check it out

I'm always on the lookout for unconventional tools to use in artmaking.  Do you do that too?  Keep an open eye and open mind with every visual that you encounter...wondering how to take an item and use it to make a texture or pattern.  Like when you drive by a yard sale and you spy a cheesy-plastic-cut-lace tablecover, and you slam on the brakes because you see the potential of spending 25 cents for a new spray paint stencil! 

I'm not hip to the latest products but when I pop into Michael's I will do a quick scout around to see if there is something new I might need.  Yesterday I stumbled upon these embossing folders for Cuttlebug.  I don't even know what that device is or does, but I was attracted to the pattern.  If you could see the conversation bubble over my head it would have said "Squeee!  Love this....could be used for rubbing, casting paper, pressing into clay, maybe even monoprinting....grab it!"  And I did.  *note to self - go back for more*

 

So I tried a few things with my new toy ($4.99).  Since it is meant as an embossing tool I thought "a-ha!  pull out the pasta machine!"  Originally used to roll out polymer clay, it now doubles as an embosser when adjusted for the plastic folders.

 

 

I'm in full blown circle mode now.  Grabbed some of my new stamps.  Next, I will drag out my circle punches.  I feel some circle art coming on.

 

 
 

 



Lots of rain only means lots of roses.....look at all those buds!  I've already been cutting full roses off the bushes.  Don't forget, the more you cut the more you will get.  The bush below is the first one we planted in July 2008.  It is a glorious monstrosity!  It's crazy how big it is.  I was worried about the six new ones from last year because I never covered them - but they are back, fuller and thicker, and oozing with enthusiasm.  To think I might have missed the rewards of keeping a rose garden....

 

 

Comments

[Judy N]

I am always on the lookout for fun, new & innovative toys, haven't found any new ones recently....at least none I can remember. Not those kinds...just the ones I have to pay the $ for at Michaels and Archivers. I have been on the lookout for plastic doilies, tablerunners or placemats for quite some time now...NOTHING...not even at the antique stores. ...some day ....

Your roses look like they will be in full bloom anyday.....pretty.....must be a sight to behold!
Look forward to your updates.

Until later,
Judy

[Bernice]

A Cuttlebug is a die cutting machine - smaller than a Sizzix ~ that you can use with embossing folders as well. Love how you've used the folders. If you look on Tim Holtz blog you can see how he inks the folders before putting them through the pasta maker. You can also print onto the folder before embossing.

[Brigitte]

Your roses are amazing ! We could do with a little rain too, it's been unusually dry here for quite some time now. As for your art work, my jaw dropped when I saw how you used your pasta maker !!! I have one too, used to use it for polymer too, in my jewelmaking days LOL I have been looking at those embossing folders too, and now I am sure, I need them too !!

[Maryanne]

I just love the idea of using the pasta machine as an embossing machine!!!! I don't think I would have ever thought of that! Your roses are gorgeous, Michelle. They brighten up these gloomy days we've been having for sure!

[Jennifer White]

More More More!!!! LOVING the rubbings.... go back to Michaels NOW and report back... LOL! xo

[linda warlyn]

BRILLIANT idea, BEAUTIFUL roses! Your creativity and garden are bustin' out all over! I LOVE it all! oxox

[Chris]

Nice, nice, baby!!

Yes, I'm way into texturizing image layering right now. These are neato. I don't have a machine, but when I was getting pens today I grabbed more stamps to make repetitive images and embossings. yay!

[Chris]

oh, and our teeny tiny border roses are blooming FINALLY, and they are like velvet! I took pics yesterday to post on blog and didn't download them! These are yummy. Aren't yellow roses amazing?

[Inge Bekaert]

Hello Michelle,

I had to laugh when I read your discovery of the embossing folders.... Strange you didn't discover these before !

After seeing the results of the embossing with a cuttlebug on someones blog and being surprised every time, I bought my cuttlebug 1,5 year ago.
I bought lots of embossing folders since that moment ( Tim Holtz has his own sizzix embossingfolders. They are more deeply embossed and more grungy, but I really like a lot of the cuttlebugfolders too : the circles are one of my first purchases...)

I recently bought Tim Holtz Vagabond... not cheap but well worth the cost and it saves my muscles in my arm and shoulder when I emboss and cut/ emboss a larger amount. Just google "vagabond"...

You know I'm fond of texture, well these embossing folders are such great tools to use, like you show in your discoveries here. I use the Vagabond daily for cutting and embossing...

It's a very versatile tool : I'm sure you will make more discoveries !
I like your monoprintings with paint . I think I used the embossing folders on my page I made for you for your book you recieved past year. I gessoed the background and pushed the embossing folder in it and let it dry. It creates texture :)
Same when you use gel medium...

You did a special discovery and you will love them more and more !
Enjoy your new toys :)

greetings from belgium
Inge

PS : WOW your roses have grown ! So many buds : I think they honor someone...

[K]

You are a GENIOUS. I have a pasta maker that I also use for polymer clay. you can bet I'll be experimenting with embossing next! Thanks for sharing.

[michelle ward]

thank you dear friends for adding to the conversation as we delight in new discoveries! i love the interaction we can get here on a blog. i really appreciate the fact that you took the time to respond.
means alot, *blows kisses*

[Barbara]

There's even more fun on the horizon for you with the embossing folders, Michelle. You can use an x-acto knife to cut a slit in the crease of the folder slightly larger than your tag so that you can slip the bottom of one tag in the top portion of one folder and the top of the same tag in the bottom portion of the second folder. Now you have two different designs on one tag. It leaves a slight crease in the middle which adds extra interest. I'll send you an e-mail with a photo of my "experiment."