Help with Embossing

[airdebb]

Okay, I tried to emboss for the first time tonight. I thought I was doing it right. Did the Versamark, then the embossing powder. Took off the excess powder and used my heat tool to emboss. I was using Navy Paper and Silver Embossing Powder. Well, it looks terrible. Yes it embossed the words but I can see specs where the embossing powder stayed on the paper. There is also a silvery/grey area where the powder sat on the paper.

Now I was trying to get this technique down so I could actually demo it at my first workshop. Too bad its way harder than I anticipated. I am feeling like I wasted my money on these items.

Can anyone help? :eek:

[dombriam]

NO NO NO ...you didn't waste your money. Embossing is my FAVORITE thing to do. You need to get the embossing buddy. It is a powder filled sack that you rub over your paper first, then use the Versamark. The embossing buddy helps to remove the static on the paper so the embossing powder sticks only to the ink. Try it again!! Don't give up on the best accent I know!! Also, have a small paint brush handy and use that to flick off the strays.

[GarnetJ]

I too, found that embossing was trickier than it looks. Getting all the tiny bits of powder off the cardstock seems very difficult at first and it takes practice. Don't know how much time you have before your first workshop, but you may want to start with a different color. Silver on Navy is more apt to show the specks than perhaps White snowflakes on Ballet Blue. Your guests/students will find it easier to handle.

[cpw3431]

Just a suggestion, if your workshop is real soon.


You can also use a swiffer dusting cloth, instead of the embossing buddy. Just rub over the paper before stamping with the versamark.

Your guests my also enjoy knowing that you are trying to save them money by usng something they already may have. And also a very practical alternative.

Hope this helps,
Cyndi

[randie58]

Until you get an embossing buddy, you can use a used dryer sheet like Bounce. Rub the cardstock with it before embossing. Also, I started with using clear embossing powder. It's a lot more forgiving than colored embossing powders, and until you get the hang of it I think you may have better luck. Hope that helps.

[airdebb]

Thanks so much for all your wonderful suggestions. I was thinking perhaps I should try a lighter paper colour. Now I have all those other great ideas.!!!

You guys rock.

[Broke Scrapper]

the swiffer dusting cloth works like magic!!!

[Happy Heart]

Another tip is to try to keep your fingers off the CS. The oils on your skin will cause the EP to stick where you don't want it to.

[jkincolorado]

I agree with all the suggestions above. I use the tip of my X-acto knife to pick away any strays in small spaces--works perfectly. I am an embossing freak.......I emboss almost every single thing I stamp--love the way it looks