Embossing Paste Basics And Ideas

There are many techniques for using embossing paste
Power Poppy - The Blog: 5 Fun Techniques for Embossing Paste

About Embossing Paste

What Is Embossing Paste?

Embossing paste is simply a type of paste that is often white in color. It adds texture or dimension to a flat surface. Most often it is used on cardstock or other types of papers. It can be used with dies, but usually used with stencils. 

The nice thing about embossing paste is that you can mix other media with it to create a custom color option. You always color the paste before you apply it to your surface. Lay the embossing paste on a piece of parchment paper, craft mat, silicon mat or a glass mat. Add the pigment and mix it with a palette knife till it is mixed all the way. 

Though there are different types of embossing and texture pastes, generally speaking:

• They have a smooth texture.
• They are solid when left to air dry.
• Depending on the type of paste, how much is layered, the drying time will vary.
• It is great for adding texture to projects.
• You can use it with stencils, dies or free hand use.
• You cannot see through it. It is considered opaque.
• You need to close the lid tightly when not in use. Wipe the edge of the jar to make sure you will be able to open it the next time you use it

Types of Embossing/Texture Paste

There are a few different types of embossing/texture paster for you to consider for your projects.

1. Glossy embossing paste-this is a clear, glossy paste It creates a clear glossy image that is great for colored cardstock. It can create a softened image on a detailed stencil. It can be tinted with dye ink. Put some of the product on a craft mat. Add a drop or two from a reinker in the color of your choice. Mix it well. Add ick till you get the color that you want. Mix it every time you add more color. Use as you normally would. 
2. Embellishing Mousse- This product does not give you a lot of texture It is very creamy similar to the texture of lipstick. You can use a palette knife or a blending tool to apply this product. It does not take long to dry. Has a lot of color choices.
3. Glimmer Paste-This product will remind you of glitter glue. It will pick up some of the color of the cardstock that you use. You need to clean the tools or stencils that you use right away. This stuff will stick on whatever you have. It dries very fast. But it is worth the effort in the results that you will get.
4. Iridescent Glaze-This project will retain the details of your stencil very well. It has a similar consistency to texture paste. The nice thing about this product is that it cleans up with baby wipes. So easy! It is a champagne color so you cannot tint it. 
5. Embossing Paste-Embossing paste has the consistency of toothpaste with baking soda. It is both gritty and fluffy at the same time. This product creates a lot of texture.

Creating Your Own Custom Color Embossing Paste

You can make your own embossing paste with just three different projects. Mix a batch anytime you need it or when you want a specific color of paste easily and inexpensively.

Supplies

• Talcum powder
• Tacky glue
• Any color acrylic paint
• Airtight container
• Craft mat or some parchment paper.

1. Measure 1 tablespoon of paint. 1 tablespoon of tacky glue and 1/2 cup of talc.
2. Mix them together with a palette knife till completely mixed.
3. Add of few drops of water if the paste in too thick,
4. Use or store in an airtight container. 

Always clean the spatula and stencil (if you are using one) right after use. It will ruin your tools if you let it sit. You can wipe them with a baby wipe to get some of the excess off. But they will need to be cleaned with warm water and mild dish detergent. I prefer Dawn.

Make sure to place the lid on your embossing paste right after use. The paste actually will dry and change consistency if you leave it open while you are working. 

If you are using a stencil, scrap away any excess embossing powder off the top of the stencil. Make as smooth and even top as possible.

You can use an expired credit card, a gift card, or a pallet knife to smooth out embossing paste.

Use and up and down , side to side motion to apply your embossing paste to get even coverage. 

Let the project dry for at least 1 hour. If you handle it too soon, you are likely to spoil your work.

Use at least 80lb paper or heavier. You will get better results with a heavier paper. 

Always make sure that the cap on the jar is tightly closed. Otherwise, the embossing paste will dry out. 

Use lukewarm water and a paper towel to clean the embossing paste. 

Embossing Paste And Stencils

Stencils are a staple in most paper crafters supplies. They add a raised design when using embossing paste. Stencils come in many forms. They can be patters, words, designs. Stencils come in different sizes so that you can find the pattern or design that you need for your project. 

There are to parts to every stencil. The area that is cut out where you can add color and media is called islands. The area that is the space between the islands are called bridges. 

Glitter Embossing Paste

You can easily add glitter to your embossing paste to add stunning shine and design to your project. 

1. Add some translucent embossing paste to an acrylic block, glass mat, plastic watercolor palette, or craft mat. Rather than be opaque, you can see through the embossing paste when it is dry. That way the glitter will show through the paste when it is dry.
2. Cover your work area with a craft mat or some parchment paper. Lay some scrap paper down.
3. Then place the paper you are working on down.
4. Place the stencil over your project paper. Secure it with low tack tape like washi tape or painter's tape. 
5. Grab your glitter and add to the blob of embossing paste. Add the glitter little by little so that you get the right mix. 
6. Mix the glitter with a palette knife till all of the glitter is mixed evenly.
7. Apply the embossing paste over the stencil evenly with a palette knife. Make sure that the entire stencil is covered. 
8. Place any extra embossing paste in an airtight container, not back into the jae.
9. Make sure to clean the stencil with warm water and mild dish detergent, 
10. Remove the project and let the project air dry.

Create An Ombre Look With Reinkers

You can create a lovely hombre look with your stencils and colored embossing paste. All you need is a reinker and some embossing paste to create a custom stencil.

Supplies

• Cardstock
• Reinker
• Embossing paste
• Palette knife
• Stencil
• Craft mat or parchment paper.

1. Place the craft mart or the parchment paper on your workspace to protect the surface.
2. Place the cardstock on your covered surface.
3. Place the stencil over the cardstock and secure it with some low tack tape like painter's tape or washi tape.
4. Place a small amount of the embossing paste on the mat or parchment paper. Make sure to replace the lid once you do,
5. Add a tiny drop of the reinker ink to the embossing powder, 
6. Mix it with the palette knife will the color is throughout the paste.
7. Apply the embossing paste to part of the stencil. You can work in halves or thirds.
8. Take a clean palette knife and remove more of the embossing paste. Again, replace the cover as soon as you remove the paste. 
9. Now add two drops of the reinker to make the mix darker.
10. Continue covering the rest of the stencil blending the lighter mixture with the darker where they meet. 
11. Once you have covered the stencil, gently remove the stencil.
12. Let the project air dry.

We hope this information is helpful to you create your custom projects. As always, we would love to hear your thoughts, ideas, and comments. Always feel free to ask a question. We are here for you. 

Till the next time, Happy Crafting!

Linda

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