Inspired by a Honeybee Print - Emboss Resist Tutorial

I've got a tutorial to show you today for the Emboss Resist technique, using the Blockheads set, ATC Honey Bees:

I was inspired by a print, offered as a free download from Victoria Magazine. (there are two prints at that link) You can see the image below HERE as a PDF file.

I love that the stamp set has different words included, so you can create your own sentiment/phrase.  I used gold embossing powder on mine.  The label was kind of a happy accident, and fit perfectly over the honeycomb panel.  A bit of lace and pearls added finishing touches.

Now, please go easy on me; I'm not a pro at tutorials.  :-) Note that I've used only Distress Inks by Ranger on this project, but you can use any dye inks you wish.

1. Rub an Embossing Buddy or dryer sheet over paper,
so you don't get stray 'freckles' of embossing powder.

2. Ink up stamp with VersaMark watermark ink.

3. Sprinkle clear embossing powder over image, and tap off excess.

4. Use heat tool to set image.  I use a wooden clothespin on
small papers, so I don't burn my fingers.

5. Begin layering colors. Antique Linen Distress Ink is first.
Use a light hand and a swirling motion to put the ink down
with a sponge (even a makeup sponge would work.)  Do not
pat sponge on paper; it creates a different look altogether.
Swirl color all the way to the edges of the paper.

6. This is the image after a coat of Antique Linen.
It's too light, so we need to add more colors.

7. Scattered Straw is next.  Pick up color from ink pad with your
sponge.   Dab off color once or twice onto a scrap piece
of paper, so the color is not too intense.  Sponge in a
light, swirling motion almost to the edges of the paper.

8. Time for Frayed Burlap.  Again, pick up color with the
sponge from ink pad and dab off once.  Sponge lightly around the edge
of  the honeycomb image, to the edges of the paper.

9. With Walnut Stain, lightly go over edges of paper.

10. Go back to center of image with more Scattered Straw.
Think of a warm glow, leaving the very center of the image lighter.

11. Make a card base from white cardstock.  Stamp edges with  flowers
from stamp set, using Scattered Straw and Frayed Burlap.

Don't forget the envelope!  I used Scattered Straw and Walnut Stain here.

Please feel free to ask me any questions you may have on this project.  It was fun to put this together for you!

Play along with  the Blockheads Emboss Resist Challenge by linking your creation with the linky tool below, and be sure to visit the Blockheads blog link for more details:


Thanks for coming by.  I always love when you visit.  :-)



Dimensions: 4.25" x 5.5"
Stamps: ATC Honey Bees - Blockheads Paper Arts
Paper: white - PTI
Ink: Antique Linen, Frayed Burlap, Walnut Stain, Scattered Straw - Ranger; VersaMark - Tsukineko
Fibers: lace - JoAnn
Other: Gold, Clear embossing powders - Stampin' Up!; heat tool; pearls