With just 3 days until the release of the Stampin' Up! Occasions Mini Collection (March 1 through May 31), I thought it would be fun to have a another sneak peek at one of the divine stamps from Big on Spring. HOT TIP: From March 1 through the March 17 (when Sale-A-Bration expires), you can take advantage of both the Sale-A-Bration free products (1 for every $50 you spend) plus order from the new Occasions Mini . . . a delicious double dip, without all the calories. 
You can click to enlarge any of these thumbnail photos :)
Today's project is a tutorial on some basics of embossing. Embossing was one of the first techniques that drew me to stamping. It was amazing how much of a WOW factor an embossed shine adds. This week's Splitcoast Color Challenge CC157 includes the elegant combination of Basic Black, Whisper White and River Rock--a lovely partnership for the "Bride to Be."
The card base is River Rock, with Basic Black matted on top. Versamark was thoroughly applied to the Paisley Background stamp, which was inked face up.
TIP: Consider an Embossing Buddy to lightly wipe your card stock. This removes the annoying specks of powder that show up like beacons when the image is heated. 
Place card stock (in this case Whisper White) on top of the stamp, square to the stamp (squaring is not always critical--but with some images with text, it's imperative).
TIP: Cover both the stamp and the card stock with a piece of scrap paper, and, holding everything tightly in place with one hand, use a brayer (or your other hand, but coverage can be a bit trickier) to completely press over the entire area. Make sure you go just beyond the edges for adequate coverage. 
I carefully removed the stamped image and placed it in a Powder Pal, facing up. Black Embossing Powder is sprinkled heavily on top. TIP: Once the image was covered with embossing powder, I turned it over and "flicked" the back in several places (ideally over the larger Powder Pal) to get rid of excess powder. 
Using a heat tool, I embossed the image half way (as in the photo) so that if you haven't embossed before, you could see the difference in the two sides. Shine vs. matte. After I snapped the photo, I finished embossing the image 
TIP: When embossing a background image that goes to the edges, I initially cut the card stock (Whisper White) about 1/4" larger than would be needed. When the embossing is complete, I can trim it to size, removing any inconsistencies that may have occurred from me (or a long tweezer) holding the edge of the image or an edge that wasn't thoroughly inked/embossed.
I repeated the embossing technique above with the "bride to be" sentiment on Whisper White. The sentiment is layered on Basic Black and River Rock. The flower punches were quick and easy with my Boho Blossom Punch. My niece, Kris (AKA Kreations by Kris on SCS), introduced me to these cute layered boho flowers in this adorable card. I made each a slightly different combo and anchored them for eternity with a Pewter Brad. 
The beauty of using the Powder Pals is that after you are done, you can simply funnel the excess powder back into the cannister (brush is included along with the larger pan). Enjoy!
Hugs and Pretties . . . . Mary
Stamp Set: Big on Spring (111488), Paisley Background (107192)
Paper: River Rock (108640), Basic Black (102851), Whisper White (100730)
Ink: Versamark (102283)
Cool Tools: Heat Tool (100005), Powder Pals (Large & Small Pans, Brush, 102197), Embossing Buddy (103083), Boho Blossom Punch (110711), Brayer (102395)
The Perfect Touch: Black Embossing Powder (109133), Pewter Brads (Hodgepodge Hardware, 105515)
