The TRUTH about Embossing Powder Tools! I was shocked! 😱

Hi friends! Today I am sharing an experiment I did with embossing powder anti-static powder tools. I was shocked by the results, and I think you will be too. Happy crafting!
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• Rabbit Hole Designs Cottontail Embossing Powder Tool
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[@PatNorris-uq4uv]

Great experiment...Rabbit Hole presents a sharper image!! Thanks for helping improve our crafting!!!❤❤

[@sherylosullivan9619]

I’ve used several different anti static tools. I never emboss with black as I find it always leaves stray bits, no matter what I do. I just ink in black and emboss in clear. Really appreciate you going to this much trouble to do this experiment. And yes, you needed control. Although that was still much neater than I’ve ever had with black powder

[@DreamCraftCreate]

Thank you! 🙂

[@lindaedwards1111]

Another long-time crafter here who has used the same anti-static powder bag for years; the older bags, like mine, used to be filled with fuller's earth. This is much better than corn starch or baby powder. However, I never thought about the oils from my fingers getting on the bag. That is one of the reasons I switched to the RHD embossing tool. I like that my fingers never come into contact with the bristles, that it uses the kaolin clay, is refillable, and easy to pop into my bag for travel. I also like that it is milled very fine so it's easy to remove the excess from dark cardstock, doing away with the cloudy look. 5/5 stars for me!

[@DreamCraftCreate]

Exactly! I am still loving mine! 🙂

[@anneslinger2189]

As a former high school science teacher, I approve this use of the scientific method. I was SO happy that you added in your control! And I appreciate all the good information. I actually transferred the powder from my embossing powder tool (which I hated...I won't name the brand here) into a fondant dusting tool (which is contained. When that runs out, maybe I will invest in a Rabbit hole designs refill. Thanks again!

[@DreamCraftCreate]

Thank you so much! ❤️

[@jalh3]

Long time crafter and yes, this was very helpful. I’ve never been entirely happy with any of the powder tools and thought the new pump-action one was just another gimmick. But to see the difference it made in crispness and that it’s not cornstarch but rather a different powder altogether were quite convincing. Thank you!

[@DreamCraftCreate]

Thank you! 🙂

[@debtheisen8110]

This was very helpful. Thank you! It is nice to have a place to go to get honest thoughts and comments on a product. Keep them coming! 😊 Thanks again!

[@DreamCraftCreate]

Thanks! 🙂

[@nicolalederer9517]

Thank you for this, such objective comparison videos are definitely helpful! It allows all crafters to make an informed choice rather than having to try all the different products. Saving crafters money, time and frustration and saving the environment, too! Kind regards from Germany, Nicola

[@DreamCraftCreate]

Thanks, Nicola! Glad it was helpful. 🙂

[@ivyseabreeze]

Thank you for this video. I have a corn allergy and had to stop embossing because I would have an allergic reaction to the embossing powder tools. This gives me hope to emboss again.

[@PatNorris-uq4uv]

Very helpful indeed. Thnx for doing this experiment for us. Any expert advice is so appreciated!!❤

[@DreamCraftCreate]

Thank you! 😊

[@MercyCuenca]

Excellent comparison.

[@DreamCraftCreate]

Thanks! 😊

[@MelsHobbyCorner]

Great comparison, Charlene! I recently purchased the RHD tool and have definitely noticed a difference as well compared to my old EK Tools powder tool. My embossed images and sentiments are definitely crisper now.

[@DreamCraftCreate]

Thanks, Melissa! Definitely crisper. That’s the perfect word. And I’ll take all the help I can get when cardmaking! 😆

[@YvetteOleaCreates]

Thanks for this wonderful comparison. I actually use baby powder and the sweeping brush (when I remember) before embossing. I appreciate the time you took to film this comparison. TFS 😊

[@DreamCraftCreate]

Thanks, Yvette! 🙂

[@wendyleung5137]

Thanks for the video. I have the bag and I hate having the powder on my fingers. I've often wondered about the Rabbit Hole and so this is very helpful.

