Randi's Review	Andrea's Review	Rachel's Review	Kathleen's Review	Eli's Review

Review by Randi

The Powder Keg offers hand blended embossing powders. Janelle Kelso Marshall purchased the line in 2005 and has been busily developing new colors and techniques since that time. The unusual thing about these powders are their various different flecks of colors contained in each screw-top one-ounce jar. The name of the color and an actual embossed flower labels the top of each jar. This is a super feature, especially if you keep your embossing powders stored in a drawer like I do. One glance at the lid and I know exactly what's inside.

The colors are rich, vibrant and bright. I had to wonder what would happen if I embossed a small piece of cardstock with the Golden Diamond then used it with Spellbinder's "Hinges and Hardware" die cuts. I loved the results! I had no trouble cutting through the double-layer of embossing, and the dry emboss feature of the Wizard worked great, adding additional dimension also. I have look of shiny metal at a fraction of the cost of purchased metal embellishments!

The Powder Keg products look great whether you are using them on a small area or a large one. On this layout I used an embossing pen to enhance just the flower centers on the paper.

Graduation Meeting
BG Sage paper, Scrappin' Sports 'N More!
Winding Sage, Scrappin' Sports 'N More!
Black, Cream Prismatics Cardstock, Prism
Graduation Rub-ons Scrappin' Sports 'N More!
Embossing Pen, Tsukineko
Pine Forest Embossing Powder, The Powder Keg
Savory Sage Medium Weave Magic Mesh
JustRite Upper Case Stamper
StazOn Jet Black Ink
Permanent Glue Runner, Adhesive Tech

I tried the other extreme with this layout, embossing the entire background on this 12 x 12 layout. The powder came out of the jar smoothly, embossed evenly, and I went on to feature it on the title too.

Jr. Varsity Girls
Grey Solid paper, Scrappin'Sports 'N More!
Big Basketball paper, Scrappin'Sports 'N More!
Black Prismatics Cardstock, Prism
Tanzanite Embossing Powder, The Powder Keg
Tim Holtz Distress Embossing Ink, Ranger
Lg Print Font Stamps, Ma Reliquary
Crackle Background Stamp, All Night Media
Terrific Terra Cotta Medium Weave Magic Mesh
Basketball Brads, Scrappin'Sports 'N More!
Basketball Cardstock Sticker, Scrappin'Sports 'N More!
Silver Ribbon
Permanent Glue Runner, Adhesive Tech

Embossing powders are one of life's mysteries. When used, it seems that the entire jar is gone. Pour the excess back into the jar and it seems that none was used! They last a long time. At only $4.25 per color, these little jars pack a big punch at a very economical cost. The hand blended powders from The Powder Keg are especially lovely, and sure to become one of my absolute favorites. Highly recommended.

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Review by Andrea

The Powder Keg: an explosion of color and texture!

Embossing powder is just one of those craft products that has a "wow" factor off the charts. It is usually combined with rubber stamping to enhance the stamped image. This magic product is a powder made of finely ground colored plastic that sticks to moisture. When heated, it produces a raised colored area uniformly melted together wherever the powder stuck. If you've ever noticed the raised printing on a business card, this is basically the same thermographic process in the craft world. So simple with fantasic results!

The Powder Keg is my all-time favorite embossing powder company! I can't quite remember the first time that I bought the product except that it was right around the time of my first trip to Las Vegas in 2000. The company started in Vegas and offered many hand blended mixes that was a feast for the eyes and a very special touch to any project. After losing track of the company for a couple of years, I spotted a Powder Keg booth at a stamp expo in Florida! Wow, could it be the same one? Amazingly it was and under the new ownership of Janelle Kelso Marshall who demonstrated her passion for the product at the expo. She had the same feeling that I did about embossing powder - that it's the coolest thing since sliced bread!

The Powder Keg embossing powders come in one ounce plastic jars with solid colored screw-top lids. The name of the powder blend is printed on top of the lid with a melted sample right there to see. The company name, how to find them and how to use the product is printed around the side of the jar. There are 40+ individual color offerings with 3 new Limited Edition 4-Stacks. The Stacks are 4 different colors that match a theme. They are: Provence, Spirit of the Southwest and Federal and retail for $16.95. The individual colors are $4.25 each. This is a very fair price, especially since the colors are hand blended.

