As I sit here anxiously awaiting the hot new embossing powders by American Crafts, I find myself realizing how overwhelming the thought of embossing can be.  I know how intimidated I was when I first started, but let me tell you it is not hard and the looks you will achieve will have everyone in awe of your work!! 

So the first step is to stamp your image onto your paper.  Now, what type of ink do you use?  Well, my personal suggestions are the slower drying inks because they give you more time to work with.  Pigment Inks are very good for this, but mostly all ink pads are good for embossing.  If you aren't sure, just ask.  Ok, so you have your ink and you are set to stamp your image.  Once the image is stamped, sprinkle embossing powder all over the image.  Yes, you are going to pour out way more than you actually use so do this on a scrap piece of paper.  Once the image is covered, pick up the paper and tap all of the extra powder off onto that scrap piece of paper.  Then simply bend the paper and pour the excess powder back into its container.

Now, to get the embossed effect you need to heat the image.  There are special embossing heat tools that are great or you can use a small blowdryer on a low setting.  My personal favorite way to heat the image is from the back of the paper.  This prevents any accidental blowing off of powder.  Once the image is set, you can add some extra heat to the front to be sure it is dry. 

Depending on what type of embossing powder you use, different effects can be achieved.  There are pearlescent, glitter, metallic, distressed, puffs to name a few.  Experiment will all the different types for a cool dimensional, professional look on whatever paper craft you are working on!!