A Quick Guide To Embossing Paste

Have you tried the Embossing Paste yet, or are you unsure how to use it?  Well, here is a quick guide to help.

We currently have three colours of Embossing Paste:- the basic White paste which can be found in the 2018-2019 Annual Catalgue on page 201 and the Shimmery White and Silver pastes in the Spring/Summer 2018 Catalogue on page 13.

They are used with our Decorative Masks which currently come in two packs:- the Pattern Party Decorative Masks on page 201 of the Annual Catalogue which has four masks, and the Sweet Soiree Decorative Masks on page 13 of the Spring/Summer Catalogue and has two masks.

To use these, position the mask where you want your design to be on your card.  This could cover your card front completely, or just a small area (or individual design as with the Sweet Soiree pack which has multiple designs on one mask).  You may want to use Sticky Notes to cover areas you do not want pasted, just in case.  I use four small pieces of Washi Tape to hold the mask in place (keep an eye out in the Clearance Section of the shop for Washi Tape as it will save you money - I NEVER use my favourites for this as it's only going to be thrown away afterwards).

When you first open your tub of Embossing Paste you will find it covered with a piece of silver foil - DON'T remove this completely.  Use a craft knife to carefully cut about a quarter of the way round the edge of the tub.  This is to help stop the paste from drying out.  Fold the flap of foil back, and using one of our Palette Knives scoop out a small amount of paste - it's better to pull out more if needed than to expose a large amount to the air.  Spread this over the mask, making sure it covers all open areas, flattening it out so it is a smooth layer.  I tend to use the pointed, triangular knife (the Offset Diamond Trowel) for scooping out and the long one (the Offset Trowel) for spread and smoothing.

Once you have finished applying your paste, carefully peel the mask off and wash it and your palette knives straight away, before the paste dries.  I'm too lazy to go to the sink so I use Baby Wipes, which seems to work ok.  Also make sure you fold the foil back over the tub and screw the lid on tightly.

Allow the pasted design to dry completely before adding anything else to your card.  This could be air dried overnight, or you could use a heat tool to dry it quicker - just be careful not to burn your paste or the card!

You can leave the pasted design as it is, or you could use inks and Sponge Daubers or Stampin' Sponges to add colour (I would suggest replacing the mask over the image if you are going to do this, so that you don't get ink on the cardstock in the unpasted sections).  You could also colour a little of the Embossing Paste with our Ink Refills before spreading it over your mask, for a more solid colour.

So - now you know how to do it, feel free to pop over to my shop to order the supplies you need to have a go 😜

Happy Stampin'
Babs 😘