Techniques for Stamping using Enduring Beauty Bundle

Heat Embossing Technique

This is one of my favorite techniques to use because it always gives the card a wow factor.  I wanted to provide steps for the very best heat embossing experience/result. 

I started by using my Embossing Additions Tool Kit and Heat Tool.  I always say if you have the right tools  and proper steps anyone can achieve the great results!   On this project, I used White Embossing Powder (no longer available from Stampin' Up! but I have two good sources should you need embossing powder before Stampin' Up! has a new source)

STEP 1:

Embossing Technique involves using the embossing buddy from the tool kit to wipe over your cardstock before using VersaMark ink to stamp your image.  The purpose of this is to ensure no oil residue or static is left on the cardstock.  Embossing powder will cling to the cardstock in speckled fashion in the places that oil resdiue or static remains, if this step is not done first.

STEP 2:

Stamp your image wit the VersaMark ink.  This is a very thick/sticky ink that will ensure your image holds the embossing powder.

STEP 3:  

Hold your stamped image with the reverse tweezers from your tool kit.....oppsie (not pictured) and scoop your embossing powder over your stamped image ensuring you hold your cardstock over the embossing catch all tool so you can easily put any excess back into your embossing powder container.  Once you have covered your stamped image thoroughly with the embossing powder and let the excess go in to your container; Hold the embossed side of cardstock down towards the container and lightly flick the back of the piece to remove the rest of the excess.  If you have some strays, use your brush to get them off the cardstock before moving to step 4.

STEP 4:

Run your heat gun for 30 seconds before trying to cure your embossing. (To me this a very important step in heat embossing)

STEP 5:

Briefly heat the bottom/underneath/back of cardstock first.  This method helps the embossing powder to adhere to the cardstock;  preventing any from blowing off of the top of the image.  You may have a little curling of the cardstock...it is ok....when you do Step 6, it should flatten out.

STEP 6:

My favorite step.....heat the top of the imaging making sure to move your heat tool in small circular motions (this is to prevent scorching of the cardstock) and watch the magic happen!  Heat the entire embossed image evenly.   Once all the embossing powder has cured; let cool and if you have any curling of cardstock at this point place a large acrylic block over the piece to flatten.

GIVE IT A TRY--IT IS AN AMAZING TECHNIQUE.

INK BLENDING TECHNIQUE

There are so many ways to use Ink for Ink Blending techniques.  (I really need to do a post on just ink techniques)  Today, I will show you one way to blend ink to make a stamped image look AMAZING!

On a side note:  When I started these cards, I found my gorgeous grapes ink pad was just a tad dry; I grabbed my reinkers and from there I went down a three (3) hour worm hole.  I ended up reinking/cleaning up all my ink pads.  Be sure to come back for step by step instructions on reinking and cleaning up those ink pads for the longest life of ink pad possible.  I also want to mention here, if you are using the old felt ink pads make sure you are using the old ink refills; if you use the new refills you will ruin your inks pads because the chemical make up of the inks are different.

Grab your ink pad and ink blending brushes.  Stampin' Up! sells two different sized blending brushes:  Large Blending Brushes and Small Blending brushes.

I will be using both sizes on today's cards.

When using blending brushes, I do not rub them on the ink pad.  I use an acrylic block to pick up ink on the block and then pick up the ink from the block with the blending brush.  I found I was getting some wear on my ink pads rubbing the ink pad.  So there is a Pro Tip for you.

Have a scrap piece of paper (could be a piece of junk mail), to rub off the harshest/deepest color of the ink.  ALWAYS start light when blending; you can add color but if it is a big blob in the center of your project it isn't easily fixed.  

STEP 1:

Once you have ink on your blending brush;  rub off some of the ink off on a scrap piece of paper.

STEP 2:

In a light, circular motion blend ink into the area you choose to blend.  A LITTLE INK GOES A LONG WAY when blending.  In an ink blending project you want variations in intensity of color.  For this image you want the most intense ink coloring in the center of the flowers and lightening towards the edge of the flowers.  In the Pretty Peacock image, I show light blending on the outer edges of the cardstock and darker on the embossed image.  This isn't the look I was going for at all...so back to the craft table.  The second image is what you are going for when showing different intensities of ink blending.  

STEP 3:

Continue in small circular motions on your artwork until you have the intensity you want.  This technique will bring your flowers to life if done properly, they will pop off the page.  See the difference between the two images.  This is a super easy way to color in large images and get that wow factor.