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Usually I would have a new stamp set to show you for Creative Expressions around about now, but as you probably know Creative Expressions is in the middle of a DT call for the new design team (if you don’t know then why not?! You should go check it out, there is still time to enter!).

So in lieu of the new DT I have a technique I’ve been meaning to share with you for a while, so what better time to show it than now?

Do you remember this card I made for Creative Expressions using the Gala Event stamp set at the beginning of August?

If you look very closely at the stamped image you will notice that not only does it have a pearlescent, almost metalic silver sheen to it, there is a texture to it and indents from the stamping. That is because I’ve actually used embossing paste to stamp into and I wanted to share with you how to get this effect.

You Will Need:

Creative Expressions Gala Event Stamp Set

Paste – (Embossing, Artist mediums etc)

Paper

Kraft Card

Archival Jet Black Ink pad

Craft Knife

Spatula

I’ve used the Dreamweaver Stencils Pearlescent Embossing Paste to get the sheen I wanted but you can use any of the many embossing pastes or artist thick/ molding mediums that are on the market, it all depends on what texture and look you want for the finished piece. 

I’ve tried this technique successfully with the Winsor and Newton Galeria Acrylic Mediums and the Golden Gel Mediums Pastes as well. I’m sure it would also work with the Eco-Friendly Artist Spackle Medium, although I don’t have any to try it, but perhaps one of you guys can report back on it?

First Make A Mask

The first thing you want to do is make your own mask using the stamp you want to add the texture to. Stamp out the image onto spare paper, I’ve just used ordinary printer/photocopier paper around 80gsm, and use a sharp knife to cut the image out – hey presto – instant template or mask!

Add The Paste

Place your new mask onto the card front and hold it in place (if you need to you can use masking tape) and use the spatula to spread the paste over the mask. Don’t get too fussy at this stage, the more you work the piece the more likely you are that the paste will spread out to areas you don’t want it. You can always practice on a spare piece of card to work out how much you need to get the thickness you want.

Let It Touch-Dry

Carefully peal off the mask and let the paste dry so that it is starting to firm up. You want the paste to be wet enough to be able to indent when stamped on but dry enough that it doesn’t spread out when pressed into or leave paste on the stamp. You might need to experiment a bit on spare card to see how long you need to leave it and use the manufactures suggested drying time as a guideline.

Stamp Into The Paste

Ok, now for the tricky bit! Ink up your stamp with the Archival Ink pad and carefully line up the stamp with the paste image and stamp how you would normally stamp an image, press directly down and lift directly up, try not to rock the stamp or let it slip on the paste. 

Again there is no harm in practising on a spare bit of paste to get the feel before using it on your final piece. It is hard to get it completely perfect so don’t worry to much about it – it all adds texture and interest to the final project.

Hope you have fun giving this a go and let me know how you get on.

Kim