Embossing powders come in three general grades: fine or detail (great for intricate images and small detailed stamps), regular (the all-purpose powder for the majority of embossing tasks) and coarse (referred to as "ultra-thick embossing enamel, UTEE" and good for covering large areas and non-detailed images). The Powder Keg powders are the regular grade and offer the most versatility and color range. Many of the blended recipes for the individual color jars have a base color with another enhancer added like a metallic, pearlescent, glitter or another solid color. When melted, the colors and additives combine to form a stunning result. This is the Powder Keg's strength - fantastic blending of these elements to equal one beautiful product.

The 2 blends used on this project complement each very well. The China Jade is a base green with gold metallic sprinkled into the blend. The Gold is a solid traditional metallic color that brings out the gold parts of the China Jade when viewed in person. Combining 2 or more powders on 1 image gives a great effect to the detail of the stamp.

Title: Asian Card
Products used: Cardstock (Prism Metallics & Prismatics White)
Stamp (Club Scrap)
Embossing Powders (The Powder Keg: China Jade & Gold)
Ribbon (Close To My Heart)
Adhesive (Adhesive Tech, Permanent Glue Runner)

I really love to work on altered items especially when they're 3-dimensional. This paper mache' box offers a nice flat area for embossing. Simply coat the box with embossing ink around the outside and add the embossing powder. I built up the powder for a full smooth coating by layering the China Red (a pearly red) around the box. Just heat the melted powder on the box and add more dry powder then heat. This new layer will build on the first and add depth. I added the contrasting Buttered Rum (a pearly warm beige) along the bottom of the box. The lid has about 3 layers of China Red. The last layer is reheated with a stamp pressed into it before the powder sets. I added a little Metallic Rub-on color to make the image stand out better.

Title: Cat Treasure Box
Products used: Paper Mache' Box (The Rag Shop)
Embossing Ink (Top Boss)
Embossing Powder (The Powder Keg: China Red & Buttered Rum)
Stamp (PaperArtsy Cat's Meow, Cat)
Metallic Rub-ons (Craf-T, Kit #2)
Paint (Jacquard Lumieres, Metallic Rust)
Rhinestone (Rhinestone NY)
Sealer (Krylon UV-Resistant Clear Spray)
Ribbon (Shoebox Trims)
Ultimate Glue Gun (Aleene's)
Felt (JoAnn's)

I do believe that The Powder Keg's embossing powders perform very well while heating. There have been very few instances when I've heated the powder too much and it has changed color or melted into the paper. Other embossing powders simply destroy the image when heated even a little beyond "done". The Powder Keg's color remain very stable. I've had no trouble storing the jars for over 5 years. There has been no clumping or color change at all. While heating, the powder doesn't scorch unless it has been under the heat tool for an extended period of time. The colors blend well and provide a terrific smooth glossy surface.

In case you missed it, I absolutely LOVE The Powder Keg's embossing powders! Try them just once and you'll fall for them too!

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Review by Rachel

There are a few things that can make me just start drooling. Those things are velvet ribbon, beautiful patterned paper, and embossing powders! So you can just imagine my absolute excitement when I found out we would be reviewing embossing powders from The Powder Keg. I received five colors named Sparkling Grape, Poppy Jasper, Merlot, Mirage and Antique Copper! Well, let me just say these embossing powders are not just any embossing powders!

Janelle Kelso Marshall bought The Powder Keg in 2005. She is an amazing artist in and of herself. Her artwork in the gallery at The Powder Keg website is absolutely beautiful and inspiring. The Powder Keg is located in Florida and offers only hand blended embossing powders. The Powder Keg is partnered with A Paper Garden. I have never seen anything like these embossing powders! They are absolutely beautiful!

The Powder Keg offers over 40 different colors of hand blended embossing powders including clear embossing powder. Within those 40+ colors are 6 colors that include glitter within the embossing powder. Those six powders are named “Sparkling Grape”, “Sparkling Pine”, “Sparkling Red Rose”, “Amethyst”, “Sparkling Sapphire”, and “Sparkling White Orchid.” All of the embossing powders are acid free so you are able to use them in your scrapbook layouts without worry. The embossing powders are sold in 1 oz. jars and retail for $4.25 on The Powder Keg website.

Since the embossing powders are hand blended each of them is made up of several different colors of powders. Here are the colors I see when looking at the embossing powders that I was given. Poppy Jasper is a mixture of a red-orange, olive green, and a hint of blue. Merlot is a mix of blue, purple, and white. Mirage is more purple, gold, and white. Antique Copper is a mix gold and copper. Sparkling Grape has purple, blue and silver glitter. Every one of the colors is unique and beautiful. I had entirely way too much fun stamping and embossing to see what all the different colors look like with different stamps! Following is a look at the colors on both black and white paper!

