Question:
What can I use to embellish my card?
Metallic leaf - tips for when using it
When using gold leaf you will have to handle it very carefully and make sure that there is no wind/breeze/airconditioning running in the room. It is very very light and will fly away at the merest breath of a breeze. Also, if you are using the sheets of real gold leaf, try not to touch it with your bare hands - a thin pair of white cotton gloves is good to wear when handling the sheets. The flakes are a little more robust and you can use bare hands with those.
Fun Flock - what sort of images can it be used on?
Fun flock is great on sheep; santa beards; snow scenes; snowmen; teddy bears; slipper images; dressing gown images; flowers; leaves; grass and many more.
Buttons & Beads
Don't forget that good old buttons and beads can make great embellishments. You just need to finish off your card and then add some thick glue and press the buttons or beads into it and wait for it to dry. You could also try sewing buttons onto your paper or cardstock - this is a great look.
Pearl Ex and UTEE.
You can use Pearl Ex when you are using UTEE (Ultra Thick Embossing Powder). Just sprinkle the Pearl Ex powder into the last layer of UTEE (or any layer you like - experiment!).
Gold leaf - using the sheets
When using the sheets it is best to buy the special adhesive that is sold for use with them. First you will have to brush the adhesive onto the areas that you want leafed and then let it dry. Then, handling the leaf carefully, place the leaf onto the glue and rub very gently with a dry paintbrush. You can save the leftover flakes for use on a later project.
Foil - how to use it with a hot foil pen
You can buy a special "pen" that you can use to adhere foil to your cards with. The nib of this pen heats up and you then lay the foil (with coloured side facing up towards you) onto your card/paper and use the pen to draw on the foil in the areas that you want it to stick down. This melts the foil onto the paper.
Gold leaf and metallic leaf - What is it?
Gold leaf can be bought from craft stores in two different forms. The first one is in very fine sheets of beaten gold (this is very expensive). The other way you can buy it is in packets of gold and metallic "flakes" - this way is much cheaper and is quite easy to use.
Foil - How to use it with glue
You need to find a glue that dries to "tacky" (I use the Sailor Roller Ball Glue Pen). Put the glue onto the areas that you want to be foiled (a nice thick coat) and then let it dry for at least 20 minutes, or preferably an hour. Then lay your foil on the glued areas with the coloured side of the foil facing up towards you. Rub the foil gently with your fingers and then pull away from the paper. The foil will adhere to the areas that you have glued.
Glitter Glue
Glitter glue (in particular I love the clear glitter glue) works really well on card fronts. Just finish off your card and then spread a thin layer of glitter glue on the areas that you want to "sparkle".
Use leaves!
When it's fall/autumn you need to be out there collecting dried leaves! These make wonderful embellishments for card fronts. If you think they are a little "fragile" spray them with a craft sealer to help preserve them.
Fun Flock - how to use it
You will need to put a layer of glue onto the areas that you want to "fluff". You then sprinkle the fun flock onto those areas and push it down gently into the glue (don't have too much glue there). Then just put the card aside until the glue has dried.
Liquid Applique - how to use it
Using Liquid Applique is easy! Just spread some onto your card in the areas that you want "puffed" and then heat it with your heat gun. It will puff up almost immediately. Just set it aside to "set" for at least an hour. You can add glitter to it while it is still warm if you like - this looks great for snow on cards.
Metallic leaf - how to use the flakes
You will need to use an adhesive that remains tacky when dry (I recommend the Sailor Roller Ball Glue). Put a nice thick layer of glue onto the areas that you wish to leaf and then leave to dry for about an hour. Then, handling carefully, take some flakes out of the packet and pat them onto the areas that you want leafed. Then use your finger to gently rub the flakes onto the glued areas. You can use a little bit of pressure to make sure the flakes are nice and flatly spread onto the glue and to "burnish" them a little. Shake the leftover flakes back into the packet.
Beedz
Beedz are a great product available at some stamping and craft stores. They are very small beads with no hole in the centre that can be glued onto your card to add sparkle and dimension.
Stamp Frequently Asked Questions
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What can I use to embellish my card?
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getting a good stamped impression
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how can I keep track of my stamps?
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tips on keeping track of my stamps?
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where can I find a color wheel?
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