A: There is a line of Coredinations cardstock called Core Impressions (embossed cardstock with a colored core). Other cardstock packs may include embossed sheets in their variety. Before I had an embossing machine I used texture plates and a stylus to emboss cardstock. The texture plates are 2-sided plastic plates with a debossed design that can be traced with a stylus or other embossing tool.

A: Try heat setting the ink to prevent smearing. Water-based or dye-based mediums may tend to bead or smear on glossy paper when wet, but a quick dry with an embossing gun can make a big difference. Alcohol inks and markers work well and dry quickly, and they also have some interesting properties on the glossy surface. Memento ink is compatible with the markers, and also does well on glossy cardstock. For stamped images not colored with alcohol markers, try Stazon, Brilliance, or chalk inks.

A: You can apply chalk directly to your card; for more vibrant color, it needs something to stick to on the surface of the card. I like to use Versamark ink, but I've seen water used as well. After applying chalk, use a spray fixative to keep it from smearing. Even aerosol hairspray will work.

A: I use a wet brush or waterbrush for covering larger areas, and a blender pen for finer details. The pigment can be lifted directly from the pencil for painting, or you can use the pencils to scribble a palette on scrap watercolor paper or cardstock. This is a great way to mix colors, too. For a more vibrant look, color the image directly with the pencils where you want the color to be strongest, then blend out with a wet brush. You can layer and blend pencil over dried paint to deepen shadows, or add unblended details with the sharpened point.

A: It may help to either put double-sided adhesive tape on the pieces before cutting or to use an adhesive-backed foil paper, like those made for the Silhouette. Otherwise, try putting a little rubbing alcohol on a paper towel and rubbing it over the surface of the paper to remove stray adhesive.