[@DreamCraftCreate]

Thank you! 🙂

[@patwilliams9036]

just F Y I, if you have an old binder clip, attach it to the side of the bag and it keeps your fingers clean. 😂

[@jogriffiths4797]

Very helpful, particularly in showing the difference inside the image, without the brush.

[@DreamCraftCreate]

Yay! Glad it was helpful for you. ❤️

[@PaperGlueFun]

I appreciate that you did this experiment. Some papers (especially water color papers) are terrible about grabbing onto the embossing powder if I forget to use my anti-static powder first, but I like the fact that they don't use corn starch in your new tool. Good information to know.

[@DreamCraftCreate]

Yes, paper definitely makes the biggest difference in my experience. 🙂

[@barbborja1910]

Great comparison! I recently bought the RHD powder tool for convenience and was pleasantly surprised and impressed by how much better it works on detailed items. For those who have mentioned it in other comments, it wipes off dark card stock soooooo much better! I did a LOT of embossing at a retreat I just returned from, so it got quite a workout. I cannot recommend this tool enough, especially if you like detailed stamps and small sentiments.

[@DreamCraftCreate]

Thanks! 💕

[@Mari-cre8s]

Definitely a helpful video, TY! I gave up on black embossing powder years back as it always made a mess. I just stamp in black pigment ink then clear emboss! But, I use white, golds and silvers and this will likely be a game changer! 🧑🏼‍🎨💗👏🏻

[@DreamCraftCreate]

Thank you! ❤️

[@craftmeacard]

I was able to see the difference when I wasn’t using the embossing buddy. I have to try the Rabbit Hole one once I’m off my spending freeze 😆 TFS

[@craftmeacard]

P.S. Yes these kind of videos are welcome 👏👏👏

[@DreamCraftCreate]

Thanks, Ana! I was really surprised. I guess I thought there would be a huge difference between all of them. 😆

[@shellyrene5708]

I notice the biggest difference when using acetate and the amount of static in the air. I have also noticed different powders seems more prone to hang on where they’re not wanted. For sure I believe many of the different versions absolutely make a difference. I appreciate the video comparison! I love the rabbit hole version for ease of use just not so much a fan of residual powder on dark paper - just have to wipe that with a damp cloth

[@DreamCraftCreate]

Thanks for watching, Shelly! 🙂

[@tamathaan77drews40]

Versa Fine black onyx ink with clear embossing powder has worked better for me over the years far better than any brand of black embossing powder. The image is always crisp. Tfs

[@DreamCraftCreate]

I like doing that too. I do one or the other depending on the look I am going for. 🙂

[@kkrolf2782]

QUESTION, Please … What BRAND, STYLE, etc., of CLEAR embossing powder do you use? Tfs.

[@DreamCraftCreate]

I use Ranger super fine clear and Simon Says Stamp fine detail clear. My favorite is the Simon brand, but there really is not a huge difference. 🙂

[@tamathaan77drews40]

@@kkrolf2782 Ranger

[@TruerNorthDesign]

Thank you, once again. Answered all my questions, I appreciate you made a control example as well.

[@DreamCraftCreate]

Yay! Thank you. 🙂

[@thevictorianedge5465]

Thank you for testing all of these methods. I just bought my first heat gun and embossing powder yesterday. I have been paper crafting for some years but never decided to try the embossing method until yesterday. In fact I have not even opened the items yet. Plus I knew nothing about using any sort of powder to prime the card stock. So I’m definitely learning!!! Thank you for the video.

[@DreamCraftCreate]

Embossing is a lot of fun! I recommend trying clear and metallic embossing powders first. 🙂

[@desireejones1917]

Tfs! I wonder if the difference would be more pronounced on black paper using white embossing powder?

[@DreamCraftCreate]

I have noticed similar differences with the white embossing powder on black cardstock. I imagine though there might be differences based on where people live too. 🙂

[@pmuvideos7912]

I have the RHD tool, too, and noticed a difference right away, but I thought it might be because of the applicator? Thanks for the comparisons!

[@caroletea9410]

Thank you for doing this test and answering my questions.

[@DreamCraftCreate]

Thank you! 🙂

[@leeannm.947]

Thanks! I think I'll make my own bag. Helpful to know what to put in.

