I am a paper scrapper at heart – so there’s something really special about being able to create elements using just paper for cards and layouts. Above anything else I choose to use paper on my layouts with a few smaller embellishments, but ultimately paper rules my creativity.

So naturally when I create dies is one of my favourite elements to include. I can use small scraps of paper and cardstock to cut different elements out of to add as accents on my layouts, I can add different techniques to plain pieces of cardstock and I can dress them up or down as much as I like to.

For my layout I chose to emboss my die-cuts – this enabled me to pick up on the beautiful and dramatic turquoise-green in the patterned paper I used, and also the neutral brown I used as my matting to ground the elements.

I used three different dies on this layout to add to my outdoorsy feel. I used the beautiful rocking horse die, tiny birdies and the beautiful large leafy die – all of them perfectly fitting into the design in their own unique way dressed up in a shiny new coat of heat embossing.

 

Here’s how I did it…

[custom_list type=”dot”]

• Step 1

  Die-cut your elements out of plain white cardstock of medium weight



• Step 2

  Cover the entire element with a layer of Versamark ink. Press the ink pad repeatedly onto the die-cut for an even cover of ink. Work on a sheet of scrap paper for the inking part



• Step 3

  Move the die-cut onto a clean sheet of paper. Cover the die-cut with a layer of embossing powder and shake off the excess powder



• Step 4

  Heat the element using your heat gun until the powder is fully melted. Leave to cool down before handling the die-cut. You can add another layer of embossing for a smooth finish

Tips & Hints

• Embossing two or more layers will give you a really smooth finish
• You can decant your embossing powders into small plastic tubs with a plastic spoon making it easier to use. I store my powders this way so that I can easily return the excess powder into the container. Spooning the powder onto your elements over the tub also makes for less waste
• The golden rule of embossing can be applied to most embossing powders – when it goes shiny, it is done heating
• Once an element has been embossed, the embossing powder needs to cool down before handling. If you touch it while the embossing is still hot, you will leave your finger print behind with a really unpleasant burn

 

---

Products Used

• Couture Creations Secret Treasures Cutting Dies: Rocking Horse [ADCO 723518]
• Couture Creations Secret Treasures Cutting Dies: Bird Song [ADCO 723522]
• Couture Creations Secret Treasures Cutting Dies: Panama Branch [ADCO 723529]
• Cuttlebug V2 [PC 2000293]
• Tsukineko – VersaMark Watermark Ink Pad [TVM-001]
• American Crafts ZING! Metallic Embossing Powder – Teal [AC 27165]
• Crate Paper Oh Darling Accent Stickers [AC 683381]
• Crate Paper Oh Darling Dainty Darling [AC 683373]
• Crate Paper Oh Darling Sweetie Pie [AC 683369]
• Crate Paper Oh Darling Dress Ups [AC 683368]
• Crate Paper Oh Darling My Girl [AC 683370]
• Crate Paper Oh Darling Chipboard Stickers [AC 683383]
• Crate Paper Oh Darling Standouts [AC 683390]
• Pebbles Special Delivery – Thickers Baby Boy [AC 732452]

Post by The Wholesaler’s Designer Jowilna Nolte.

We are very proud to introduce you to our first designer, Jowilna Nolte. Jowilna is a true creative and she will be sharing some of her passion and creativity with you.

Read more about Jowilna here.