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Enameling

By Janelle K Marshall, Owner
www.PowderKegEmbosingPowders.com
Paper Arts Teacher

The goal of this technique is creating complimentary color layers to use as background for your art. The technique is especially suited to Powder Keg Embossing Powders as they are pure color and can take multiple heating without getting milky or cloudy.

Supplies:
Clear Embossing Ink
Rubber Stamps
Cardstock 3 ¾” X 4 3//4” white or colored (size can vary)
Powder Keg Embossing Powders
Powder Keg Anti-Static Powder
Sea Sponge
Scotch double stick tape (3M) or other adhesive

Note: I prefer Kromecoat card stock as I feel the glossy background does most to set off the enameling.

Powder Keg’s Embossing Powders Recipe:
Merlot
Jackpot
Amethyst
Silver
Black

Instructions:
1. The first color in your “recipe” is always applied direct to paper and covers the entire piece of CS. Using clear embossing ink, cover your piece of CS and pour on the embossing powder. Knock off excess and return to jar. Heat covered CS to set.

2. Next dab the sea sponge on your clear embossing inkpad and randomly pounce (lightly) on card. Drizzle on second color of powder. (You do not want to over coat card with second and subsequent colors or your prior applications will not show through.) Heat to set with a heat tool.

3. Continue adding color layers with “sea sponge method” randomly adding powder and heating to set each time.

4. Your next to last color will be your “highlight color”. This is the color set behind your stamp to accent it.

TIP: Be VERY sparing with any metallic powders you use. They like to “hog the show” and will take over a card if you let them.

5. Just before stamping your image, dust card lightly \with an anti-static powder. The anti-static powder will resist the black powder sticking to anything other than your stamped image. 

6. Last, generously load your stamp with the pigment ink and stamp image being careful not to slide it since you are working on a slick surface. Pour on the black powder and knock off excess. (Sometimes an extra “thump” is needed to knock off excess particles.) When “heating to set” your black powder, do not linger with it. You need to incorporate the M&M process (Melt and Move). As soon as it glosses, move on. If you stay in one place too long, it will fade into your previous colors.

TIP: be sure your heat tool is hot before setting your powder. A warm heat tool simply warps your CS and will cause your colors to blend more than you would like.

7. To assemble, use Scotch double stick tape or Mono Adhesive tape. Mount the enameled piece to a liner piece of card stock or patterned paper for a layered effect and attach design to a card.

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