Wednesday, December 13, 2017

Emerald Creek + StencilGirl Hop and Giveaway


Every so often the stars collide and fireworks ensue. Today is one of those days. Two of my absolute favorite companies - StencilGirl Products and Emerald Creek Craft Supplies are combining forces to bring you a stellar blog hop and giveaway.  Twelve artists are participating and the event starts today (12/13) and runs through 12/15. Be sure to scroll down to the bottom of this post to see how you can enter the two giveaways and to find the links to all the participating artists.

DISCOVERY

Two of my favorite products to use are stencils and embossing powder. And I absolutely love using them together. My method...easy. 

Simply position the stencil on your surface, press a craft sponge into the surface of an embossing pad, and pounce the sponge through the opening in your stencil. Remove the stencil, tap off any excess powder and heat with a heat gun. Final step...watch the magic happen.

For this piece, I started with an 8x8 inch cradled wood panel and added layer after layer after layer of gesso, paint, collage and ink.


And of course, stencils and embossing powders. For the background, I used an embossing pad, a background stamp (Splattered from Impression Obsession), and two of my favorite flavors of embossing powder from Emerald Creek:



The main focal feature of this piece is a series of words.


To add the text detail, I once again used Emerald Creek Charred Gold Embossing Powder through a series of words (Discovery, Explore, Destiny) from two of my StencilGirl stencils: 



The piece was finished off using collage material, hand made marks, and some of my stamp sets from Impression Obsession (RPMs, Planetarium, Pathways).


If you are completely new to using embossing powders, check out my video tutorial from an episode of Make it Artsy. You may discover a new technique even if you are an embossing pro.


------------------------------

BLOG HOP


Be sure to visit all the participating artists 

December 13
Seth Apter (you are here)

December 14

December 15

------------------------------


Giveaway #1
(now closed - congrats to Barbara Bytwerk)

I will be giving Discovery, the artwork in this post, to one lucky person. Simply leave a comment on this post by Tuesday, 12/19 at 11:59PM Central Time to be eligible. Make sure I have a way to reach you if the random number table picks your name. And yes...of course Internationals are eligible too.

Giveaway #2

One lucky winner will receive a $25 Gift Certificate to StencilGirl Products 
AND a $25 Gift Certificate to Emerald Creek! 
Enter to win by leaving a comment below.
Then be sure to visit the other blogs in the hop and comment to win.
The more blogs you comment on, the more chances you have to WIN!
One winner will be chosen at random from all blog comments!
(One comment per blog please.)
You have until Tuesday, December 19th at 11:59PM Central Time to leave your comments.
Winner will be announced on
StencilGirl's Facebook page on Wednesday, December 20th.

Have fun and good luck!

96 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oooo I love this! The dimension you create is amazing. Its almost as though I could reach through the computer and feel it. Thank you so much for joining us and for the amazing prize donation!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful colors! Thanks for the chance to win! (Annie)

Janet Joehlin said...

Well done! Love your Make It Artsy segment!

Pilgrim said...

I had seen this video before and it never ceases to amaze me what can be done with embossing powder. thanks so much for sharing these techniques.

Dee Spillane said...

Boy Seth, this is a great giveaway. Love your piece and you have created embossing monster of me now. And a distresses Journal monster too. I never thought I would love these techniques so much! Hugs, Dee

Unknown said...

Gorgeous! Your technique of adding embossing powders with stencils is fabulous!

Mermaid Maker said...

I think I have to get a heat tool and learn to emboss!

Mary C. Nasser said...

What an amazing piece rich in layers of colors and textures! I could look at this for hours, Seth! Incredibly grateful you are hopping with us! Thank you so much for your generous giveaway, too!

Debi Adams said...

Wowza! This looks fantastic! Got to get me that powder! Of course one is never enough.😉

Cheetarah said...

That looks absolutely fantastic! and what a great way to use embossing powders and stencils! Will definitely try it out :) Thanks for the inspiration! xo Cheetarah

alice k. said...

What a great project. Thanks for a show and tell!

Lori Schoen said...

Thank you! I need to get my embossing powders out!

Unknown said...

I like the look of this embossing powder. I like when it is chunkier than the norm!

Grannyotter said...

I love the effect you got from the embossing powder.

Karen said...

This is wonderful!! Love all the details, & the textures & metallic look. Would love to see this in person!!

PatGLex said...

You know -- I *never* thought of using an embossing pad/embossing powder with stencils! It was always paint, or ink. And I really thought your project used your die cuts. I do like the look of those embossing powders, though! I will definitely have to investigate.

Beverley said...

This is absolutely brilliant, never thought of embossing powders and stencils combo. Love the textures. Must try. What a brilliant kick off to the Hop.
Bevtextart (at) btinternet (dot com)

Gwen Lafleur said...

Amazing piece Seth - I love it! You got such fabulous texture with all of your layers combined with the EP - too bad I'm not eligible to win! LOL.

Joy Meadows said...

