First of all, what is embossing? Embossing is a technique that renders a raised image or texture on paper either with a tool or with inks, powders and heat.
To dry emboss, you will need an embossing tool (sometimes referred to as a stylus), stencils or templates, and paper. Thinner papers are better to use for dry embossing since they can be easily molded into the template shapes. Above are Love Without End and Simply Circles brass templates from Stampin’ Up! The Classy Brass templates come in exclusive designs that coordinate with popular stamp sets from Stampin’ Up! Fun and easy to use, these durable brass templates are ideal for giving your projects both depth and dimension with elegant embossed-paper effects around your stamped art.
This card, made to look like a gift box, has been dry embossed along the orange strip. The strip, cut to be the ribbon-like closure on the gift, is embossed by placing the paper on top of the Simply Circles template. You will need a light source — a light box is ideal — to be able to see the stencil through the paper. If you don’t have a light box, you can also use a window as a light source but it can be tricky to hold the stencil and paper in place. A stylus is then used to emboss the circles across the paper. The resulting raised circles add texture and style to the card.
Here is an example of embossing with inks, powders and a heat tool. Heat embossing requires a heat source. If you plan to continue with embossing projects, a heat tool is a good investment. A heat tool looks like a hair dryer but does not blow air. It simply lets off enough heat to melt the embossing powders.
To emboss with inks and powders, first stamp your image with embossing ink onto your paper. It is important to use either embossing or pigment inks because they stay wet long enough to keep the embossing powder in place to melt with your heat tool. Other inks dry too quickly and will not allow the powder to hold.
Next, sprinkle embossing powder over the stamped image. For this project, a clear embossing pad and gold embossing powder are used. With your heat tool, melt the powder. You will know it is melted when you can no longer see the granules of the powder. While heating, make sure to constantly move the heat tool back and forth. If you leave the heat in one place too long, you may scorch your paper and have to start over. Lay the embossed paper aside until it is completely dry. Touching the hot powder will leave finger prints or other residue on the paper which may not be removable.
Embossed images can be used in many different ways. This project can become either a locker mirror or candle plate. Some of the flowers were embossed on white cardstock and others on dark yellow cardstock. After each of the flowers was embossed, they were cut out and curled slightly with a paper creaser. The flowers were arranged to fit around the mirror and glued in place. The center of the flowers is made with a dab of Ranger’s Gold Pearl Liquid Pearls and White Opal Liquid Pearls.
Embossing techniques deliver wonderfully versatile results. Dry embossing the card was quick and easy. Heat embossing, while it takes more time, can produce incredible works of art. Both techniques can successfully be used by novice as well as advanced crafters. You just have to be willing to try something new and let your creativity flow!
To find the products mentioned in this article and shown in these layouts, check with your local scrapbook retailer. Browse our Premier Retail Stores for coupons to a store near you.
