Compendium of Curiosities, Week 5!

Challenge #5: Distress Powder

Sponsored by Simon Says Stamp!

Hi everyone! As you see, I've changed things up a bit this week, and congratulated the winners of last week's challenge in a separate blog post a just few minutes ago. I'll be doing it this way from now on, so don't forget to back up and see if you're a winner!

Before we get to this week's technique, I want to give a big welcome the folks who've just discovered the Compendium of Curiosities challenge! It's been absolutely wonderful to see so many new names popping up on the link list, and, of course, to have the opportunity to see all the beautiful art you're creating!

Those who are newer to this challenge series may not have had the opportunity to go back and read all the posts from the beginning, so I just want to pass along a quick reminder that you really do need to have Tim's Compendium of Curiosities to participate. When Tim gave me his permission to host this series, I promised him that I would not post details on how to do the techniques, and one of the few "rules" I have is that none of the participants do, either. This isn't just an issue of copyright (although that's certainly a consideration). It's about respecting Tim and the tremendous amount of work he put into his wonderful book. So, while I know it's counter-intuitive for most of us who blog about our art, when it comes to the actual instructions, mum's the word!

For the purposes of this challenge series, think of the Compendium as your text book, and approach the weekly challenges as a way to really perfect the technique as Tim presents it (with your own personal flair, of course!). And, if you haven't had the opportunity to get your own copy, please do! You can order it directly from Tim, or from any of the fabulous sponsors listed on the sidebar over there. →

And now... let's talk about Distress Embossing Powder!

Please open your Compendium of Curiosities to page 43, for the Distress Powder technique!

I get the impression that Distress Powder is something people either really love, or really don't like at all. I fall wholeheartedly into the LOVE camp, and my mission this week is to convert anyone who doesn't. I'm not exaggerating when I say that I consider it one of the coolest products to ever hit the crafting market.

The thing is, it's so much more than just an embossing powder, and as I've played with it I've come to think of it more as "Distress Heat-Activated Texture Enhancer of Wonder." When I want the utmost in grungy, down-and-dirty, been-around-the-block-and-all-the-better-for-it art, this is my go-to product. When I want to create a sandy beach, a gravel pathway, or even a flocked faux fabric, I grab the Distress Powder. And of course, when I want a cool, texturized, completely unique embossed effect, nothing else comes close.

I could go on and on, but I know you'd much rather hear about the prizes this week and get started on your own Distress Powder masterpiece! So, I'm happy to announce that our good friends at Simon Says Stamp are back with another fabulous $25 shopping spree! Just think... you could use that to order one of Tim's new stamp sets!

And that's not all! The lovely Gloria at the All Things Tim group is again offering a prize for one lucky member who adds their creation to the Compendium of Curiosities album at the group's home page. Please be sure to tag your photo "CCC #5" when you upload it there.

To be eligible to win either prize, simply create your own work of art using Tim's Distress Powder technique. You only need to use one color of powder,  but please be aware that you really do have to use Distress Powder for this. Plain old embossing powder just won't have the same mojo.

(SPECIAL TIP:  For the best results with the least frustration, follow all the instructions, and pay extra attention to Step 4! )

All right, my texture-loving friends, I can't wait to see you ROCK the Distress Powder technique! This challenge is open until 11:59 PM (MDT) next Sunday, July 18. I have a feeling this is going to be the coolest set of submissions yet...

Big hugs to all!
Linda