Heat Embossed Acetate + Magical Shimmery Background

Hello my Fabulous Graphics Fairy Friends!

Heather from Thicketworks here, to share a multi-layered, but oh-so-simple technique that I know you’ll love!

Variations on this technique have been around for quite some time, but of course, I had to put my own ‘stamp’ (hee hee) on the process…

So, let’s take a look at what’s possible with a sheet of acetate, shall we?

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Supplies:

• VersaMark Watermark Ink
• Super Fine Detail Embossing Powder: Black
• Embossing Magic Anti-Static Pad
• Your favorite large scale stamps – ( I used Iod Decor Stamps – “Hardware” and Iod Decor Stamps – “Swags” )
• A Heat Tool
• Heat Resistant Acetate
• Heat Resistant Work Surface (think glazed Ceramic Tile, or similar)
• Fine tipped paint brushes
• 2.5″ Wide Chip Brush
• Jar of water
• Acrylic Craft Paints: White, Red, Brown
• Art Alchemy Acrylic Paint: Steampunk Copper
• Art Alchemy Acrylic Paint: Brass Hardware
• Lumiere Acrylic Paint: Pearlescent Magenta
• Lumiere Acrylic Paint: Pearlescent Violet
• Pledge Floor Care Multi-Surface Finish
• Absorbent Work Surface (I used scraps of canvas)
• White Tissue Paper
• Heidi Swapp Color Shine: Assortment
• Fine Glitter
• Soft Cloth
• Triple Thick Gloss Glaze
• Royal Icons Silicone Mold

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How to Heat Emboss Acetate:

I recommend Super Fine Embossing Powder for this application. You’ll find that the results are clearer.

It’s very important to reduce the static on the surface of the acetate before you begin. I use an Anti-Static Pad, but there are other methods.

Generously ink your stamp with VersaMark:

Carefully apply the stamp to the surface of the acetate.

Cover the Versamark Ink with Embossing Powder, and gently tap off the excess:

Apply heat with caution.

Even heat resistant acetate will scorch if too much heat is applied.

For this demonstration, I’ve created two heat embossed motifs on 5 1/2″ x 8″ panels of acetate.

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How to add dimensional color to Heat Embossed Acetate:

To achieve a dimensional effect, flip the acetate over and apply paint to the reverse.

When painting in reverse, it’s important to work from brightest to darkest colors. Create all the highlights first, followed by deeper layers of pigment.

Here, I’m adding subtle touches of pink on the cheeks and lips of the Cherub.

Dry the pink accent paint with a Heat Tool, then add pure white highlights to the hair, eyes and frame:

Dry each layer of paint before proceeding to the next.

Add metallic gold tones over the dry white highlights.

Two shades of ‘gold’ paint are used to create a richer result.

Steampunk Copper is applied first, as the Highlight Layer.

Brass Hardware is applied over the previous layers, once they are dried.

Brown and creamy tones are added for the face and hair of the Cherub.

Time to inspect the results so far.

The paints are slightly translucent – we’ll address that later on.

Next, using the same methods, the Heart Frame is Reverse Painted.

Tiny white highlights have been added, and dried with a heat tool.

Next, for the Metallics!

Again, lighter toned accents are added first, using Steampunk Copper:

Followed by a full coat of Brass Hardware, once the previous layer is dry.

Here, the translucent nature of the paint is quite apparent:

Dry, then flip to judge the results.

So far, so good!

A layer of Lumiere Pearlescent Magenta is applied to the interior of the Heart Frame:

Dry with a Heat Tool, and apply additional layers until satisfied.

Three layers were applied here.

To create subtle dimensionality, apply one coat of Lumiere Pearl Violet around the perimeter of the heart.

When dry, coat the entire back with red acrylic paint.

This will impart a warmth and opacity to the painted areas.

Repeat for both images.

For areas of light skin tones, paint pure white over the background.

Once dry, flip to inspect the gorgeous outcome!

Note: Although the red seems dominant here, it will blend in beautifully once the background is applied.

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How to create a Magical Shimmery Background for Heat Embossed Acetate:

After the paint is thoroughly dry, place the sheets of acetate face down on an absorbent surface.

Pour a generous amount of Pledge Finish over the surface, and spread it evenly with a wide brush:

While the Pledge Finish is still wet, grab your favorite Spray Inks and Spritz Away!

Next, sprinkle fine glitter over the wet Pledge and Spray Inks.

Crumple a sheet of ordinary white tissue paper:

Lay it down over the wet surface, and pat into place with your brush.

The goal is to press the wrinkled tissue onto the entire surface of the acetate.

Carefully dry the tissue with a Heat Tool.

Tear away the excess tissue paper.

Wipe away any moisture from the front of the acetate panels.

Apply a layer of Triple Thick to make a super secure bond between the paper and acetate!

Allow to dry completely. 

All those layers of paint have made the Heat Embossed Acetate vibrantly dimensional, while the Spray Inks and Glitter create a magically misty background:

I loved the results so much, I had to frame them right away.

The addition of a tiny Crown casting adds the finishing touch!

Close up of Heat Embossed Acetate over the shimmery mists:

The layers of color, sparkles and shine really make these pieces glow!

What a lovely effect!

So, dig out your favorite stamps, raid the cleaning supply closet, play with Reverse Painting, and Create Shimmery Magic!

It all begins with Heat Embossed Acetate…

Thank you for visiting The Graphics Fairy today! It’s been so much fun to share this gorgeous technique with you – I do hope you’ll try it!

Until next time,

Heather ♥

I hope to see you at both the Thicketworks YouTube Channel  and Thicketworks Blog – we’ll have us some Messy FUN!

 

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Our students have SO much fun in the Mixed Media for Beginners online course…