Product Review: Embossing Paste

Hey everybody! Thanks for visiting Song of My Heart's product review of Stampin' Up's new embossing paste and stencils.

I'm happy to report that despite my trepidation, I found them extremely easy to use, not as messy as I was anticipating, and, as claimed, very quick drying. In fact, my pieces were nearly dry even before I got my tools and stencils washed up in the sink.

Total drying time will depend on how thick you slather (technical term) the paste on, so if you're in a hurry, scrape it off as closely as you can. For a more textured look, use a lighter hand with the spatula. You should plan on about 20-40 minutes drying time, or overnight.

It's white... what about different colors? Can we do that?

This is a photo of one right after I lifted the stencil off. I mixed two drops of Tranquil Tide ink refill into a blop (technical term) of embossing paste and stirred it all together before using the stencil. It's sooo pretty. Haven't made a card with this one yet--that's up next! If you're doing a bunch of cards in one color, like for a wedding or special invitations, you can mix the ink right into the jar. OR, don't mix all the color in thoroughly, for a fun swirly ombre look.

Is there any special technique to it?

I've never delved into the world of embossing pastes before so this goopy stuff kind of intimidated me. But it's only paper, right? Just dive in! There's really nothing to it. If you've ever made a peanut butter sandwich, you can use embossing paste. It's actually JUST like frosting a cake! I almost licked off my finger at one point!!! But I refrained.

How long does one jar last? Good question.

You can do the whole cardfront, or just a skim in the center or artistically off to one side. Or, you can just accidentally skip a corner and pretend you did it on purpose to go with your "grunge" look.... ahem. Technique varies, of course, but word on the street says you can get anywhere from 30-45 full cardfronts from one jar of paste, depending on which stencil pattern you use.

What else can I do with this stuff?

You can also use the paste on colored cardstock for a really pretty pattern. And, you don't even HAVE to use a stencil--you can schmear (technical term) a thin, skippy layer on with your trowel, kind of like adobe, for a really cool distressed/weathered background. I did that on my clouds, below, so that they weren't just perfectly flat and boring.

Don't have the stencil you want? Make one! Use a punch or die-cut to make your own custom mask. The cardstock will become saturated with moisture eventually, but you can toss it at the end of your session, no biggie.

Somehow I missed that there was a cloud stencil in the Pattern Party pack. How fun is that? Time to get out my hot air balloon die cuts! Or my kite stamps. Or my balloon bouquet punch! I might use the cloud stencil more than all the others in the pack, combined!

What else do I need to know about embossing paste?

BEFORE YOU GO DOWN THIS RABBIT HOLE you need to sternly remind yourself that the quick drying paste means you need to clean off your stencils and trowels ASAP after you finish with them. So don't get too carried away--go give them a gentle scrub in warm, soapy water before they harden up and become a real pain in the patootie (technical term).

How much does it cost to get set up with this stuff?

So that's my first trial run with this fun new product line from Stampin' Up. I definitely recommend it, and since it's both cheap and addictive, I recommend getting two jars of paste along with the fun new stencils and palette knives. You can get the entire collection for less than $20. That's good clean fun! Here's the store links for the products I used in today's review.

Click any photo to see the

full item description and additional photos:

Embossing Paste $8.00	Palette Knives $5.00	Pattern Party Stencils $6.00
Happy Celebrations Photopolymer Stamp Set $35.00	Basic Black Archival Stampin’ Pad $7.00	2017-2019 In Color Stampin' Write Markers $15.00
Lemon Lime Twist 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock $8.00	Basic Black 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock $8.00	Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock $9.00
Silver Mini Sequin Trim $6.00	Rhinestone Basic Jewels $5.00	Clear Faceted Gems $5.00

I appreciate you stopping in today! Leave me a comment if you enjoy my product reviews. Got a suggestion for the next one? What are you wondering about from the new catalog? Or maybe you NEED a new catalog? Email me any time: [email protected]

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Comments

[Deepa M.]

Thank you very much for your honest review of the embossing paste Lyssa! I really appreciate all the info you shared, particularly the tidbit that one jar can make up to 45 card fronts. I'm planning on making up some sets of cards and had been wondering, so that was very useful info to know! Your cards turned out lovely - the tranquil tide sample using the medallion stencil is stunning. I can't wait to see that on a card front :) Have a wonderful weekend!

[Robyn]

I too havent played with embossing paste and enjoyed reading your critique, esp the technical terms. I actually have a jar in my order that should arrive early/mid next week so am looking forward to playing. The tranquil tide one looks gorgeous, havent seen that one done before. One other thing I do want to try is glitter, life is way too short not to use glitter.. Thanks for all your information and research

[Mae Collins]

Thanks for this review Lyssa, very thorough and informative, plus, light hearted. I have yet to pop down that rabbit hole, but maybe a little later, when I have played with some of my other new products! I will definitely be pinning this post to refer back to when I eventually play with Embossing Paste!

[Linda Goudelock]

this is on my wish list...new at this demo stuff and can't afford to get everything I want! This looks like fun and since I don't usually emboss this is an inexpensive way to get into it

[Ann D.]

Have you heard anything about how well the embossing paste travels through the mail? Does it wrinkle or chip or stay where it was put?

[Heather]

Great product review Lyssa! I especially liked the "technical" terms but your descriptions did help make me less trepidatious about trying embossing paste. And thank you for the info about how many cards one jar of paste can make - my girlfriend & I had been wondering about that.

[Gale Rice]

Awesome review! Thank you for sharing this! I'm so grateful for your posts... always timely, informative and somewhat entertaining too. Your sweet character shines through your words and is such a blessing to so many! And the embossing paste... YEAH, BABY!!!

[Brenda B.]

That was a lot of technical terminology, but I kept up.....

It looks like you had fun!

[Julie RN]

Great review on the new Embossing Paste. I have been hesitant on trying it until I heard from someone else who has used it! Next time I read your reviews I will be sure to have a note pad handy for all the 'technical terms' though!! But you talked me into it, putting in my order today ! :)