Embossing How To'sEmbossing is the process of creating a three-dimensional image or design in paper and other ductile materials. It is typically accomplished with a combination of heat and pressure on the paper. DRY: This is done by tracing a stencil with a special tool called a stylus. SUPPLIES: Light box - Back-lit frame with a translucent face of plastic or glass used to transmit light through an image for the purpose of tracing and also slide viewing. Stencil Masking Tape Card Stock Stylus Step 1: Select any stencil with deeper grooves such as one made out of brass or cardboard. Using a few little pieces of masking tape, secure the stencil to the center of your light box. (If you don't have light box, you can tape your stencil to a bright window.) When taping down your stencil, remember the side of the stencil you want facing up should be the reverse of what your finished design will have. This especially important when dealing with any lettering. Step 2: Place the paper over the stencil and position as desired. Carefully tape the corners with masking tape. (You may want to test your tape first to make sure it will remove cleanly.) Card stock or any heavier paper will work best, thin sheets of paper rip easily. Vellum also works great! To help your stylus glide over the paper easier and reduce the risks of tears, rub wax paper over your paper surface. Step 3: Turn on your light box and carefully trace around the edges of the stencil design with your stylus. (A stylus has two ends; each a different size. Use the size that bests fits the size of the design.) Press firmly, but be careful not to rip the paper. The center of the traced design will automatically raised. Step 4: When you've traced the entire design, carefully lift the paper off the light source. Turn it over and admire the raised design!
You can leave your design as it is or you can color or embellish it. It can be painted with acrylics, dusted with chalk, or highlighted with glitter.
Heat embossing, is done by stamping an image on a piece of paper, sprinkling powder over the stamped image, and applying heat. The result is a stunning, raised pattern on the object you are embossing. SUPPLIES: Card Stock Stamp Embossing Ink Embossing Powder Heat Source Step 1: Using a rubber stamp (or anything else you desire) and an embossing ink pad, stamp the design on a piece of card stock. Sprinkle the stamped design generously with the powder then pour the excess powder off the design. Now the design should be completely covered with the powder, but there should be no other powder on your paper. (Return any extra powder to the jar.) Step 2: Apply heat to the powder which will make it melt and formed your raised design. The easiest way to do this is with a heat gun. If you don't have a heat gun, you can try to hold your paper carefully over a hot toaster, light bulb, or iron. Be very careful so your paper does not burn. Also, do not use a hair dryer as the air blown will cause the powder to fly away. Although these methods will work, I strongly recommend investing in a heat gun.
Step 3: Let your design cool for just a few seconds and it is now ready to be embellished if you choose. Have fun and experiment with all the wonderful colors and types of embellishing powders available!
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