“Smeared” heat embossing technique

Hi friends. Today I’m sharing a fun technique that came by accident. I was doing some heat embossing on a card a few days ago when I accidentally smeared it while it was still hot. At first, I wasn’t happy I just ruined my project, but then I thought the look was kinda cool. I knew it would be the perfect technique for the candles in THIS stamp set…

Here is my card…

So how did I get the look of the candles being blown out?  I stamped all the candle flames in VersaMark ink on to black cardstock and heat embossed them using THIS embossing powder. After I applied the heat, I waited a few seconds and swiped the image from left to right using my finger wrapped in a clean white paper towel. I chose black as my background so the heat would pick some of that color up and give a gray look (which I thought resembled smoke). 
TIP: I tried this technique out several times on scratch paper before creating this card. I encourage you to do the same for best results and to find the perfect timing of when to smear the heated embossing powder.  
For the rest of the card, I heat embossed the candles using some purple embossing powder and the sentiment using THIS embossing powder. I die-cut the panel and the silver one behind it using THIS frame die. I adhered them both to a piece of Simon Says Stamp Doll pink cardstock which is included in THIS kit…
Simon Says Stamp was kind enough to send me one to play with and I can’t say enough good things about it. I love the colors, all the gold foiling, and who doesn’t need birthday cards on hand!? 
I hope you give this “smeared” heat embossing technique a try. I think it would be so fun with cloud images as well. Thanks for stopping by! 

14 Comments

  1. Tanya McAlexander
    April 13, 2015

    this really turned out awesome!! I can't believe this was a mistake, but then again a lot of good things in life have been mistakes. Anyhow it turned out awesome.

    Reply
  2. cindy lou
    April 12, 2015

    I thought you did the "blowing of the candles" on purpose. Awesome touch to the card.

    Reply
  3. Sue D.
    April 12, 2015

    I am glad you found a useful way to turn a mistake into something quite clever…good on you! Super card – I like the colors.

    Reply
  4. Angela Almond
    April 11, 2015

    your ideas for this card kit are terrific! I loved the smeared embossing powder technique–how clever!
    (your sequin party banners in other blog posts are pretty darn cute as well!) Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
  5. Roxy Timmons
    April 11, 2015

    Wow you r full of great ideas love those candles being blown out lol great

    Reply
  6. Shona Austin
    April 10, 2015

    Great technique. Practice makes perfect.

    Reply
  7. sunnee63
    April 10, 2015

    what a great effect!!! thanks for sharing it!!

    Reply
  8. RedGem
    April 10, 2015

    Oh may… great technique! I love the colors you used on this card… can't hardly wait to play with my kit!

    Reply
  9. Teresa Doyle
    April 10, 2015

    SO SYINKIN' CUTE!!!!

    Reply
  10. Beth H.
    April 10, 2015

    This is seriously AWESOME!

    Reply
  11. Lisa Young
    March 26, 2015

    Very creative!!! Looks like the candles were being blown out!!!

    Reply
  12. Lorraine A
    March 25, 2015

    oooh you clever girl !! this is FABULOUS !! 🙂 great technique !! 🙂

    luv
    Lols x x x

    Reply
  13. Mary-Anne V
    March 22, 2015

    What a great way to use your " mistake" love the imagery it evokes.

    Reply
  14. Shirley
    March 21, 2015

    Your slight "mistake" turned out perfect! I like how the candles look like they have been blown…cool effect. Neat card!

    Reply

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