Impression Photo Mats

Decorating With Style : Episode DWS-825 -- More Projects »
Click here to view a larger image.

Click here to view a larger image.

Figure A

Click here to view a larger image.

Figure B
Materials:

pigment ink pads
moldable foam blocks
embossing heat tool
pre-cut photo mats
embossing powders
textures (wire, lace, cane chair seat, crumpled paper, mesh, embroidery, beads, leaves, shells, etc).

Steps:

  1. If desired, use ink pads to brush background colors on mat. Allow ink to air dry or dry quickly with heat tool.
  2. Put foam block on a well-protected heat-resistant surface. Using the heat tool , heat the foam block till the surface is slightly puffed and shiny, taking care to keep the heat tool moving so the block does not burn.
  3. While the block is hot, press it onto whatever texture is chosen to make a pattern (figure A). Lighter pressure for finer detail, more pressure for a strong silhouette.
  4. Stamp the block on scrap paper to test it before stamping mat. Wash block, heat and press against texture again to change the impression if you want a different look.
  5. Ink the embossed block and stamp repeatedly over the mat's surface (figure B).
  6. While ink is wet, sprinkle embossing powder over the pattern. Shake excess powder onto clean paper, return to jar and save it for another project.
  7. Use the heat tool to raise the embossing powder.

Options:

  • Layer a small decorated mat over a larger plain one.
  • Add tassels or other dimensional embellishments.
  • Decorate a greeting card, cut opening in front and insert photo.

Resources
Magic Stamp moldable foam blocks
Clearsnap Inc.
Website: www.clearsnap.com

Memory Crafting: Beyond The Scrapbook
by Judi Kauffman (ISBN: 087341795X )
Krause Publications, 1999
Order this title.

Krause Publications
Website: www.krause.com

Guests
Judi Kauffman
Crafter / Author
Email: judineedle@aol.com
Also in this Episode