How to Use Embossing Powder to Make a Stained Glass Lamp Shade
You can create a custom lamp shade in an afternoon using some simple stamping supplies. Choose any rubber stamp or basic pattern of shapes and any color of ink that will match your decor. Give a basic paper lampshade the look of stained glass using decorative stamps and embossing techniques. Layering clear embossing powder gives your chosen image the appearance and rigidity of glass.
Things You'll Need
- Paper lamp shade
- Rubber stamps
- Stamp ink color
- Flat rubber stamp pad
- Embossing ink pad
- Embossing ink pen (optional)
- Clear embossing powder
- Black or metallic embossing powder (optional)
- Embossing gun
Instructions
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1
Stamp the lampshade with desired stamps or shapes, in colors of your choice. For a stained-glass effect, it is best to cover the entire lampshade with color of some kind. For example, if you choose a repeating object such as a dragonfly as your primary stamp, be sure to fill the areas between dragonflies with a coordinating color or set of colors by using an ink pen. You can also choose to use a black ink pen to outline objects or shapes to create the look of grout lines. Allow the ink to dry.
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2
Use a flat rubber stamp with clear embossing ink to stamp over one area of the pattern you have created. Immediately put clear embossing powder over the fresh ink and gently shake off the excess. Repeat until you have covered approximately one quarter of the lampshade with embossing powder.
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3
Prepare a plate or container with a pile of clear embossing powder. You will be dipping a quarter of the lampshade, so be sure that it is large enough to allow you to roll the lampshade in it.
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4
Use the embossing gun to heat the embossing powder. Once it has melted, immediately dip that side of the lampshade into the prepared plate of clear powder. Use the embossing gun on it once again, and re-dip the shade while it is still warm. Repeat this process until you have approximately six to seven layers of embossing powder on this side of the shade.
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5
Repeat Steps 2 through 4 until the entire shade is covered in six to seven layers of clear embossing powder.
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6
If desired, enhance your painted grout lines or add new ones using an embossing pen and black or metallic embossing powder. Be sure that your clear layers are dry and cool before beginning this step. Simply draw the lines as you desire, and pour a layer of black embossing powder over them. Gently shake off the excess and heat with an embossing gun. This will give the look of slightly raised grout around your pattern.
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Tips & Warnings
Using colorful inks in your initial pattern will make more vibrant pictures once they are covered in embossing layers.
If you like the look of old glass, gently crack the embossing powder layers by bending them once they are dry and cool.
Always keep the tip of the embossing gun away from your fingers or other flammable areas during use.
If your lampshade begins to scorch, immediately turn off the embossing gun and allow the project to cool before continuing.
