Beginner’s Guide to this Fun Medium
Here are six ways to use embossing powders on gourds and a guide for those new to this fun powder. If you are familiar with the card-making craft, then you are already set to start with embossing powders!
If you want a texture that catches the viewers’ attention, then this will do the trick. Embossing powders are one of the best-kept secrets in gourd art. They last forever and if used correctly, they are easy and fun. You will need a few tools and an understanding of how they work is vital. So, let’s get started with ways to use embossing powders on gourds.
What are Embossing Powders and how do they work?
Embossing It’s often called thermography or thermographic printing. You begin with a slow-drying, wet ink applied to a surface. The ink is dusted with a thermoplastic polymer called embossing powder, and a heat source raises the ink while drying it. The wet ink receives the powdered resin and is heated until the polymer flows and adds the dimensional effect and becomes solid when dry.
There are Many Brands that Create Embossing Powders
There is no real difference other than the colors. What you need to watch for is the size of grains you are buying! Embossing powders comes in fine grain, medium grain, and a thick cloisonne (thick) grain. I use fine grain when using a pen or a brush. Both are great for the lettering or thin lines. Medium is great for general use. The thick grain has a very textured quality and I love using the metal colors like copper, bronze, and black to set off a gourd with many shiny surfaces.
What is the Difference between Embossing powders and Mica powder?
Embossing powders are not the same as mica powder. Mica powder is made out of crushed particles of the mica mineral coated with other types of minerals to give it color. Embossing powder is made of ground-up plastic bits.
The mica just adds sparkle to the surface, the embossing powder rises giving it a dimensional effect.s
The Basic Process
You begin by creating a surface the powder can sit in. You can use ink, like gourd ink, or use a heat-activated glue or an ink pad. Then you use a heat gun to melt the polymer in the grains.
The surface rises and hardens.
Using the Heat Gun with Heat Activated Glue or Stamp-in Stick Glue
Besides inks, you can also use heat-activated glues and Stamp-in Stick glue. The glue is also used with the mica powder, but the process is different and this always confuses beginners. Keep in mind one major rule. If you are using the heat-activated glue with mica powders or other powders like accent powders or Pearlescent powers, then the glue is always heated BEFORE you add these powers. When you heat the glue, it becomes a sticky surface. That will hold the powders in place. How do you tell if it is sticky? Heat set the glue to a mat finish. Watch as the shininess disappear. The matt finish tells you it is now sticky and the powder will adhere to it.
With the embossing powders, you don’t need a tacky surface because the heat melts the polymer grains into the surface ink or glue and turns the entire thing into a hard raised enamel finish. The glue in this case just holds the powder in a confined area. Then you clear away the grains that have escaped the area before you heat set it.
Do you buy clear glue or a black one?
Most gourd artists use the Palette heat-activated glues. I like the black because I can see how well it is covered and places where I have missed. The white is great when you are using colored ink.
Can you use any ink with embossing powders?
Gourd Ink and Pigment ink work well. You can also use pure glycerin to substitute for embossing ink for stamping (and writing). Not only is glycerin cheaper, but it is also easy to source it from your local pharmacy. You can also make embossing ink. You need 1 tsp of petroleum jelly, I used the classic, Vaseline. Mix in 1/8 capful of vegetable oil. Then mix in 1/8 capful of alcohol to dilute.
Sometimes I prefer to use the VersaMark ink pad. I usually buy the clear. If you stamp with colored ink, your embossed image will still be the color of your embossing powder—not the color of the ink you used.
Tips for Success
Do the embossing on your gourd before you add ink dyes or paint areas. Then set the powdered section with a light coat of Polyurethane Varnish. I use Maria Delos’s product. This makes the surface safe from any other product you may use next to it.
Many individuals make the mistake of skimping on the amount of embossing powder that they use to create their pieces. Remember to apply a decent coat of embossing powder onto your gourd surface as the more embossing powder you use, the more visible your finished design will be.
Preperation Tools
Begin with a piece of paper that has been folded in half. This will catch the excess powder and allow you easily pour the powder back into the jar. Another option is to use coffee filters to catch your powder.
Have a heat gun ready to use beside your project. Not a hair dryer. It does not get hot enough!
Keep cotton swaps handy to wipe away powder where you do not want it. It. This is usually caused by static electricity.
You can buy a static pad. Rub this over the gourd surface to rid it of static electricity that grasps the powder grains. Or use an anti-static brush.
Avoid accidents by keeping the lids on both the glue and the ink dye jar when not in use. Some artists like to keep their powers in a small plastic container and then use a spoon to drop the powder on the gourd.
Now let’s look at six different ways you can use embossing powders on your gourds
Supplies
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Buy an Embossing Pen
. They come in black and clear. Look for the double tip ones.
2. Embossing Pen Method:
Use an embossing pen for quick touch-ups and lettering and fine line designs..
Supplies
- Embossing powder
- Embossing pen
- Heat gun
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Clear Stamp Glue Method:
Supplies
- Embossing powder
- Heat Gun
- Stamp Pad
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Paint Brush Method:
Supplies
- Embossing power
- Small liner brush
- Heat-activated glue
- Heat gun
5. Embossing with clear stamps of lettering and outlined graphics
There are a variety of clear stamps available from word phrases to decorative patterns.
Supplies
- Clear stamp of words or graphics
- embossing powder
- Stamp holder
- Stamp ‘n Ink glue
- Heat Gun
The first three methods are demonstrate here by Bernadette Fox.
6.Use a Rubber Stamp Pad Method
Supplies
- Embossing powder
- Rubber stamp pad with an overall pattern
- Clear ink stamp
- Heat Gun
These come in many sizes. The rubber ones will curve with the gourd surface. Do a small section on a gourd or tile the pattern around the gourd.
Lay the rubber pad on the gourd and press without moving the pad. Sprinkle the area on the gourd with lots of embossing powder. Then tap off excess and heat set.
Need more Video Help?
I have two artists that can help.
WhaleArts offers, Embossing 101 on Gourds,
Leaha shows you the basics and sells many of the supplies you will need.
Maria Delos shows you techniques and tips on using powders correctly. I also use her products. So check out her store to compare prices.
Embossing Powder Techniques, Maria Delos
Maria also demonstrates her Cloisonne Embossing powder which is a thick grained powder that has a faux metal look.
Supplies are available from many sources. The big box stores have them and many are on the Internet. My best tip is to look in the card making department. Here you will find a variety of stamps in all sizes and material. Don’t forget to check the clearance section for stamps and glue pads. Embossing powder are always a good buy because they last a long time and they can be mixed. Just be careful not to contaminate them.
If you are experienced using these powders, offer our new gourd artists your tips for sucess. Share your thoughts here in the comment box or share them with all the gourd artists on our Facebook Group Page.
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love this !! Thank you so much