Impressive Heat Embossing - AECP Level 2

 Good morning, lovelies!  I can't believe we are halfway through the week already.  Today, I am sharing the next project on my AECP journey!   This course was Impressive Heat Embossing.  Embossing has never been my go-to technique, and I am not sure why.  Maybe because it never seemed terribly convenient to pull out the powder and the heat gun and go somewhere I can make a mess with the powders (inevitably, it happens!).  This course reminded me of all of the magic that happens when heat embossing.  Oh!  And I learned a bunch of new techniques, too!  

For my project, I focused on Lesson 3, in which we covered the Emboss Resist Technique.  I had forgotten just how much I love this technique.  It is magical all around!  

To start, I embossed my images on a card panel.  Once the embossing had cooled (I had several disastrous attempts that involved sticking my finger in the hot embossed image and smudging it all over the place), I pulled out my new Distress Oxide inks (these were a game changer for me when it comes to ink-blending) and began blending over the embossed image with my lightest ink.  When I was pleased with the color saturation, I began adding in my other colors. 

I let the inked panel set for a few minutes and then took a soft cloth and buffed the embossed images, which removed the ink from them and allowed the white to really pop.  I had forgotten just how much enjoyment that I get from watching the powder melt and seeing how the raised image resists the ink when applied!  I set aside my panel to allow the inks to dry and set to work on the rest of my card. 

Once my panel was dry, I trimmed the edges down and adhered it to my card base.  I die-cut my sentiment in black and glued it in place and I finished it up with some clear sequins. 

I am so thankful that this course pushed me to dig out my embossing powders and reminded me how much I love them!  I am so looking forward to using more of the techniques that I learned again and again! 

Products Used:

• Recollections 110# Card Stock:  White, Black
• Neenah Crest 80# Card Stock: Solar White 
• Altenew Painted Rainbows Stamp Set
• Altenew Waterbrush Hello Die
•   Distress Oxide Ink:  Squeezed Lemonade, Abandoned Coral, Picked Raspberry
• Versamark Watermark Ink
• Wow!  Embossing Powder:  Opaque Bright White
• Simon Says Stamp Clear Sequins

Thanks so much for stopping by!  I hope your day is amazing!  Happy crafting!