(See all class sample photos below.)

Bits, Beads, and Blends

Description:
In this fun and fast-paced workshop, we’ll explore different ways to use embossing powders and a variety of embellishments to create a unique, layered and textured mixed media panel. We’ll use my Boho Blends embossing powders from Emerald Creek (along with other embossing powders) to “paint,” accent, and create beautifully layered backgrounds and elements. We’ll also use my Boho Bits – semi-precious gemstone embellishments, along with various beads and other bits and baubles of your choice to accessorize and accent our pieces. In addition, we’ll incorporate collage and other techniques and products along the way as we put the “mix” into mixed media.

Students Should Bring:

• Water cup, pencil & eraser, and scissors
• A Teflon or non-stick / heat resistant craft mat (I'll also have a few to share.)
• Heat gun (I’ll have a few to share, but you'll probably want your own. Note that the Ranger gun does not work well for heat embossing.)
• A panel or substrate – between 5” x 7” and 9” x 12” will work best (I prefer a solid panel vs. a stretched canvas, especially for the layers we’ll be building. Does not need to be cradled. Illustration or mat board also work.)
• Matte medium and brushes to apply
• A small variety of collage papers
• A VersaMark or clear embossing ink pad
• White glue like Tacky Glue or similar
• A selection of beads and embellishments (I like to have several bead options available loose and in hanks – both seed beads and bugle beads. Bring several colors – choose colors you typically use, and I also recommend black and / or metallic.)
  • For seed beads, I usually use size 11/0 with only a few as large as 6/0 for some of the embellishing
• You may want a few larger beads or dimensional pieces to use as eyes, focal points, or larger accents
• Tweezers
• A hat pin, needle, or something to help place beads

Optional:

• A Tidy Tray (very helpful for using and cleaning up embossing powder and beads; I’ll have a few plus some copy paper)
• A few favorite stencils and stamps (both focal and background images / patterns)
• Liquid Pearls or similar (I like the Pebeo Cerne Relief Pastes or Marabu Fashion Liners)
• Paint pens or paint in fine tip bottles or tubes for splatters and mark making (I especially like gold or bronze.)
• A VersaMarker or other embossing ink marker with both fine and brush tips
• Any other embellishments you may want to use (IE, one of my samples has large pieces of mica)
• StazOn ink pads (regular or pigment) in black and brown

Teacher Will Provide:

• Boho Blends and other embossing powders
• Boho Bits semi-precious gemstone embellishments
• A selection of beads and other embellishments for use in class
• Some stencils and stamps to share
• Some stamp pads to share
• A few bottles of glue to share and mediums for adhering and sealing beads

---

Class Samples:

(Click any of the photos to  see the full-size, un-cropped version.)