Sunday, August 23, 2009

Embossed Edges

Embossing powder isn't just for stampers anymore. You can use it to add a beautiful gilded edge on your artwork. It adds a touch of glamor to any project.

I did this technique on the following page for the My Little Shoebox booth at CHA. Do you see the silver edge on the white mat around my picture?


Here is a close-up of the silver gilding. I tore the edge so it looks rough. The white "paper" is actually the front of a box of brownie mix. I painted it with gesso to make it white. I love how it turned out.


This is what you need to do to achieve this cool effect.

1. Tear the edges of your paper or cardboard.

2. Apply Versamark ink (or any ink that will stay wet long enough for you to sprinkle on embossing powder.) Ranger Distress inks and Colorbox inks work well too.

3. Sprinkle on embossing powder. (I used Judikins silver.) When I do this, I like to place a manila file folder under my project. The fold in the middle acts as a wonderful "spout" to pour the excess back into the container.

4. Using your heat gun, melt the embossing powder. You can tell that it is melted when it gets shiny and the granules run together.

Voila! You're done! Pretty simple, n'est-ce pas?

Have a lovely Sunday!

3 comments:

Anna said...

Totally gorgeous LO ! Thanks for sharing this technique.

Staci Taylor said...

Your LO is gooorgeous, bethany!! I totally love heat embossing, and it adds such a beautiful effect to your edges!

Michelle LaPoint Rydell said...

I love your layout - what a great idea for embossing - thanks!