Mixed Media Pastes 101: Your Guide to Everything Paste-Related at Altenew
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Definition: Mixed media paste is a thick, creamy medium used to add tactile texture and "raised" dimension to paper crafting projects.
Embossing Paste: The foundational choice for creating solid, opaque lifts and structural depth.
Shimmer Relief Paste: Provides an elegant, sparkly finish using mica particles, offering the look of glitter without the mess.
White Relief Paste: A versatile, water-based option that can be used as-is or tinted with re-inkers and alcohol inks to create custom colors.
Crystal 3D Gel: A viscous medium that dries to a high-gloss, glass-like finish; it is also customizable with inks.
Foil Relief Paste: Allows for metallic accents by adhering foil to the paste—no heat or expensive foiling machines required.
Application: These pastes are most effective when used with stencils or applied freehand, typically requiring 2–4 hours to dry completely.
Have you ever looked at a handmade card and wondered, “How did they get that gorgeous texture?” That raised detail, that soft dimension, that interesting tactile finish, you can owe it to mixed media paste! This is one of the most versatile tools you can add to your crafting stash. It’s fun, forgiving, and incredibly impactful.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know about mixed media paste, from what it is to how you can use it to transform your projects into stunning works of art.
What is Mixed Media Paste in Crafting?
Mixed media paste is a thick, creamy medium used to create texture and dimension on paper crafting projects. It can be applied through stencils, spread freely, or layered with other mediums to produce eye-catching effects.
Why Crafters Love Mixed Media Paste
Adds instant dimension without bulky layers
Works beautifully with stencils and stamps
Can be colored, tinted, or layered
Dries to a durable, often flexible finish
Types of Mixed Media Paste at Altenew
Not all mixed media pastes are created equal! Choosing the right one depends on your project goals and maybe a specific technique that you want to achieve. Let’s go through the different Altenew mixed media paste types plus some project inspo!
Embossing Paste
Probably one of the most basic mixed media pastes that you can try is embossing paste. This medium comes packaged in a small tub, which you can then apply to your projects in order to create texture and a lifting effect. It may have a pasty texture straight out of the tub, but once you apply it to a project and wait for a few hours, it dries completely solid. If you want to elevate any of your artworks or handmade cards, embossing paste is a surefire way to do it.
Shimmer Relief Paste
Who doesn’t love a bit of subtle shine and shimmer? To create a fun, elegant vibe to your handmade creations, consider using shimmer relief mixed media paste. This medium is made with mica particles, which gives that shimmery vibe without having the mess of loose glitter. Every time you use shimmer relief paste, all you have to do is apply it on your project freehand or maybe use a stencil along with it, and wait for a few hours before it dries completely.
White Relief Paste
If you like the idea of relief paste but want something a bit more plain and versatile, white relief paste is the way to go. This is a water-based, creamy paste that you can use on its own, or color with re-inkers or alcohol inks to customize and create your own colors! Depending on the thickness of your application, it should dry fully within 2-4 hours.
Crystal 3D Gel
If you’re the type of crafter who loves shiny, glossy finishes, Altenew’s Crystal 3D gel is a must-try! This paste has a viscous consistency thanks to its being water-based, and it ends up creating a glossy, somewhat glass-like result. The best part is that you can also customize it with re-inkers or alcohol inks to make your own color combinations!
Foil Relief Paste
Do you want to try hot foiling, but want to do an easier, slightly lower-commitment version? Foil Relief Paste works wonders for making those gorgeous metallic accents with absolutely zero heat involved. All you have to do is apply foil relief paste on your stencil, gently peel it off, and then press a sheet of metallic foil onto the area for a few seconds. When you peel it off, it will uncover the most beautiful, shiny, metallic finish!
Mixed Media Paste Properties
Here’s a summary of the different Altenew mixed media paste types to give you a better overview!
Start Your Mixed Media Paste Journey at Altenew!
Imagine transforming a plain piece of cardstock into a textured, dimensional masterpiece, one that not only looks stunning but feels just as incredible. After reading this blog, we hope you have a chance to grab your crafting supplies, scoop up some paste, and start experimenting. Your next favorite technique might just be one mixed media paste swipe away!.
If you’d like to learn more about mixed media paste techniques, get daily tutorials, and all things paper crafting, check out Altenew’s blog HERE!