What a fabulous piece of artwork! Love everything about this, Seth! Your video is great, too, thanks for sharing it again.

Unknown said...

I love embossing powders, I really must get hold of some of Emerald Creeks amazing powders, is there a UK supplier? Love your piece Seth as always x

Unknown said...

Great piece. Love the technique using embossing with stencils. Great texture.

A Pink said...

An Incredible piece, Seth with so much detail,texture and depth with all those layers, in such fabulous colour ways. A Stellar work of art for a stellar bloghop and giveaway
x

Patty said...

That dripping technique with the gel medium rocks! thanks for sharing, Seth!

Unknown said...

Thanks for the tutorial on different embossing techniques! I've never embossed before and am now eager to try it. Your stencils and artwork are awesome!

Carol Baxter said...

Fabulous piece of art!

ann barnes said...

Love your discovery panel! Embossing powders add such a nice effect to projects. I love the two colors you have used. They look fabulous on your stenciled words!

TerryO said...

Thanks for sharing these fun techniques!

Gayle B said...

I never really though about embossing through a stencil. I'm ready to try it!

Unknown said...

I had never been interested in embossing until now! How fabulous - just in time for Christmas!

Jean said...

I love the techniques you used. Very wonderful details!

Mary Holshouser said...

I love to use embossing powder on my greeting cards.
I recently used a stencil and the powder for one
of my Christmas cards. It worked great
and I'll be doing it again. I love your page.
It has muted colors that show off the blue
medallions so well.
thanks for sharing.
I'd love to have this piece to display in
my craft room.

VA Beach VA said...

SPARKLING DRIPS!!! I love it! Thanks for sharing these techniques, Seth! ~Rachel Bell

Christina said...

I love this piece! All the yummy textures and rich colors used give it a great steampunk, grunge feel! Thank you for sharing it and for the chance to win!

Helen Percy Lystra said...

I love this piece. Only recently became familiar with your work, i’ a traditional watercolorist turned mixed media let’s try everything artist.

Dijitize said...

Haven't embossed in a long time but think it's time to revisit.

Aimee said...

I hope the random number gods pick me! Love the piece Seth!

Lucie Winsky said...

Love your work! Great ideas with the embossing powders. Lwdolls(at) yahoo (dot com)

firewoman55 said...

Thanks for the tip about using the Gel medium as a base for the EP. Just one question, Seth - do you have to be careful of the gel medium bubbling when you heat the EP? janisgraham (at) yahoo (dot com).

Marjorie DUMONTIER said...

Wow ! That’s an impressive work ! margessw@icloud.com

Tina said...

Gorgeous Seth! Always love your layers and use of color! Stunning!

Carol P said...

Thank you so much for sharing your creativity. I love the rustic look of this piece. What a treasure for the lucky winner (fingers crossed). I have several of your stencils and love them but need to check out your stamps!

Jeanne said...

Loved chatting with you at the One of a Kind Show in Chicago!

Kim said...

Gorgeous I love your work and your new stamps.

Kathy said...

More to learn! Thanks for the inspiration

Catherine said...

Hi Seth! I always love your projects!

Unknown said...

OK, I’m ready to get out my embossing powder. Bravo!

Lisa said...

You have totally inspired me to reunite with all my embossing powders. I never considered using them with my stencils.

cHim-prints said...

Oh my word! I would give my right arm to win this ... but not until I had tried this way of embossing of course! This is a beautiful piece.

jillj said...

Thank you for sharing your art and how to accomplish it ourselves. It is very unique.

Ruth said...

I haven’t used embossing powders but now I’m intrigued.

Cathy said...

Seth, what great ideas and new ways to use embossing powder. Just love what you did with them.

Textile Recycler said...

Love embossing powders, just keep forgetting that I have them! Thank you Seth.. smooches :)

Amy said...

So gorgeous! Love all that amazing texture. Thanks for the chance to win! amystamper3 at gmail dot com

Claudia N. said...

Absolutely love this, Seth! You always create such sublime texture on your beautiful pieces of art! Feeling so honoured to be part of this amazing blog hop!
Merry Christmas from Vienna!
Claudia x

Unknown said...

Hi Seth, there is a 4th way to use embossingpowder.
Use an embossing pen, make a drawing with it, or write words or make marks and then emboss them :)

Jackie PN said...

Way cool piece Seth and so very generous for you to have it as a prize! Someone is going to be very lucky!
I love Ec's embossing powders- they really know how to mix some gorgeous palettes!
Embossing powders were one of the first mediums I absolutely fell in love with and could not get enough of! still can't!
What a great hop!
Jackie ")

Unknown said...

Yay! Bring those embossing powders back! I love it! ❤️🎨👍🏻

Unknown said...

Love it! Thanks for sharing

Sisterhood of the Muse said...

LOVE it all...the texture, the colour, the shine. Your work reflects all of the joys of using embossing powder! Great #giveaway
:-)

SuzanneWW said...

