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Embossing Tips & Techniques

Hi Ladies

School was back for me last week, can you believe my kids had 3 weeks off!!
We went to Sydney OMG was it cold, we took the kids to Luna Park my husband and I have a new name for it "Lunatic Park" he he.


I am going to give you some tips and techniques on "Embossing"

Heat Embossing, is done by stamping an image on a piece of paper (Versamark inkpad is the best for embossing, Versamark inkpad is clear and sticky so your powder will stick to your stamped image), sprinkling embossing powder over the stamped image and applying heat.
Sprinkle a generous amount of embossing powder over your image, then pour the excess off the design. The design should be completely covered in the powder, make sure there is no more powder anywhere else on the project, use a dry paint brush to get rid of any unwanted powder. Apply heat to the design which will melt the powder and form your raised design. The easiest way to do this is with a heat gun. Do not use a hair dryer as this will blow away the powder.


TIPS:
* Make embossing powder adhere better to metallic and shiny surfaces by first gently by gently rubbing items such as eyelets with steel wool or a light sandpaper.
* You can save a lot of embossing powder by catching the excess with scrap paper and replacing it in the jar. By saving the excess like this your jar will last for ages.
* When you're embossing a paper lighter weight than cardstock, back it with a piece of cardstock. This prevents it from warping while being heated.
*Before you heat the image look for any powder that may be anywhere else on the paper and by using a dry paintbrush, brush it a way, as this can spoil your project.
* When using your heat gun don't get too close to your project as it can burn, about 5 - 10cm in close enough. Have a play and stamp images on scraps before you attempt to do a image on a layout or card.
*Only use a heat designed for embossing. Your friends may be using irons, light bulbs and even toasters; but these can be dangerous and can even cause burns. Investing in the right tools ensures not only that you get the best results, but also ensures your safety.


We will be running classes in August that will be using embossing, so if the technique appeals to you book into one of our classes. You can call us on 55 727277 or browse our website for our August timetable www.seriouslyscrapbooks.com.au


We will announcing our winner of our Comment Competition next week, so, if you have'nt left a comment make sure you do and you will be in the running for a cool prize.

I am going to leave you with a quote of the week:

What you are will show in what you do. -Thomas Edison

Have a fantastic weekend!!

Cathy:)

Wednesday Wonderings - 08.07.08

Well I am just scraping in for Wednesday. I have been super busy for the last few weeks but I am back.

This week I wanted to talk about adding dimensional interest to your pages. Dimensional Interest can be added in numerous ways. Think of the following things when trying to add interest to your layouts and projects.

- Use an edge distressor. This simple little tool can a shabby look to your pages in seconds. Simply drag it along the edge of your paper until you have achieved the desired look.

- Stitching. Break out the needle and thread and add a gorgeous finish to your page. Thread comes in so many different colours, it would be hard not to find a match for your layout.

- Paint. Splash or stamp a bit of paint here and there can easily fill spaces which might have been 'dead' otherwise.

- Stamping. Stamps come in a multitude of designs. Want to make a flourish pop? Stamp another one underneath your embellie and add some kindy glitz. Instant dimension.

- Ink. This medium can be used in multiple ways. From adding a dash around the edge of your papers, to brushing it on like paint to fill 'dead' spaces, to using it to alter chipboard etc to suit your layout. Ink also comes in tonnes of colours so you are sure to find one which compliments your layouts.

All of these little things can help add dimensional interest to your page. Why not give one (or even a few) a go and share your layout links here with us.

My favourite product this week

Last time I blogged we shared some ways on using Dimensional Magic. I thought I might keep my ideas flowing and talk about using "MASKS".


What are Masks?
Masks are shapes or letters which have been cut out of thin black flexible plastic and are stuck to a laminated white sheet. The masks have a repositonable adhesive on the back so that they can be used over and over again.

Masks are designed as the opposite of a stencil. Instead of colouring in the shape itself, you colour over the top of the mask and then remove it. What you end up with is a negative image, where the area surrounding the masks shape defines it.




We have these masks pictured above in store now so come in and check them out.

How do you use them?
Put your mask down on your base of choice then ink, paint around the mask. Lift the mask carefully with a craft knife and see your design.

Using masks gives a very artsy look to any scrapbooking page or art project with little effort.

Mediums you can use when masking:
*Acrylic Paint
*Inks
*Chalk
*Pencils

You are not limited to only using these mediums GO CRAZY and try whatever you can come up with.







TIPS:
Press all edges of the mask down really well before applying your medium, otherwise you could have seepage. This could cause loss af adhesive backing and effect the pattern of the mask. Masks can be cleaned with baby wipes.


My Quote of the week:
"Come live in my heart, and pay no rent" Samuel Lover

Just makes me wanna cry:) Well girls I'm off on holidays with hubby and the kids for a week or so to Sydney. Will talk when I get back.

Cathy:)