I am lovin' this fish. I used the medium sized one at the workshop. Well, I ordered all 3 of them - the same fish! I got it in small, medium, and large. I embossed first and then used the color wash. Just used cheap white cardstock. Loved the effect. There is a little something extra you need to do to get that matte effect. Notice how it does not look raised and shiny like embossing usually does. I like how it takes on some of the color.