Saturday, October 28, 2023

Stenciling over Heat Embossing


Hi everyone.  Today we are combining heat embossing with sponged stenciling to create a unique look.  

Video:  Stenciling over Heat Embossing by Gina K (5:17)

Supplies:
  • Smooth Card stock (regular card stock, mixed media, bristol, etc.)
  • Detail background stamp
  • Versamark ink (or clear ink, white pigment ink)
  • White embossing powder
  • Heat Tool
  • Stencil
  • Inks (Any type of ink that blends well)
  • Blending brushes or sponges
  • Paper Towel
Alternative:  try this with coloured embossing powder for a different look


Technique Instructions:

Following the video above ...
  • Ink up a background stamp with Versamark ink, clear ink or white pigment ink and stamp onto card stock
  • Sprinkle with white embossing powder and heat set
  • Place stencil over top and secure with tape
  • Sponge inks over stencil
  • Remove tape and stencil
  • Use paper towel to wipe off any ink that is sitting on top of your heat embossing (resist)

These instructions are listed on the sidebar by technique for easy access.
It's a great reference for all of us! :)


Stenciling over Heat Embossing Card Samples
* * * * *

Sharing cards --- thank you!!

JoAnn                          Michele                          Michele                           Michele

Michele                          Michele                             Nancy                            Julie

Marcia                             Marcia                             Marcia                              Loll 

Loll                                     Loll                                  Loll                                   Hideko 

Nancy                              Nancy                              Bobby                                    Loll 

Loll                                    Loll                               Robyn                                   Robyn 

Robyn                                   Aimslee                               Megan                               TK 
   

We'll be back on the 28th of November with another
technique and sample cards.
See you then!







Thursday, September 28, 2023

Dry Embossing with Re-inker Watercolouring

Hi everyone.  Welcome to another technique at Group of Seven Cardmakers.  This month we are playing with a technique introduced to us by Christine during a Zoom call earlier this month.   This technique creates amazing results with a few different techniques combined into one card.  It all starts with watercolouring a background using re-inkers to create a very saturated, vibrant background.  Once that is dry, an embossing folder is used to add dimension to the colourful card at the same time as adding black ink to the background.  The results are incredible as you will see by the Group's cards below.

There is a warning with this technique.  Using black ink to cover the debossed inside of your embossing folder can be a bit messy.  Best to be prepared with a few paper towels handy. :)  And some embossing folders (depending on the brand), end up with staining from the black ink.  There are ways to remove the stains, but it means a bit of cleaning might be required with this technique.


Supplies:
  • Embossing Folder (regular or 3-D)
  • Re-inkers (3 colours work best)
  • Medium or Large paint brush
  • Watercolour paper or water-friendly card - several of us found watercolour paper worked best
  • Water Mister
  • Black Pigment ink (several of us found Versafine Clair Nocturne worked best) ... or Black Marker
  • Embossing Machine
Optional Supplies:
  • Anti-Static Powder
  • Versamark or Clear Ink pad
  • Embossing Powder

Alternative:  First, emboss your blank card panel (regular card stock works great!).  Then sponge inks over debossed side of design.  Continue with adding black ink direct from stamp as above onto background of debossed side card front.


Technique Instructions:

Following the video above ...
  • Mist both sides of your water-friendly card panel
  • Wet paint brush and pick up first colour of re-inker and brush onto card randomly, covering approx. 1/3 of surface (if using 3 colours)
  • Repeat with 2nd and 3rd colours of re-inkers to cover the card completely with colour
  • Spritz with more water to let the inks move and level out
  • Dry using heat tool
  • Swipe / press Black ink pad over the debossed (indented) side of the embossing folder, keeping your ink pad flat.  This inks the background of the design which is the flat surface.  Make sure the black is solid.
  • Carefully place your inked panel over the black ink background of the embossing folder and close.
  • Run your embossing folder through your machine.
  • If black ink doesn't cover completely, you can repeat the inking of the folder and run it through machine again.  Make sure to line up using the embossing as a guide.
  • Dry panel using heat tool.
  • Not recommended to heat emboss sentiment on panel.  Embossing powder sticks to this background, even if the card panel is dry.  Recommend using sentiment banner or die-cut sentiment.
Optional:  (most of the Group of Seven didn't do this part)
  • Pounce anti-static powder over panel to ensure that nothing will stick to it.
  • Lightly (very little pressure) run the Versmark pad over the panel ... it will just catch the very top of  the raised design.
  • Sprinkle with embossing powder and tap to remove excess powder; heat set.
Optional Alternative:
  • Lightly run white pigment ink over the raised design to highlight.

These instructions are listed on the sidebar by technique for easy access.
It's a great reference for all of us! :)


Dry Embossing with Re-inker Watercolouring Card Samples
* * * * *

Sharing cards --- thank you!

Bobby                            Vicki                                Jules                                     Michele

Marcia                          Shaz                                Shaz                                     Shaz

Loll                          Hideko                                Hilary                                     Hilary

Hilary                          Hilary                               Hilary                                        


We'll be back on the 28th of October with another
technique and sample cards.
See you then!