How versatile is Versamark?

I think you are going to fall in love with Versamark after you see all that it can do!  Versamark has been one of my long standing favorites and a basic in my stamping box from the roots of my stamping journey.  Let's get started and see exactly what it can do!

First, what does it look like?

We carry four of the Versamark products:

VersaMark Embossing Pad

VersaMark Square

VersaMarker

Versamark Reinker Bottle

Versamark also comes with a blue tint that dries clear so it is easier for you to see it when applying embossing powders.  They have also come out with some glitter pads that we may have to carry for the holidays!  More on that when the time comes!

Versamark as a watermark pad

This is really what sets Versamark apart from any other embossing pad.  When you stamp on cardstock with a regular embossing pad, the "sticky image" you stamp on to your cardstock dries clear unless you heat emboss some embossing powders on to the sticky image.  Versamark will dry a shade darker giving you a darker color of your cardstock!

Isn't that neat?  What a perfect way to create a subtle background....especially when you don't have the correct color ink!

Versamark as an embossing pad

Versamark also serves as a typical embossing pad.  You stamp on the Versamark pad, stamp your image on cardstock, sprinkle some embossing powder on to your project, tap of the excess and you have a shiny, slightly raised image.

You stamp your image on to your cardstock, sprinkle on the colored embossing powder of your choice ( I used Embossing Powder - Asparagus on this project for my stem), use your heat embossing gun (no a hairdryer won't work) and it melts the embossing powder in to a shiny image.

I liked how the green spread down a little on to the strawberry by accident!

I love accidents that are pretty!

 

VersaMARKER

So what use would a person have for a pen filled with Versamark?

Let's take a walk through creating and image and see!

First, it is best to rub the Embossing Anti-static Pouch on your cardstock.  This keeps your embossing powder from clingy (with static) to parts of your cardstock you don't want embossed

Second, I want to use the most common embossing technique with colored embossing powder described in the previous section to form my stem.  Here I have it stamped, colored powder sprinkled on (remember after you sprinkle the powder on your stamped image, flick the excess off by flicking the cardstock gently with your finger):

 Here is what my image looks like once I get them all stamped and embossed.....but there are gaps between my vine and stems....so this is where the VersaMARKER comes in to play!

 I am going to color in that space with my VersaMARKER, sprinkle with powder, heat emboss with my heat gun and ta-da!

Now, we have a complete vine!

  

 The Versamarker is also wonderful for coloring the belly of a turtle, a puddle under your duck, or any other specific area you want shiny!  Just color with your Versamarker, sprinkle with embossing powder, and you are ready to go!

 

Versamark as an embossing pad

using a colored ink pad and clear embossing powder

You don't have the correct color of embossing powder, but you have the correct color in an ink pad?

Perfect!

You are ready to emboss!

 Here are the three items you will need for this technique:  stamp cleaning pad, Versamark, ink pad, and of course, clear embossing powder.

I know that my Pallette ink pads work in this manner as well as dye ink pads.

First, you will tap your stamp in the clear Versamark pad.

Second, you will tap your stamp on your colored ink pad.

Third, stamp on your cardstock.

Fourth, AS QUICKLY AS YOU CAN, sprinkle the clear embossing powder over your image and tap of the excess.  You must sprinkle quickly so that your ink/versamark image doesn't dry before the powder sticks to it.

Fifth, heat emboss your image!

 

Here is what your image looks like!

******VERY IMPORTANT******

You must clean your stamp between every stamping!

If you don't your Versamark pad with have colored ink all over it!

If you do forget to clean your stamp before stamping again in the Versamark, just dab your Versamark pad with a paper towel until no more color comes off your pad.

Versamark Square as an edge distresser

 Since Versamark dries a shade darker than the paper, you can use it to antique or distress your edges.

Here is my project and I wanted to give it a more aged feel.

 I took my Versamark square and rubbed it on the edges of the cardstock.

 Here is my finished piece.

 Ta-da!  What a cute card just loaded with techniques!

If you have any questions, I'll do my best to answer....just leave a comment!

 

Hope your day is filled with blessings and stamping galore!

 

Comments

[Christi Bryant]

Great tutorial! Thanks for reminding me and showing me great ways to use the versamarks! I bought a versamerk pen a while back because of how I saw it used somewhere and then promptly forgot what to use it for! Thanks for the tutorial Great Job!!

[Edwina Brown]

I just love this card! Thanks for how to make it and the use of the different versamark products. I had only used the pad. this will help a lot. Edwina

[Jennie Portonova]

Thank you! Loved the card and the tutorial. :) It sure helps to know how all these products can be used.

[auntie em]

Thanks for all the great ideas and hints. :)

[Jo Anna Grimsley]

Great tutorial! Sometimes I forget all the versatile uses of Versamark. TFS Jo4Him

[KellyRae]

I LOVE how versatile Versamark ink is. I also use it with chalks and pearl ex.

[Linda A.]

Fabulous tutorial Lori! And what a beautiful card!

[Coral Powell]

Lori,
You have widened my knowledge regarding Versamark. Never thought of 'touching up" missed spots with the pen.
I always look forward to seeing what you are coming up with (and therefore increasing my knowledge).
Keep up your inspiring work.
Coral

[Robin Burgeson]

Wow! A great tutorial. I really didn't know about some of those techniques.

[Angela Hartley]

I always learn alot from turorials. Yours was GREAT!!! I had never thought of using the versamark pad that way. FANTASTIC

[Vikki Selix]

WOW! Great tutorial! Awesome details!

[Lisa Lara]

Awesome tutorial Lori.

[Angela Gentry]

such detail! I love it. the card is very nice.

[Carol E]

Love the card thanks for the lesson, wasn't sure how to get the great background you did.

[basslady]

thanx a lot for this gorgeous tutorial!

versamark is one of the best crafting-pads ever!

i never would have thought of using it to distress the edges of my papers...always using distress inks...but that is so easy and effective...don't have to think, which colour would suit...just take the beloved versamark!

hugs and kisses from germany,
silvi

[Nana Donna]

Thanks, I love love my Versamark pad and use it all the time. I am sure many people will find this post very useful
http://nanadonnascarddreams.blogspot.com/

[Shelly Schmidt]

Darling card- I love it when the strawberry images start popping out! Summer is finally here!

[Kathleen]

WOW i have all these products but never new exactly what each does. Thank you now I will beable to use my pen to fill in those little areas that need completed.