Altenew Workshop Embossing techniques

I have completed the Altenew AECP program. The final task is to hold a workshop. We could do this live or virtually. I chose to do a live workshop at a cute little craft store I found and am in love with, Enchanted Cottage in Lewisville, NC. My class was held on February 23, 2023.

For my class Erum, my cheerleader throughout the program watched via Google Meet with us. She was in a different time zone than us. So this was an evening class for her and a morning class for us. I am so happy she was able to watch with us.

Our advertisement is below. We worked with Embossing folders and different techniques that you can use with them.

This is the advertisement for my class at the shop.

We had eight (8) students for the class. Each was provided a placemat, PDF instructions, and card kits. For this workshop, we did three different cards. Each with a different embossing technique. I, unfortunately, did not get photos from my students as I was using the camera to use google meet with Erum.

The first card was a simple ink on the embossing folder and ran through the embossing folder. While we worked on this I sent around samples of other ways that you can use your embossing folders with the details written out on the back of each sample. This was a hit with the ladies. I had one student use a soft pink color for this card instead of yellow. It became a favorite of the class.

Card one Embossing with color on Peaceful Poppies.

In card two we did some blending on cardstock with two different colors. Use your favorite blending tool. Then you emboss the image. Next, take the darkest of your colors and rub heavily on the edges and then softly in the center just over your embossed image.

Card Two Embossing with blended inks with Spoon Daisy.

For this card, we had a swatch of all the colors of Altenews Watercolor Brush Markers for them to choose their colors. Some students chose to use an Altenew paint pallet set. We had some who did light colors but most wanted to copy mine with yellows, greens, browns, and blues. This one was a bit more detailed and took some time. If you would like the details on it I have a PDF you can download or a video at the end of this post.

Card Three watercoloring an embossed image with Sunflower Bundle.

In class, we had a lagniappe card that was created after you embossed the watercolored image again after it has been painted (this adds that dimension back into your card). Once you do that you run another piece of white cardstock through the same embossing folder. This gives you a very soft impression of ink into the groves of the embossed image. With a soft subtle look of color on a card.

You can download the free PDF here on how to do these beautiful cards. I have also included some video’s on how to do these cards. You can find them below.

I did a partial class with one of my crafty friends where I could practice with her and get pointers. These are her cards.

Kristine V’s work, The first is the watercolored card, the second is the blended ink card, and the third is a second impression from the watercolor card.

My students seem to love the class and were grateful I came out to demonstrate the different techniques with them. Most of them asked if I would be returning to teach. I am absolutely positive that I will be back.

I am so excited to be able to teach what I learned with the Altenew AECP program. I believe it has helped me in several different ways. In the beginning, some of the classes seemed so simple and felt like a repeat. I will say even though I thought that they were wonderful refreshers for going back to the basics. For someone who has not been in the card-making world this is a wonderful start. Some of the classes really pushed me out of my comfort zone, by doing this I was able to overcome and succeed in mastering it. Some of the classes were not really new ideas but ideas used in different ways which made me ponder, “Why on earth did I not think of that?” Erum is very encouraging and has inspired me to go out and do more watercolor. Watching her work on @glitterandswirls on Instagram makes me want to go grab a paintbrush, alcohol markers, watercolor pencils, or even just plain colored pencils. I love her work.

I hope all of you my readers have enjoyed reading all about my journey. Be sure to leave me a comment and let me know.