Tips for Embossing - compiled from online sources and some freshly written.

• Embossing powder will stick to any moist, freshly stamped image, but special slow-drying embossing ink and the pigment ink pads stay wet longer and make embossing easier.
• Oils from your skin can get on the paper from handling it. If the powder sticks where you don't want it to, use a soft brush to remove it. A quick wipe with a used fabric softener sheet before stamping will also help to prevent static cling.
• You can also use an Embossing Buddy. Available in craft stores or make your own with double knit fabric and corn starch.
• When cutting out an embossed image, do not cut into the embossed lines. This will cause the embossing powder to flake off.
• Hold the heat gun 6 inches or so from the card and sweep it back and forth or go in circles. Key is to not leave it in one place too long. as you get a feel for your powder, you can do it faster.
• I leave the card sitting for about 30 seconds or so to let the powder "stick" real well before tapping off the excess.

What do you mean by:

put a thin coat of glycerin and color the stamp

What do you mean by:
put a thin coat of glycerin and color the stamp

I read on a webpage about that, but now I can't refind the site. It said most of the slow-drying ink has glycerin, which helps it to stay wetter.
But now, I might have to try some of the other slow drying ink and see if that is better or not.

There's this liquid embossing ink. Is that something else?
I think it dries and looks like embossing.

Sally-O

Liquid Embossing is different than embossing ink.

Embossing ink comes on pads like we are used to, in re-inker bottles, and also in pens (wonderful things these). It's tinted or clear and holds the powder well. Liquid Embossing on the other hand is a gel that you spread over an area and allow to dry. It works without disturbing the inks used under it and you can layer it or put it on thicker for a really cool glass bubble effect.

Straight glycerin may not have the binders needed to stick to the paper, but I really don't know cause I've never tried it.

Not sure this info will help, but there ya go.

Hi Draygonflies,
Ahhh, I think I will try those pens you mentioned. I think that is the thing I need. I'll give those a try. And it's on sale! Even better!
Thanks for your help! :-)

Sally-O

I do like 'em but have not tried to stamp with 'em. Maybe I should.

Glad I could help,
Tee

Stamped it, and then added powder. Shake off the excess. Heat it with the tool. Only the results was a few dots of embossing.

At first glance it sounds like you may not be waiting *quite* long enough for the embossing magic to happen. :-)

The first few times I tried emboxing (sic!), I didn't "get it" either...then I saw it happen!

You'll know it when you see it. It's cool chemistry in action! It's fun! Burning stuff in the kitchen happens about 5 seconds later. Magic...of the unintentional variety..... So be careful not not do a Talking Heads: Burning Down The House routine...

All that info up there ^^ is awesome, too.

pre