The colors on the top from left to right are Merlot and Poppy Jasper. In the middle is Sparkling Grape and on the bottom from left to right is Mirage and Antique Copper. I wish the shine and shimmer showed up as beautiful on a scanner as it does in real life.

White and Black:

My first project was putting together a layout about my nephew. I used the Sparkling Grape embossing powder around the outside of the layout to add some distressing to the layout. I then used the Poppy Jasper for the title!

 

All Boy
Products used:
Embossing Powders: Sparkling Grape, Poppy Jasper – The Powder Keg
Cardstock: White, Twilight Dark – Prismatics
Embossing Ink: Tim Holtz Distress Embossing Ink – Ranger
Square: Unknown
Alphabet Stamps: Playful Caps & Lower – Close To My Heart
Trimmer: Tonic Studios
Adhesive: Permanent Glue Runner – Adhesive Tech

My next project was a card I made for my brother who will be graduation from Army officer’s training at the end of this month. I am so proud of him and his accomplishments and his service!

 

Congratulations
Products used:
Embossing Powders: Antique Copper – The Powder Keg
Cardstock: Black, Sage Dark – Prismatics
Patterned Paper: Dark Green Scuff – Karen Foster Design
Embossing Ink: Tim Holtz Distress Ink – Ranger
Stamp: Delicate Leaf Detail – Hero Arts and Congratulations – Past Time Stamps
Trimmer: Tonic Studios
Adhesive: Permanent Glue Runner – Adhesive Tech

One of the neat features that I love about The Powder Keg is on each of the lids of the jars is a stamp embossed with the color inside that particular jar. This makes it so easy for you to grab the color that you want. I had been storing my powders upside down so I could see the colors that way but I am now going to go through and stamp and emboss each of my lids so I can store them better. What a great idea! Tip: Before using these embossing powders every time, be sure to shake it a little so that you get the best color coverage!

If you have trouble color coordinating powders or a beginner in the world of embossing; The Powder Keg has a great solution for you. The Powder Keg offers a 4 stack of complementary colors. These are Limited Edition Sets and are sold for $16.95. These sets are Provence (colors that remind you of the wine country of Italy), Spirit of the Southwest (beautiful warm southwestern colors), and Federal (patriotic colors).

As you can see, I thoroughly enjoyed using The Powder Keg embossing powders. I absolutely love the mixture of colors in each color! They are exquisite, beautiful, and elegant! I recommend these embossing powders for beginner and advanced scrapbookers, stampers, and paper artists. I know that you will find these embossing powders as exquisitely beautiful as I have. I want to buy each and every color; if only I had the budget. I will be saving my money to add to my collection of The Powder Keg embossing powders!

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Review by Kathleen

Using embossing powders and heat embossing was one of the first techniques I learned when I started scrapbooking almost 4 years ago. It is a technique that I never grow tired of even if I do not actually use it for a long period of time. I am also always looking for beautiful colors to work with and inspire me. So when I received six hand blended colors from The Powder Keg, I was very pleased.

Each 1 ounce jar is hand blended with at least two colors to create a unique embossing powder combination. When you actually heat the powders, it is very cool to see the characteristic of that powder come through. I do not think that it would be possible to create two identical projects! I like that.

Following are two projects I created while highlighting The Powder Keg embossing powders. My first project is a very simple layout where I created a flourish and then embossed it with Renaissance, a gorgeous, deep toned color. I am not exactly sure how to describe the color as it changes depending on the light and the angle. With flecks of gold and what appears to be amethyst and maybe a little copper, it is rich looking and elegant.

“Daddy and Grandma”
Products used:
The Powder Keg - embossing powder (Renaissance)
Prism - Prismatics cardstock
BasicGrey - patterned paper (Urban Couture)
Versamark - watermarking pen
Micron - black pen

My second project is a thank you card I created. To create the look, I stamped my image onto Prismatics cardstock with black Staz-on ink. I then lightly colored in the image with watercolor pencils before going over the outline of the image with a Versamark watermarking pen. Next, I heat embossed those areas. After heat embossing the image, I went over the watercolor pencils with water to give the image a softer look.

You can really see the multiple colored look of these powders when you look at the Peppermint (red and white on the calla lilies). This particular color seems to show the look the best when scanned.

