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Thursday, February 26, 2009

Embossing's a beach!

I've been doing a bucket load of embossing recently as I've been preparing for various embossing technique classes including Cracked Glass and Faux Metal. Until Stampin' Up! Australia introduces Glassy Glaze, I have to stick with its clear embossing powder (EP) for demonstrating the Cracked Glass technique - which means six to eight layers of embossing to achieve the same thickness as a couple of layers of UTEE.

This really isn't a problem - after all, it is kinda fun applying the powder and watching in wonder when it melts under the roar of my heat tool. After the novelty of the first four embosses though, one's mind starts to wander. *apply VersaMark* What should I have for lunch today? *pour EP over project* Had leftovers yesterday...got leftovers today... *tap tap off excess EP* *return excess to container* *fire up heat tool* When this is done, shall I play drums or guitar on Guitar Hero World Tour? This t-shirt I'm wearing REALLY needs washing! Hmmm...wonder what's on TV? Is this the fifth or the sixth layer? *apply heat to project* Oooooh! Shiny! Gah! Hot! Quick! *point heat tool away while simultaneously pouring EP on project* And so it goes...and goes. ZZZZZzzzzzzzzzz...

Until the moment that I get completely complacent (or comatose - not sure which comes first) and forget to point the heat tool away while attempting to cover the project with a new layer of EP. An instantaneous cloud of EP billows over my workspace, transforming it into a sandy paper beach - even my right arm is encrusted with EP like I had been spending the afternoon making EPcastles. *sigh*

So, the moral of the story is ... nope ... there's none to be had. Bring on Glassy Glaze, Stampin' Up! Australia!

Card made using Stampin' Up! suppliesStampin' Supplies
Ink:
Basic Brown
VersaMark

Stamp sets:
For Father

Cardstock:
Naturals Ivory
Not Quite Navy
Old Olive Textured

Accessories:
Aquapainter
Clear Embossing Powder
Gold Embossing Powder
Heat Tool
Hodgepodge Hardware in Antique Brass
Mat Pack
Theatre Ribbon Originals
Watercolor Wonder Crayons in Earth Elements, Neutrals

8 comments:

Louise said...

I must admit I laughed at your description of the cracked glass technique - the same has happened to me as well! Thank goodness for the grid paper or my desk would have a new, sandy texture.

Anonymous said...

Hi Lin Mei, It must be the time of year for Embossing.... I too have been getting embossing powder "everywhere"! Gorgeous card, I just love the cracked glass over that particular image, it works beautifully.
Chris

Lin Mei said...

Hey Louise! My desk was covered by grid paper but the EP managed to get under it as well as every nook and cranny within 50cm of the heat tool...I might have to invest in a boxing glove attached to a timer which can smack me every three or so minutes to keep me awake the next time I try the Cracked Glass technique.

Lin Mei said...

Thanks muchly, Chris! I must admit that there are very few sets which appeal to me for this technique...most of them I don't own to make it even more difficult *grin* One thing that I really like for this technique is using Basic Brown ink and Naturals Ivory cardstock which sort of adds to the aged look imho.

Louise said...

Oh, just remembered an embossing tip - I use a disposable Glad baking tray to emboss in. It does help contain the EP a bit. And focuses the heat or some such. I have managed to accidentally stick my cardstock to the bottom of the Glad tray once when doing the faux metal technique because I'd spilled some EP and ..... oh, nevermind. Not much of a tip really now that I come to think of it....(walks away, whistling).

Lin Mei said...

*giggle*

Anonymous said...

Thsi is gorgeous Lin Mei! Lovely colouring too, then the cracked glass effect really brings it too life! Love it! :) K

Lin Mei said...

Thank you very muchly, Kari! I really enjoy watercolouring this image from the For Father set. I hope that something like it will make it into the new AUS IB&C.