One Stamp - MDF Hanger

Products Used:

- Christmas Corner unmounted stamp

- Christmas Blessings

- Christmas Wreath Stamp set

- Forest Green and Yummy Chocolate Pigment Ink

This project was really fun to make and came out a lot better than expected!

Here's a 10 step guide of how I did it:
1. Paint a base layer of white acrylic paint on the MDF shape
2. Draw around the shape onto stamping card and cut out, so that you have a card heart
3. Stamp the Christmas Corner unmounted stamp around the edges using Forest Green Pigment Ink
4. Colour the flowers and holly in red. I used a marker but you could easily use some Acrylic Ink.
5. Using brushes lightly take the edge off the white background using Yummy Chocolate Pigment Ink
6. Gold emboss (you could use some of the Gold Embossing Powder) the Christmas Blessings and some of the Holly from the Christmas Wreath Stamp set
7. Using a strong glue attach the stamping card you have just used to the MDF shape.
8. Go over the top of the shape with some gloss to give a protective covering
9. Go around the edges of the shape with some building wax (I used one that is gold with a tinge of green)
10. Punch a hole in the top and attach some ribbon.

And then you're done! Your own handmade christmas decorations. Mini versions could look lovely on your tree or this one is the right size to go on your wall!

I hope you enjoy the rest of the One Stamp event, and look forward to seeing what you make too.

Regards,

Andy

Why use Detail Embossing Powder?

Like everyone else I  have loads of different colours of embossing powders so why do I need Detail Embossing Powder as well?   Is it really necessary?

Standard grade embossing powder is great for most embossing and it never ceases to amaze me that you can heat some powder and you get a beautifully glossy image.   If you are new to embossing then click on the How To's button above for an explanation on How to Heat Emboss.

But for intricate stamps you need a finer grade powder - the particles are smaller and the end result is a much cleaner and more even image.  Why spend money on a stamp and obliterate the design with standard embossing powder.  Oak House Studio sells Detail Embossing Powder in small jars but also in economical big jars -  100g for £10 in either gold, silver or copper.

Using the macro setting on my camera you can clearly see the difference in these two images - I've used the Christmas Corner Stamp and exactly the same embossing ink.                      

The  top image is using standard gold embossing powder whereas the bottom one is done with Detail powder.  You can see the blobs of powder on the top one and some areas are filled in.  
Whereas the bottom photo shows all the detail of the stamp, all of the stamen in the hellebore flower centre and all the veins on the leaves.

Again with these two images of the outline Dragon from the Double Dragon set - with Detail powder you can see all the detail whereas with standard powder some areas become filled in.

You do really need to use Detail powder for fine lettering or sentiments.  I've used the English Garden Words background stamp on the card below - it is a small font but you can still clearly read it embossed with Detail powder.

Again a close-up photo of the Dog Rose stamp which is a fine lined design - all the veins and shading on the flowers is still there









 The card below shows a combination of both grades of powders - Detail for the wording and Dog Rose and then standard powder for the faux soldering frame around the edges.  I've used Peacock Green and Paris Pink Ink in a Bottle for the watercolouring - to prevent any spills I used a pipette to get a little ink out of the bottles, then used a waterbrush to paint with.   I mixed a little French Wine Ink in a Bottle with the remains of the Paris Pink to die the seam binding and the bottom section is stamped with Sea Blue Pigment Ink.

Detailed Embossing powder from Oak House Studio

Don't get me wrong standard powder has it's place and is the major workhorse as far as embossing is concerned - if you are doing grungy backgrounds or using bold stamps then it's perfectly acceptable.  But sometimes a little finesse is required and this is where Detail powder comes in. 

All Embossing Powders, Stamps, Pigment Ink Pads,  Ink in a Bottle Sprays,  Pipettes and Water Brushes can be found in the Oak House Studio Shop.   Why don't you go take a look and try some embossing!

Elaine x