[@DreamCraftCreate]

Thanks for watching! 🙂

[@KathleenMc73]

I think it would make more sense to heat without using the paintbrush so we can see how much ep remains on the card just after tapping off the excess.

[@DreamCraftCreate]

There was still enough on the cardstock that I would use a brush. It was a large piece of cardstock though. When I use small strips, I find that I do not generally need a brush.

[@johannagoldenberg3300]

I've never seen this rabbit hole anti-static tool; however, I have the same anti-static bag ("the sock") thwt I've had for almost 30 years (😮) which still works a treat *when i remember to use it 😎). I think I would like to try this new too, though.

[@DreamCraftCreate]

Thanks for watching. 🙂

[@dianalama1591]

I was contemplating making the RHD tool purchase… you just helped me out👍

[@Sjohnston1928]

Great video. Good information.

[@DreamCraftCreate]

Thanks for watching!

[@kkrolf2782]

Thanks BUNCHES for this evaluation! I’ve been loathe to dose my cards with CORNSTARCH, thinking all the while just what an INVITATION to VERMIN that could become if my “little gift” were ever stored in anything less than a hermetically-sealed, plastic container!

[@DreamCraftCreate]

I hadn’t even thought about that! 😳

[@justjodi5289]

Thanks!!!

[@amyt6254]

Thank you for sharing your experiment.

[@DreamCraftCreate]

Thanks for watching! 🙂

[@sherir4462]

I like the rabbit hole designs one, too! This was helpful!

[@DreamCraftCreate]

Thank you! ❤️

[@jayclarke2268]

Really useful, thank you

[@DreamCraftCreate]

Glad it was helpful! 🙂

[@marybrandenburg4867]

Very interesting. Thank you

[@DreamCraftCreate]

Thanks! 🙂

[@caronjackson386]

Thank you for doing this experiment. Have been thinking about an embossing brush after always using a bag and now I will.😊

[@DreamCraftCreate]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tami1796]

Thank you for sharing your videos

[@DreamCraftCreate]

Thanks for watching! 🙂

[@NinaCraftina]

thanks for your time to make this helpful comparison 😍 lovely video Charlene 😍

[@DreamCraftCreate]

Thanks, Nina. 😘

[@bethjeans3780]

I’m late for the party! Absolutely, please make more tester and comparison videos. I’ve found either the embossing bag or Rabbit Hole tool or EK Tool Powder Tool help a lot. (EK’s is a hard plastic container with a tiny brush at the top.) Maybe part of it is climate/weather - more humid maybe (?) making stray powder stick to the paper more, even in conditioned spaces (heat and AC). I’m never certain powder is coming out of the Rabbit Hole Design one so should practice more with it. Most card makers I’ve met don’t even try to heat emboss with black since it’s the finickiest, usually using black ink and clear EP. But I’ve heard Brutus Monroe’s black is excellent. I just bought some but haven’t tried it. Thanks for a needed video!👏

[@DreamCraftCreate]

Thank you! 🙂 For the RHD tool, a little goes a long way. I find there is much less powder dispensed than the traditional bag. I rarely need to pump it because when you close it, you do the single pump that is need for the next use. I’ve grown to love it even more. I also will stamp with black ink and use clear embossing powder. Both are good, just different. Thanks for watching!

[@bethjeans3780]

@@DreamCraftCreate I need to try the RHD one on black cardstock in order to be convinced powder is coming out. While we’re supposed to see a tiny dot of white in the center to know the powder is sufficient, but sometimes I don’t see the dot. I’ll use it tomorrow!

[@SoulfulXprssion]

I love to see these types of comparisons- they really do make a difference.. I have often thought of using cornstarch but have not this makes me want to do a test with it🤗‼️

[@DreamCraftCreate]

Thanks! 🙂

[@peggydollar3089]

Thanks for doing this. I have the cotton tail one and had quit using this because it was easier to just pick up the pad...

[@DreamCraftCreate]

Thanks, Peggy. There is something to be said for just grabbing what’s close by! 😆

[@shannonpeterson5949]

I would love to see how kaolin clay is on dark paper. My regular powder bag leaves the most irritating discoloration on my black cardstock.

