OLW31 - Back to the beginning ...

...  that's the challenge that Susan Raihala of Simplicity gave to us this week.  She wanted us to go back to the product and/or technique that got us hooked into stamping. 

Now I've been crafting, in various guises, for many years.  At school it was embroidery and sewing.  Later I started on cross-stitch pictures - and I still have several pictures (some started, some not) in my sewing box.  And I've always made note books, book marks, and small cards.  Then about 7 or 8 years ago a friend sent me a handmade Christmas card.  It was really pretty - she had used some lovely peeloffs.  Then I found a magazine (can't remember which one) and it showed heat embossing.  And that was it!!  Totally hooked. 

I didn't have much space at the time, so I started off in a small way - a few stamps and just gold and silver embossing powders - but it was magic to watch the powder melt and form beautiful shining images on the cards.  They looked so luxurious!!  So the challenge to go back to what got me started was great.  I've had a super evening in my craft room and made six cards - all very clean and simple - but all featuring embossing.  I've come on a bit since I first started, and I mix techniques now that I wouldn't have dreamt of when I started.  So here they are:

Bubble Tree - Martha Stewart Glitter

Christmas Trees - Martha Stewart Glitter

Christmas Greenery - Distress Inks

Winter Birds

Teeny Trees - Memento Inks

Christmas Trees - Distress Inks - Sakura Glaze with glitter

Stamps:  Waltzingmouse - Frame It, Teeny Trees; Inkadinkadoo - Winter Birds; Woodware - Christmas Bubble Tree, Christmas Trees, Christmas Greenery; Stampin' Up! - Contempo Christmas
Inks: Memento - Rich Cocoa, Cottage Ivy
Embossing Powders:  Stampendous - Detail Silver, Detail Gold, Detail White, Kaleidoscope;  Heat It Up! - Tinsel Green
Accessories:  Anita's - gems; Martha Stewart - Glitter Pens; All cards from my stash

I've also got another follower - and this one is very special - my son, Benjamin, has decided to follow me.  Hi Ben - welcome aboard - and see what I get up to!!

Finally, Blogger has the image upload link working again - so better late than never - OLW31.   Thanks Susan, this was a really fun challenge.