Embossing Brads

I promised to share the results Debbi and I had embossing antique brads.  The results were interesting.  Deb used VersaMark on her brads, dipped the brads in the embossing powder, and then applied heat.  I, on the other hand, did not use VersaMark.  I heat the brad, dip it in the embossing powder, and try to shake off the excess.  The heat gun will actually heat the embossing powder to the point that excess powder drips off.  I use higher heat than Deb does and this tends to take out much of the color.  Needless to say, you need a sturdy tweezers to hold your brad during the process.  I tried embossing some inexpensive tree brads and discovered that by holding my heat gun 8 – 12” away from the brad, I had satisfactory results.  However, the trees were not the shiny smooth metallic look I was seeking.   You can see below that the poinsettia antique brads clearly show the impression.  My favorites are the Melon Mambo antique brad and the copper embossed antique brad.

The bottom line is that embossing brads is rather messy and time consuming.  However, if you have a special card or project and need 1 – 3 brads in a special color, this is the way to give you the perfect shade.  And don’t do what I did – place the brads on Styrofoam for the heating process because guess what – the Styrofoam melts.

Hope to see you Friday September 9th from 4 – 9 PM or Saturday September 10th from 9 AM – 4 PM.  We’re looking forward to several crafters who are new to our stamping group.  In order to impress the new folks, I will again promise NOT to sing!

October Fall Festival Stamp Camp is Oct 7-8, November Holiday Happenings is Nov 4-5 and December Christmas Celebrations Camp is Dec 2 – 3.  Mark your calendars now.  Give me a call if you have any questions – about ANYTHING!  In the meantime, HAPPY CRAFTING!  Rosemary