Saturday, October 03, 2026

October CAS Mix Up Challenge

Hi everyone.  The challenge at CAS Mix Up this month is Blackout Embossing (also known by other names).  It's a combination of dry embossing, colouring, and direct to stamp inking.


To create my card above, I dry embossed with Layered Leaves Embossing folder (SU!) with a piece of Cold Press Watercolour paper (Arches).  I smooshed the debossed side with Liquid Concentrate Watercolours (Blick Art Materials) randomly with three colours (yellow, orange, pink).

Once my panel was dry, it was placed inside the same folder, lining up the images.  You can feel by pressing lightly that they fit back into position.  Ran it through my embossing machine to redefine the embossing that might be lost when watercolouring.  

I used a Walnut Stain Distress Oxide pad to swipe over the raised areas.  The colour looks more gray/brown to me and I love how it works with the colours of the leaves.  I believe using black ink would have made the colours pop even more.  Next time ... :)

Out of a single card front, I was able to get three CAS cards ... the one above, and two more below. :)
 
Sending this card to the following challenges:
NBUS Challenge #91 - first time using my Walnut Stain Distress Oxide Ink 


I hope you'll come join us for this fun technique.  Hope to see you in the CAS Mix Up gallery!

Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps:  Heartfelt (Penny Black); Cosmos (Technique Tuesday); Heartfelt (Penny Black)
Paper:   White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.); Cold Press W/C  (Arches 140 lb.)
Ink:   Liquid Concentrate Watercolours (Blick Art Materials); Walnut Stain Distress Oxide Ink (Tim Holtz)
Accessories:  Layered Leaves Embossing folder (SU!), water mister
Techniques:  Dry Embossing, Smooshing, Direct to Paper Inking

13 comments:

kiwimeskreations said...

That worked out really well colour-wise, Loll, and to make three cards was a bonus too!!
Blessings
Maxine

BożenA said...

I love how you use contrast in your cards. The white background and colorful tiles always create such a dramatic look. I also love your choice of colors; they all come together to form such a cohesive whole. Three amazing cards, my dear Loll.
hugs,
BożenA xx

Pat said...

Your leaves are beautiful Loll and love the bright and pretty shades of pink, yellow and orange with brown as the blackout colour which looks great...I did originally l think it was a deep grey. It's great that you managed to get three cards out of the piece and all three designs are brilliant, and I love the wonderful swirly font of the sentiments on each..so elegant. x

Bonnie said...

You have done this technique beautifully, Lolly! I love the dark background with the colored leaves! How special that you could get three cards from this sample!

Marcia Hill said...

All 3 are BEAUTIFUL Loll!! I think the grayish/brown background really makes your leaves POP and is such a nice contrast! Lovely, lovely cards my friend and YAY for getting 3 cards out of one cs piece!! Hugs. :0)

Robyn Oliver said...

Three terrific cards Loll, this is a striking technique and as BozenA says the white cards highlight the embossed pieces. Have a lovely day hugs Robyn

Darnell said...

What a great idea to try a color other than black, Lolly! I love how it turned out and now I wonder if any dark color would work? This was so fun and it will be great to see the different ways color can be added to the debossed side before blackout. Thank you for having me as Guest Designer and for linking your pretty cards to I.D.E.A.S. and NBUS! Love, Dolly

Linda W. (ScrappinBari) said...

Three stunning cards with that technique, Loll - love both the window designs and especially the strip along the bottom!!

Cat Craig said...

beautiful card Loll. I've been wanting to try this technique...

Viv said...

The colours look fantastic together Loll. As always you have produced great makes! (And I might try a colour other than Black now too! x

HilaryJane said...

That is such a great technique. Your cards are all stunning. Might have to give it a go, but time is at a premium at the moment xx

Linda said...

Three beautiful cards. I love the vibrant colours against the dark background. Such a pretty embossing folder too xx

Dotty Jo said...

What beautiful cards, Loll. I love the colour palette and what a fun technique. If I get the opportunity I must give it a try. Hugs, Jo x