“Calla Lily Thank You Card”
Products used:
The Powder Keg - Embossing powder (Egyptian Treasure, Eclipse, Peppermint Twist)
Prism - Prismatics cardstock
BasicGrey - "thank you" rub on
Staz-on - stamping ink (black, red)
Peddler's Pack - rubber stamp
Kimberly - watercolor pencils
Versamark - watermarking pen
Adhesive Tech - glue runner
Flair - velvet ribbon
Other - ribbon

In summary, The Powder Keg produces fine quality, multi-dimensional embossing powders. Each 1 ounce jar sells for $4.25. This is a great price for this type of product and the amount in each jar should last quite awhile when care is taken. My advice when using these powders is to gently shake each jar before use in order to mix up the colors. I found with mine that some of the powders separated a bit due to one color being heavier than the other.

If you enjoy using embossing powder on your scrapbook pages or stamping projects, you will love the look of these powders. If you have never ventured into the world of heat embossing and embossing powders, start with The Powder Keg embossing powders. You will enjoy the multi-dimensional look you achieve.

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Review by Eli

The Powder Keg Hand mixed embossing powders

The Powder Keg, sold on the web at www.powderkegembossingpowders.com and at several storefronts around the country and even one in Merry Old England, offers hand blended embossing powders in more than 40 colors. The 1 oz. jars feature an embossed flower on top that shows the true color. That was very helpful.

I received 6 jars of powders with four vibrant colors and two gorgeous metallics. Here are the examples of my embossing each color onto cream paper.

Supplies:
Foam flower stamp (Making Memories)
Cream cardstock (Prism)
VersaMark watermark ink (Tsukineko)
Hand blended embossing powders in Gilded Fern, Mystic Green, Chinese Firecracker, Newsprint, Jackpot and Bronze Patina (The Powder Keg)

I found these powders to be of exceptional quality. After you stamp and then pour the powder out of the bottle, it comes out smooth, no chunks or clods stuck together. This makes it is easy to place it right where you want it. I like that each color has a variegated look. That comes from the hand blending and gives the images a distinct and interesting look. All the powders are acid free which adds to the value of any project.

Next, I wanted to experiment with layering the powder. I used the same flower image, embossed a layer with the Bronze Patina. While it was still hot, I quickly dipped it back into the powder and heated it again. After three layers, I pressed a plastic grid into the surface and created a texture on it. Here is the result.

Supplies:
Foam flower stamp (Making Memories)
White cardstock (Prism)
VersaMark watermark ink (Tsukineko)
Bronze Patina embossing powder (The Powder Keg)
Plastic grid

For my first page, I created the title page for a gift album I am doing for a friend who is getting married. I used the VersaMark ink on the edges of the letter tags and on the title letters LOVE and embossed them. I like the effect it created.

Title: Love is in Bloom
Supplies:
Chinese Firecracker embossing powder (The Powder Keg)
Patterned paper (Bo Bunny)
Aragosta Exclusives cardstock (Prism)
Ribbon (Michael's)
Foam flower stamp (Making Memories)
VersaColor Raspberry pigment ink (Tsukineko)
Cardstock sticker square (Lasting Impressions)
Silver pen (Creative Memories)
Tag letters (Colorbök)
Heart punch (EK Success)
Permanent glue runner (Adhesive Tech)

Next, I continued with the book and created a page introducing the Bride. I was inspired by a recent how-to article by Andrea Cloutier, Heat Embossing Die Cuts . I covered the die cut letters with Raspberry ink and then embossed a couple of layers onto them. I love how smooth the letters turned out…which is really a function of the high quality powder. I also embossed the stamped image of the line drawn Calla Lily (their wedding flower). I was impressed at how the powder performed with the more delicate image.

Beautiful Bride to Be
Supplies:
Intense Orange cardstock (Prism)
Die-cut letters (Colorbök)
VersaMark Watermark ink (Tsukineko)
Hand Blended embossing powders in Gilded Fern and Chinese Firecracker (The Powder Keg)
Corner rounder punches (EK Success)
Letter and flower stickers (Making Memories)
Calla Lilly stamp (Rebecca Baer)
Glimmer chalks (Craf-T)
Permanent glue runner (Adhesive Tech)
Work Surface (Adhesive Tech)

Conclusion: I loved these powders. The colors are rich, variegated and lovely and the coverage is nearly perfect. They heat evenly and produce a smooth texture. With over 40 colors, the only difficulty is choosing which ones to start your collection. To help, the site does offer some small sets that might be the right thing to get you started. At the suggested retail of $4.25/1 oz jar, you are getting you money’s worth. Highly recommended for scrappers, card makers, stampers and altered artists.

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