I am going to give this a try today. I've used embossing powders but never with a stencil. Should be fun!
Thanks

Arlene said...

Love .... love ..... love it all !!!
Please enter me !!
What a healthy addiction !!!
Arlene Abramson
Arleabramson@gmail.com

Patricia Lintner said...

Oh Seth, you are amazing and this piece really speaks to me. I haven't embossed for a while now but will definitely be doing some now. Thank you for the giveaway!!!

Unknown said...

I love your art!

Amanda said...

Fun texture on this project! Amanda (at) meadowdance (dot) org

Monica Garcia said...

Oh my goodness, how wonderful your piece is!! I already love those stencils, now to get embossing powder!!

andrea50harris said...

Love this!!!!

Beth said...

Seth, your artwork & creativity is wonderful. I did Ooh & awe while watching the embossing video. Thank you for the opportunity. Cbfigiel@gmail.com THANKS!

Unknown said...

Thanks, Seth! I really enjoyed your tutorial. I have used embossing powder with stamps - but not with stencils! Love the effect! jwaterhouse57@verizon.net

Christina said...

OMG, this is awesome Seth!! Love the layers and textures!!
Thanks for sharing xx

Nadine Wong said...

Another fabulous give away. Would love to play with the stencils and embossing powder. nadineannwong@gmail.com

Sheri W said...

Love your work. Lots of inspiration. Thanks for the giveaway, clanchefan@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

just love your use of embossing powder!

Jill McDowell said...

Awesome piece Seth. I need to remember to use embossing powders more. You get such great results. Thanks for showing us just how easy it is.

Gina said...

Omg just Fabulous!! Seth is Amazing.. Anything he creates is just breathtaking.. I just love and adore my Stencil girl they’re the Best!! 💜🎄🎁🎊🎉🌙✨💫

sarascloset said...

Fabulous work of art, Seth! the texture is delicious! Embossing powders are my favorite mixed media go to product, so it's wonderful to see you teaming up with Emerald Creek (who happen to have my favorite powders) for not only your breathtaking textural piece, but for this entire blog hop! Looking forward to watching your video. Thank you for the chance to win this amazing piece! Of course, the stencils make a great gift, too! Christmas is coming early! Hugs! Sara Emily

Kathy S said...

Always enjoy your work - powders are such a great way to get texture and I don't think to use them with stencils very often. Thanks!!

Mary Thoma said...

Seth Apter you make the most elegant grunge ever! Love the idea of using gel medium as a vehicle for embossing.

beenebag said...

Awesome video and love the dripping gel medium. Ordered some needle tip bottles so I can control the marks. Of course, marks with abandon hold more interesting surprises!

HelenM said...

cool! thanks for the inspiration!!

Anonymous said...

I absolutely love this! (I hope I win HeHe!) I wish you would have done a video on this particular piece. I do appreciate the time it took for the walk through though. Do you have videos on you tube? I'm new to all this layering and am overwhelmed when I read the details as to what I do to achieve the look that all of you make look so easy. I love layers and texture so this is fantastic!
mc-reeda@seovec.org

Susie Bentz: My Time to Play said...

Simple technique + great stencil + super cool metallic embossing powders = one amazing canvas!! Thanks for the inspiration!

Christina said...

Love how you used the versamark through the stencil, will have to give that a try!! Still have a big fan crush on those Emeral Creek EP's. The Discovery piece is just awesome Seth. Gorgeous colours and texture, can only imagine what it may be like in real life. Thank you for sharing your inspiration. ��

Lucinda said...

Love the depth in this piece.

suzieq23 said...

Love how you used the EC embossing powder, the SG stencils and your creative imagination to make such a cool piece of art. suzschultz23(AT)aol(dot)com

Unknown said...

Really love your Work Seth! The layering is just fabulous on the wood and of course, love, love the stencils! I have not used the embossing powder from Emerald Creek, but I feel an order will soon be placed!!

Bibliofil said...

I have not tried, but I absolutely will, embossing powder drips - genius!!!

Dorothy Kovak said...

I love the texture you achieve and the subtle mixture of colors you use. You have a style distinctly your own. The overall design, and build up of layers, has wonderful dimension. Thank you for sharing. I also enjoyed watching your embossing segment again on Make it Artsy with Julie.

Edwige V. said...

Gorgeous piece ! Those two embossing powders are also my favorite from EC. Thanks for the tip about the drips !

Gwynn said...

Love your work!! Cheers

Fonts by Flo said...

Beautiful! Love it!

Unknown said...

Your work has such depth and texture, love it.

Jacqueline Smith said...

Love those EP and your workl is fantastic!

Anne said...

These are amazing!!! I can't wait to try the new embossing powders!

Kathi said...

Fabulous!

I already have loads of your wonderful stencils and am very excited about your new endeavor with Emerald Creek. I know I will *need* those embossing powders.

Unknown said...

I love the look of the new patinas!

Jeanne Beam said...

I love playing with embossing powders. Thanks for sharing your ideas, Seth...