[@DreamCraftCreate]

It does leave powder, though a lot less than the bag. Seems to wipe off just fine with a towel. 🙂

[@dianaedwards6238]

Thank you Very helpful

[@DreamCraftCreate]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lynnmcfarlin6261]

Thanks for sharing your research!

[@DreamCraftCreate]

Thanks for watching! 🙂

[@PamG012]

This is great! Exactly what I've been wondering about. I have a standard anti- static powder bag and looked at the Rabbit Hole Designs one and was wondering if it was worth it to get something I basically already have. But your little test showed the answer!

[@DreamCraftCreate]

Thanks, Pam! 🙂

[@olivia8979]

A lot of times I can't find my embossing tool so either use a dryer sheet or go without. I actually think the dryer sheet works pretty well, but never feel like it is making a huge difference if I go without using it. But I guess it does come down to those details. A few stray pieces of stray embossing here and there can add up. Regarding the black embossing powder being the most problematic... don't you think it is just because you can see the tiny specs more than you can with white and clear. And even gold and silver - you would see them but they wouldn't be as dark/high contrast as the black.

[@DreamCraftCreate]

I agree, dryer sheets are always good in a pinch! In particular they work really well on acetate. ❤️ I do think it's something about the actual black embossing powder. I can feel and see all of the little left over particles on my paper that I pour over, but I have less when I use white and almost none when I use metallics. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@kh3612]

​@@DreamCraftCreate On the subject of dryer sheets, when I make a shaker card, I always include a tiny piece of dryer sheet to keep the shaker particles from sticking together.

[@kh3612]

Thank you for your excellent comparison video of the Cottontail Embossing Powder Tool. I always like to read other opinions of a product I'm considering purchasing.

[@DreamCraftCreate]

Yes! I do that sometimes in my sequin compacts if they are extra staticky. 🙂

[@AlaneLane]

Thank you for sharing.

[@DreamCraftCreate]

Thanks for watching. 🙂

[@prettyrichgirl2007]

Nice info... Tks for the info.

[@DreamCraftCreate]

Thanks for watching. 🙂

[@25Prague]

Very helpful comparison, Charlene--TFS!!

[@DreamCraftCreate]

Glad it was helpful! ❤️

[@Pebblesmas]

Thx so much

[@melissazabower339]

I pretty much forget the anti-static bag every.time. it really doesn't bother me. I mostly use colored ink (distress oxide) with clear powder so it isn't that noticeable.

[@DreamCraftCreate]

Colored ink with clear embossing powder is a pretty look. 🙂

[@kathyboings1227]

Thank you for doing this and sharing it!!!

[@DreamCraftCreate]

Of course!! ❤️

[@CutiePatootieCrafts]

Great comparisons! I definitely make a mess with my powder tools lol I even got a little desk vacuum. 😆

[@DreamCraftCreate]

Thank you! ❤️ I have thought about getting one of those little vacuums to pick up embossing powder. 😆

[@margiepalmeri343]

Some stampers don’t use them at all

[@CookScrapCraft]

Thanks so much for taking us through this. I've only used embossing powder with no special tools, and I love it! Don't use it enough, though. Good to know about the Rabbit Hole Designs product.

[@DreamCraftCreate]

Thanks, Laurie. Embossing powder is so fun!

[@lindadunstall1790]

Thanks so much for enlightening us about this so called "must have" item, in one form or another, to prevent unwanted marks that become permanent if heat set. I used to make cards once a month with a lady who had LOTS of card making items. I remember one Christmas card she made & sent me. There were bits of heat embossing that weren't meant to be on Father Christmas & his sleigh. I thought at the time, & still do, that it's a shame that it spoiled the otherwise beautiful card she gave me. I wondered if it was poor eyesight, or lack of knowledge about anti-static bags which were available at the time. I never saw her use one. Your video didn't show a totally untreated card which could have resembled hers - i.e. with heat embossed spots! Please do one without using any powders, bags nor brushing off, & one other (using everything to prevent the unsightly bits) to compare the two methods. That, would definitely prove the point, to me & you! 🥰🙏🌹

[@DreamCraftCreate]

