Dreamweaver Stencils embossing pastes for use with stencils.

Stenciling with embossing pastes looks great especially on dark card stock. It has a sharper edge to it than either dry or thermal embossing and, like dry embossing, it can also be stenciled with color.

Iridescent powders or acrylic colours can be added to the regular embossing paste for additional colour effects.

For this method, you do not need a lightbox. Brass stencils give the best effect.

Quick how to guide:

Place the stencil ON TOP of the cardstock, and tape down at the edges to prevent the stencil sliding around.
Apply the paste with a palette knife (like icing a cake) making sure to spread it evenly over the whole stencil, taking care not to get paste underneath.
Remove excess paste by pulling knife flat across surface of stencil until you have a smooth even surface.
Return any excess paste to the jar.
Remove the stencil and clean immediately with cold water and a soft cloth. Allow the stencilled image to dry for at least one hour before handling/mounting to card etc.

VARIATIONS WITH WHITE EMBOSSING PASTE:
Allow to dry, then tint entire image with Brilliance inks or dye-based inks (apply with a sponge-tipped applicator or sponge roller) for a soft resist effect. Polish excess ink from the stencilled image with a soft cloth or kitchen roll for a more dramatic effect.
Mix with Pearl-Ex, Powdered Pearls or acrylic paints for a tinted paste.

VARIATIONS WITH TRANSLUCENT EMBOSSING PASTE:
Whilst the stencil is still in position, dust the image with Holographic, Clear Sparkle or pastel glitters for a subtle shimmer. Shake the excess onto a piece of scrap paper before removing the stencil.
Stencil Translucent paste onto acetate, dust with Snow Glitter or Turquoise Iridescent Glitter. Attach with brads, sticky-back jewels etc. Very elegant.

Paste Embossing

For paste embossing, the way in which you tape the stencil to the cardstock is vital.

You need to avoid the paste getting under the stencil and to ensure that when the stencil is removed the paste is not disturbed or caught with your fingers.

1. Place the stencil on the cardstock and attach the 1st piece of tape across the bottom - this forms a 'hinge'. The 2nd and 3rd pieces of tape go up the sides and the 4th piece goes across the top.

2. Load the palette knife with the paste and starting at the right hand side, place the paste at the edge of the stencil. Holding the knife at an angle of 45, spread the paste across the stencil, going in one direction only. Return to right hand side and still keeping the knife at 45, remove the excess paste from the stencil and return to the jar.

3. Carefully remove the tape in the reverse order, leaving the hinge in place. Holding the card steady, lift the top edge of the stencil towards you and peel back the bottom tape.

4. Leave to dry.