How to emboss and chalk a Spellbinder's style die

This is the first tutorial on embossing a Spellbinder's style die. Yep, there's more than one way to emboss these dies! But first, you might want to review the tutorial on diecutting.

So, at this point, you have the die:



and the diecut:



and you want to build your sandwich. From the bottom to the top it will be:

White emboss mat
die with diecut inside it. Note, you place the side of the paper that you want to be embossed facing down. Here, you see the back, the side that will be de-bossed, not embossed.
Tan polymer pad
White cut mat, cut side down



Here's what it looks like after you run that through the Wizard. (Reference the cut tutorial for how to run the sandwich through the Wizard)



And a close-up of the embossed detail



But we think that's not good enough, so we came up with a product called Lucy McGoo Wonder Goo. You simply spritz your paper with this and it will break down the fibers in the paper, but not hurt them at all, and will enhance the embossing capabilities of anything!!!



We think you will be amazed at the difference in the depth you get!



So, before we move on in this process, I want to point out that these dies also have a 3rd function, they act as a brass stencil and you can use the die as such. I love to use non-smear pastel chalks by the Stencil Collection.



I have the set of 48 and just LOVE the colors. I've had this box for over 2 years, use them all the time...looks like I'll have them for about 5 of 6 years....so when you see the price, just know, they last forever!



They are non smear, so you simply take the stipple brush (included) and go from one color to the next. No changing little cotton balls, no worry about smearing colors...these are truly great!



And the stipple brush is great for getting color down into the open areas of a die. Just like you are using a brass stencil. Apply different colors to different sections or blend a color from one section to the next.

When done, take the diecut out of the die and see your gorgeous embellishment!



I take this a couple of steps farther out. First, I use my cut n' dry foam to apply Ranger's Vintage Photo distres ink to the edges.



And then I take Spiced Marmalade and rub it over the entire diecut. Now, this is if I'm wanting to tone down the colors and get a more distressed look. Works great!!!



Set it aside...it's just gorgeous!!!



Tomorrow, I hope to show you how to do reverse embossing!!! I'll be using the Paisley die. I posted the card made with this diecut a couple of days ago, feel free to take a look here!

And as just a note, I do not receive any compensation from these companies. I'm just sharing the products that I like because I like them! This doesn't mean that I like ALL the products that any of these companies produce either. Just wanted to make that little clarification! But I do have fun playing and hope you will, too!!!

ART IS LIKE DANCING....

Art is like dancing
there is a beat
there are steps and moves
and you create
a new form of music
for the world to hear.
It has the passion
of a great orchestra
and it has the quiet sound
of a single piano key
it takes you places
you never knew existedp
It can make you feel
right at home.

Well, when I have my moments, the poetry and writing just seems to flow from me.  I truly believe that my art is inspired a lot by my childhood memories of music.  We didn't have a whole lot.  But when I was 10, I received a clarinet for my Christmas present.  Mom & Dad were just so smart!   I could "buy" the clarinet by earning 50 cents for each half hour that I practiced.  Even in the early 60s, it took me hours and hours to "own" it!  But I did learn how to play it, so well, that I played First Chair for a few years in band.  There were also piano lessons and private voice lessons.  I even managed to take first place with a solo "Jesus Wept" at an all state contest held at Ball State University.  I still have the blue medal somewhere.

So, music was a huge part of my childhood.  The 4 Moore girls sang as a quartet at church probably from the time the youngest sister could stand up.  I have no idea how many songs are embedded in my brain and on some days, I just start to sing them for no reason at all.  Other than they make me happy.

This week, my hubby surprised me with the gift of a new digital (musical) keyboard.  So expect to hear more about that as I learn how to digitally make music.

I turned the poem above into a rubber stamp available thru After Midnight Stamps.

And today, I'm playing with Spellbinder's "flying Beauties" die and the Paisley Nestabilities die.



I'm working on a tutorial for this as well, but wanted to showcase these dies.  I used Stamping Up paper.  
I believe it's the "Outlaw" package.

I used the Stencil Collection's pastel chalks.  I happen to have the 48 set and use them all the time...wait til you see the tutorial!!!



And I'm using real Swarovski crystals to add some bling to the cards! They came from Scrapbook Your LIfe! in San Diego....one of my fav places to shop!

The swirly stamps are by Autumn Leaves.

And here's the paisley die....embossed with a Sizzix texture plate.  Nothing like mixing it up with competing companies!  LOL!  But what a gorgeous effect I get!



Music and art.  I am so blessed!  And when I allow.....they can take me places I never knew existed....they can make me feel right at home.