Thanks for watching! 🙂

[@nelliebeans5]

I bought the the embossing tool it is same as the rabbit hole but not branded it is Poppy Craft and I bought extra bottle of the Kaolin Powder but I couldn’t seem to get the powder to dispense thru the brush so I thought the Kaolin was too Cakey so I tried to crush it but still didn’t think it was able to go through the brush so Yesterday I removed the Kaolin Powder and replaced it with Cornflour 8:22 and it appears to be working now … lol … but I had no instructions with it so Maybe it was because 🐑 are supposed to pump it … lol … well when it does need refilling I will re try the Kaolin and pumping… lol …

[@DreamCraftCreate]

Good luck! I hope it works with the pumping. 🙂

[@love2create62]

Thank you for the helpful video, I would definitely enjoy seeing more comparison videos. I have the RHD tool now and I see a big difference in the amount of embossing powder I have to remove before heating it. There's a lot less than when I use the bag. I did see other companies are now coming out with their version of the RHD tool. You may have to do a whole other comparison with all of those new tools! 😉😂

[@DreamCraftCreate]

Thank you! ❤️

[@TerisMailbox]

Great comparison!

[@DreamCraftCreate]

Thanks, Teri!

[@ortizle1]

I am just starting with card making. I made the mistake of forgetting to dust my card and I noticed no difference. So I figured it is companies wanting to sell you more junk.

[@DreamCraftCreate]

Thanks for watching! 🙂

[@kathrynpasquenza1401]

Very helpful! Thanks!

[@DreamCraftCreate]

Thank you! ❤️

[@bettydavies6716]

Interesting. Been embossing for thirty years now and started with baby powder as an anti static until I could afford an embossing buddy. As I’m in the UK I think I’ll be getting a bag of kaolin. Was surprised to see you blow to remove excess powder. I was taught to flick or tap gently and will continue to do that.

[@valeriew5113]

This was very interesting, thanks

[@DreamCraftCreate]

Thank you! 🙂

[@HeiderosesPhotograph]

I don't use an anti-static tool and my stuff comes out fine.TFS

[@DreamCraftCreate]

That’s great! Paper type, embossing powder brand, and climate also make a difference. 🙂

[@craftysquirrel2958]

👍🏼

[@conniemendenhall8413]

I refuse to use any BLACK embossing powder because it’s so difficult to work with. I like to use Versafine BLACK ink to stamp the image and then use CLEAR embossing powder. Also, you can use the clear embossing powder with ANY color of ink.

[@DreamCraftCreate]

Yes, you are much less likely to have any problems using black pigment ink with clear embossing powder. It is a different look though. Black embossing powder really looks amazing if done right. 🙂 Thanks for watching!

[@marymansfield4744]

I have problems when I use the powder tool on black cardstock I can’t seem to get of the dusty shadow. What cloth should I use?

[@DreamCraftCreate]

I use a microfiber cloth and it works great! 😊

[@gingerpayne7310]

Very helpful video, does the rabbit embossing toy leave whiteness on dark card stock? That is one of my problems with embossing bags on dark card stock leaving the white.

[@DreamCraftCreate]

It does leave a little, but not nearly as much as the embossing bags. 🙂

[@debtheisen8110]

Try using a Swiffer cloth to remove the powder after you emboss your image.

[@gingerpayne7310]

@@debtheisen8110 thank you, I will try that

[@cuddlykoala5992]

Wiping away the grains over the page defeated the purpose of the test. The antistatic powder is supposed to stop that from happening in the first place :)

[@DreamCraftCreate]

Unfortunately I haven’t found any anti-static powder tool that eliminates grains on the page when it comes to black embossing powder. There is definitely a difference on the inset parts of the butterfly wings though where I did not use the brush so I think the experiment still has merit. I’m still using the RHD tool and I have really come to love it. Thanks for watching. 🙂

[@a.quetim6738]

It's not cornstarch, I have tried it and it makes a mess. I think it's talc, it smells like it. In fact, using products with talc is dangerous. I think that's why they don't say what it is. Thanks for the video!

[@DreamCraftCreate]

Thanks! Yes, I think some use talcum powder too.

