Distress Embossing Powder

[melissa59]

I have a few jars of Tim Holtz Distress Embossing Powder. They were sealed until I opened them yesterday to give them a try. The jar said to rub the release crystals after cooling for a distressed look. I did that and didn't see a difference. The finish, before and after rubbing, is dull and grainy. Are the powders bad or is this normal for the Distress powders?

[iamvics]

They are totally different than other EP. Here's a video from Tim:
Another video with techniques:
Remember to shake before using.

[harvestmoon]

"Dull and grainy" is what Holtz had in mind. Those are great videos. I always enjoy watching his techniques express his creativity.
I can't say that I use my Distress Embossing powder very much, as I'm not that Artsy.

[lutheran]

I haven't had much luck with these powders but I did get better results when used with inks that are super wet. They definitely look cool with vintage and distress styles but I can't count on 100% success.
Mary Beth

[melissa59]

Thanks for the links, Vic. The one by Tim Holtz was extremely helpful.

I did not buy these Distress powders. They were passed on to me from a friend who lost interest in papercrafting, so I was not sure what to expect. My first impression of the Distress powders was not a good one. But I'm a huge fan of the vintage/distressed look, so maybe they will grow on me.

My friend also gave me a dozen new jars of Zing powder, which is super bright and very shiny--the opposite of the Distress powders. Truth be told, if it were my money, I'd probably just buy a shiny black, a superfine white and, maybe, a gold and a clear.

[iamvics]

Ranger/Tim only produce four basic colors now, so any other colors are hard to find: Tim Holtz� Distress Embossing Powders | Ranger Ink and Innovative Craft Products

For tons of examples of how they can be used, check these out: Compendium of Curiosities 3, Challenge 11!

Compendium of Curiosities Challenge 26!

Compendium of Curiosities, Week 5!

[Copperkids]

All this time - I thought I had received a lot of "bad" embossing jars. I have tried tried numerous times to get the distress powder to melt but couldn't. I thought my technique was the problem. I purchased my powder on clearance. Now I will watch a lot more of the technique videos so I can use this powder right

As always thanks SCS!!!!

[Provinca]

I have LOTS of these and never use them. When I first got them, I used them the usual way with, obviously, bad results. Then I watched the videos and saw how to properly use them, but I have no interest in them. I'll be putting them on ebay soon!