gg designs' Gazette

Response Causes Server to CRASH!

NOT!

The response to last week's call for embossing samples and discussion was definitely underwhelming.

Guess gg designs' passion for the technique is not shared by everyone.

That's certainly OK but it is such a neat (and often easy) addition to cards and other projects, it's a shame not to explore it. So, we will continue on for the rest of the month with samples and discussions (though at this point, they are decidedly one sided) and will add your discussions and samples as they become available. The information and sample gathering is an on going process.

We did have a response from an artist friend, Karen Eberle, who, upon hearing of the plans for exploring the technique stated, "I use it all the time." From there, the discussion revealed that she did indeed, use it often......but possibly in a manner not thought of  purely as "embossing."

She works in encaustic (wax) and often impresses stamp images into layers of wax....so several colors are revealed as a result. And, one of her common additions incorporates "rubbings". 

So....both encaustic and rubbings, close cousins to embossing, will be included in more detail. They are not, however, in the "tutorial" at present. The "doing" is one thing, but photographing the results to show the techniques, has proven to be challenging. The results, impressive as they are "in person" do not present well in photographs. Once that technicality is managed, we will bring you more so that this too will be an "at the ready" option for all of us. 

We know....Promises! Promises! But the Embossing Exploration will continue and build for June and beyond, as your samples and discussions present themselves.

Meanwhile.....hints....triggers.....and, hopefully idea generators  for your "tool box."

Remember Paper Crimpers?

Have one....or SOME? Still use them?

These probably under utilized tools can definitely add to your projects.

Have any samples to share? We'd ALL love to see them.

From Jennifer's comments below:

I do have a couple paper crimpers but find it hard to run my paper through them without getting the feeling I am going to break it.
 

"Breaking" the paper (in embossing with the crimpers or other methods) is definitely possible. It has to do with the make up of the paper. You need to run a test strip before you commit to a project. Sometimes if the paper is slightly damp (not wet) it softens the paper enough to avoid the problem.

Thanks for your comments...when we add crimper information to the "Exploration" we'll use your comment to alert folks to the usefulness of dampening the paper if it's brittle and cracks as you describe.

Speaking of under utilized tools....
When is the last time you made pasta "from scratch?"           
Did you ever?

You may have "met" pasta machines as a crafts tool if you "played" with fimo and other of the polymer clays. It makes some interesting embossing patterns as well so give it a try.

Even if you are not interested in the polymer clays as your primary art expression, they can be used for great embellishments to your paper arts.

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Cloth, Paper, Scissors

As many of you know ggd considers Cloth, Paper, Scissors one of the most inspiring and useful resources.

We have to confess to not (embarrassed) subscribing to the magazine but loving the many, many emails we find in our in box, detailing articles. These alone are extremely valuable and we recommend subscribing to the newsletter to everyone.....unless, of course, you already are buried daily in far too many spam items. 

For ggd, the newsletter alerts us to issues that contain articles in which we are specifically interested. (Usually carving or printing....and the magazine contains a surprising number of these.) Then we purchase these issue.

CPS covers many techniques we find fascinating but are not interested in actively pursuing. But there is a surprising overlap in techniques and you never know where your next idea will come from. Often it's from the pages of this magazine.

At the moment there is a discussion going on about Studio Styles. Among the questions they pose:
What makes a good studio?
How important is lighting?
Does a studio have to be well organized to function properly?

If this piques your curiosity, we urge you to get on the mailing list. (You can always opt out later, if it's too overwhelming.)

Or, you can pick up

In the meantime, we'd love to have you revisit our peek into studios of our own ggd and Gazette friends who shared a look into their work spaces.

• Studio "Tours"--Artists' Workspaces

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  A "Try Before You Buy" hint.....check out the "free stuff" CPS offers. (Click on info to the left) When you go to browse, pace yourself! There's a lot to check out and there's an astonishing amount of free information and help available. Take your time. Take advantage of this great resource.

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That's it for today........Remember, your comments are the life blood of this blog....and right now it's feeling very anemic!

Join us. Energize this blog and each other.

And come back next week!