Technique of the Week: Ombre Embossing

This week’s technique uses something you probably already have – embossing powder.  (If you are like me, you have a lot of it.)  When I first started stamping many, many years ago, it seems like I embossed everything but I haven’t used it as frequently on my recent projects. 

I stumbled across this technique when I was watching a Sandy Allnock video about Distress Crayons (I’ll be trying that technique in the future.)  I thought I’d try ombre embossing to see if it was as easy as she made it appear.  The good news is, ombre embossing is easy and fun!

I decided to put my sentiment in the lower right corner of my card and then die cut a piece of velvet to go on top of the card.  I used a new “Thank You” stamp from Impression Obsession (#E20163) and the largest circle from the Memory Box Stitched Circle Layers die set (#30036).  To determine where to cut my circle I laid the die and the stamp where I wanted them positioned on a piece of Navy velvet card stock that had been cut to 5 ½” x 4 ¼”. 

I wanted a partial circle cut so I offset the circle die.

After cutting the circle from the lower right corner of the card I decided to use an embossing folder on the velvet to add some texture.  I used an embossing folder from the “Woven” set of the Next Generation Embossing Folders by We R Memory Keepers.  I LOVE using these embossing folders on velvet, especially the dark colors.  You can do this step in either order but by doing the embossing folder step after the die cutting step, you maintain the deep impressions created by the embossing folder.

For the sentiment I cut a piece of light blue card stock to 5 ½” x 4 ¼” and placed it in my MISTI.  I put the piece of die cut velvet on top of the card stock and then placed my stamp on the card stock.  I closed the lid of my MISTI to pick up the stamp.  This step ensures your sentiment will be aligned within the area of the card stock that will be exposed by the die cut circle in the velvet. 

I removed the velvet paper, used my powder tool on the card stock and then stamped my image using Versamark ink.  I removed the cardstock from the MISTI and placed it on a piece of wax paper.  I poured Judikins Gold Detail Embossing powder on the top part of the sentiment and then tapped off the excess.  I placed the card on another piece of wax paper and covered the bottom part of the sentiment with Judikins Detail Silver embossing powder. 

    

I heat set it and as the embossing powder melted, the beautiful ombre embossed image emerged. 

To assemble the card I adhered the light blue card stock to an A2 size card and then placed the velvet piece on top.  I thought the card needed a little bit more ‘bling” so I tried a technique that I saw on Jennifer McGuire’s blog.  Use you glue pen to place little dots of glue on your card and then sprinkle embossing powder over the top of the dots.  You might want to practice on a bit of scrap paper first – keep the dots of glue very light by just barely touching your glue pen to the card surface.  I held the card upright and added embossing powder with a spoon to avoid getting it on the velvet paper.  I added gold embossing powder to some dots and silver embossing powder to the other spots. 

I heat set the card again (being careful to avoid the velvet) and the card was finished.

You can use any combination of colors for this technique.  You can also apply the color in a horizontal or vertical pattern or use multiple colors.  These are a few samples using the same stamp with a variety of embossing powder combinations.

We have a great stock of embossing powders at Art ‘n Soul to include some beautiful glittery powders from Wow that will be great on your holiday cards.  While you are there, be sure to check out our velvet papers too.  I do hope you will give this technique a try and that you will share your results with us.