Metallic glow

 Metallic glow

I am obsessed right now with this technique using metallic colored cardstocks.  Don't know who orginated this technique so for now I am calling it Metallic Glow.  

            supplies used:  Altenew walnut branch embossing folder,                                     botanical 3D embossing folder

Basic instructions for this technique is to use metallic color cardstocks.  I found that TH metallic cardstocks that come in a pad worked the best for me.  I first tried this technique with inexpesive metallic cardstock from craft store, and they just didn't emboss well, or the cardstock cracked!  Sometimes it is just best to go for the brand name product, and this is one of those times.  

                        Altenew Magnalia dreams embossing folder

Run the metallic cardstock with embossing folder through your embossing/die cutting machine, I have Gina K machine, and I really like it. Use a sanding block to sand off the raised areas, then drag a pigment ink pad over the raised embossed image...this is what gives the image the glowing effect.  Much better in person.  For my cards I used Hero Arts unicorn white pigment ink, a couple of very old Encore copper, gold ink pads.  I tried Lisa Horton metallic ink pads but wasn't satified with the coverage of ink ... sometime new isn't better than old.  My Encore ink pads have to be at least 20 years old, and they are still juicy!  For this technique you need to keep in mind that pigment inks DO NOT want to dry on glossy metallic cardstock ... so I let them sit overnight then sprayed them with a fixative spray which work just fine for me.

This last card I am showing was done on regular white cardstock with copper ink.

Altenew Decorative florals embossing folder

In all my cards I used Altenew 3D embossing folders but I'm sure you could do this Metallic Glow technique with any company embossing folders.  Experiment with what you have in your stash.

Thank you for stopping by.  Come back soon.  Leave me a comment letting me know what you think of this technique.