[@lisajordan2651]

Do you know why the tinsel sparkles come off after you heat emboss with tinsel embossing powder? No matter what I do it still comes off! Just the sparkles not the color. Ty

[@DreamCraftCreate]

Hmm. My best guess is that there is too much glitter and not enough polymer so when it melts it is not capturing all of the glitter. You could do an experiment where you add a little bit of the same plain color with a little bit of the tinsel and mix it up and then try to emboss something. I only have two sparkly embossing powders. They are both hero arts and I have not had any issues, but I also do not use them very often. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@lisajordan2651]

Thank you so much! I will try that. It doesn't "melt" like the plain fine powder either.

[@DreamCraftCreate]

Good luck! 🙂

[@krenkurts5054]

Where can you get a sweep brush?

[@DreamCraftCreate]

It looks like it is out of stock right now, but this is the one I have: shrsl.com/3v75n 🙂

[@Debbie5668]

I was making a card with black cardstock. I used the anti cling pouch. Big mistake😂now it looks dusty and won’t come off. Embossing powder seems to show more on the black cardstock. Learning curves😂😫😭

[@DreamCraftCreate]

Try wiping off the cardstock with a microfiber cloth. It helps a bunch! 🙂

[@rosyc9250]

I think the biggest difference is on non-paper items such as glass, plastic, acetate, etc.

[@kkrolf2782]

So, you’ve used the RH brush on substrates other than card stock?

[@DreamCraftCreate]

I have tried it on paper and acetate. I think a dryer sheet does a better job on acetate so I use that if I remember. 🙂

[@kkrolf2782]

@@DreamCraftCreate Gotcha. Thx bunches for your response. 🫶

[@christinecox9625]

Thx for the video, it was interesting! I have used so many different tools over the years. To name a few the SU! Embossing Buddy, Darice Powder Bag, EK Success Tool (clogs all the time) and I even made my own tool with combination powders. Personally, I feel the RHD is mainly for the tool itself. In my experience whatever kind of powder used doesn't matter as much. The Pink & Main works similar, but we really don't know what the actual powder is. There is another tool out there that I believe is yellow and wider in girth. I can't remember what it's called or where I saw it. If anyone knows pls leave me a comment. Bottom line for me is whatever works-that's what I'll use! Blessed crafting! 😊

[@DreamCraftCreate]

The tool is great. I love that I am not getting powder everywhere. I do see a difference between the powders, though it really is not as pronounced as I thought it would be! 🙂

[@dixieblasberg9565]

Great test & comparison, however, I think it would have been even more helpful if you had not gone to the work of removing the extra with the brush. I would have liked to be able to see how much was actually sticking to the card stock before brushing it off. To me that would be more telling.

[@DreamCraftCreate]

Thanks! Since I was using a large sheet of cardstock there was definitely enough there that I still needed to use a brush to remove the extra pieces. I think it does a better job than the bag, but it's real benefit to me is that there is no mess and the embossing lines turn out sharper. 🙂

[@janiew4109]

Your findings did not make me want to buy a new embossing tool. I have an ek sucess tool that I have had for many years and it works fine for me. The brush tip however, is bent and misshapen. When it comes time to buy a new tool, I may buy the Rabbit Hole one simply because the brush goes up into the handle and won't get messed up. I haven't had a problem with embossing powder getting all over the inside of my organizer, but if I did, that might be another reason to consider the Rabbit Hole design.

[@DreamCraftCreate]

Glad the video helped you to make a decision. 🙂

[@laurasutton1551]

Don't use black embossing powder or versa mark. I hate versa mark ink doesn't work for black I use my misty first I use black archive ink then restamp in black distressed oxide ink & I then use clear embossing powder of course use your powder tool before stamping

[@DreamCraftCreate]

Glad you found something that works for you. Thanks for watching. 🙂

[@CarolineFord1]

It will affect how many things you have to sweep away. The click bait video title is grim.

[@DreamCraftCreate]

I like my title. Did you watch the video? It’s only click bait if the title isn’t true or is misleading. I actually explain what embossing powder is and why I was so shocked. Thanks for insulting my video though, it’s very helpful. 🙂