promoting this month has reminded me that the oldies are definitely still goodies!! And many of the items in the boxes are retired! So, what better time to stock up?

For those of you who are following my month long (although now it is two months long--lol!) Nat'l Scrapbook Challenge, I completed the following challenges with this layout:

#5 Hand Stamped a Title.

#16 Use an arrow photo clip.

Stay tuned!!