One of the most often used techniques in scrapbooking and stamping is the use of embossing powders. There are literally hundreds of colors and brands on the market. Yet when Ranger Industries released the new Tim Holtz line of Distress Embossing Powders, the world of embossing powders as we knew it changed forever.

These powders are different than the average embossing powder. They do not melt the same and definitely do not look the same. They also contain special ‘release crystals’ that do not melt, but will eventually be brushed away to create that distinct distressed look.

In fact, using these powders takes a little getting used to because they are not used the same as “traditional” embossing powders. And just how to use them is what this article will teach you today.

Note: for more information on the Tim Holtz Distress Embossing Powders themselves, be sure to read the Distress Embossing Powders review from the Scrapfriends Review Team.

To create a look similar to the project in this article, you will need to gather the following supplies:
Tim Holtz Distress Embossing Powder(s) – any color
Tim Holtz Embossing Pad, Tim Holtz Distress Inks, or other “juicy” embossing pad
(Note: You will not achieve the “distressed” look of these powders is you use Versamark Watermarking ink)
Chipboard letter (or other project)
Craft sheet (to protect work surface)
Heat gun

Supplies

Step 1: When you have gathered your supplies, generously stamp the image you want to emboss with the Tim Holtz Embossing Ink. If you are using a rubber stamp so you can emboss that image, note that you will not want to use a detailed stamp since the last step, the distressing step, may remove some of the fine detail of your image.

Stamping your image with embossing ink.

Step 2: Shake your jar of Distress Embossing Powder before applying to mix up the release crystals and then apply the Distress Embossing Powder color(s) to your project.

Applying Distress Embossing Powder.

Step 3: When you have applied all the colors you want, heat set the embossing powder using a heat gun.

It is during this step you will notice the first distinct difference compared to ‘traditional’ embossing powders on the market. When you heat the Distress Embossing Powders, you will not get the usual shiny or glossy finish that you may be used to. In fact, it can be difficult to distinguish when the powder has melted. Each color melts a little differently and some are more obvious than others, but with use and observation, you will be able to distinguish when the powders are completely melted.

Heat setting the Distress Embossing Powder.

Step 4: Once you have heat set the Distress Embossing Powder, use the tip of your finger to gently rub off the special release crystals in the powder. This will create a distressed look to your image or project.

Rubbing off the release crystals.

Step 5: Admire your work!

As you will discover when using these powders, there are a lot of fun applications for them. You may also use the Tim Holtz Distress Inks instead of embossing ink. When you use the Distress Inks, you will get a different look because the colored ink will show through when you rub off the release crystals. Experiment with the inks and the Distress Embossing Powders to see what looks you can achieve.

Finished altered chipboard letter.

Ranger Industries: Tim Holtz Distress Embossing Powders, Tim Holtz Embossing Pad
Zsiage: Alphastructures (5” Prim & Proper)

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