Embossing is a technique used to create raised surfaces, usually on pieces of paper. In the crafting world, it is usually used for piece making greeting cards or other rubber-stamped projects.
Embossing is not difficult to learn how to do, and this project really gives your cards and stationary a professional look and feel. There are two main types of embossing done today, but both are easy enough to quickly learn.
Dry embossing, which is also called cool or cold embossing, is the most time-consuming process of the two embossing techniques. However, it is fairly simple to do, so you should give it a try if you like the finished look.
To do dry embossing, you’ll need plastic stencils and a tool called a stylus. A stylus is long like a pencil and has a metal shaft with a point that looks like a tiny ball.
Some styluses come with duel ends so you have a variety of ballpoint sizes with which to work. It is important that the stencils be made of plastic or another hard object unless you have a very steady hand because you’ll be using them as a guide.
Most people like to work on a light box to have a better view of their craft. Simply tape the stencil to the back of your paper and use your stylus to press hard as you trace the stencil.
When you tape the stencil and flip over your paper, you’ll be left with a raised image. This is a great technique for wedding invitations or baby shower cards.
Heat embossing is done very differently. In this case, no stencil is used, but you do need a rubber stamp, heat embossing ink, heat embossing powder, and a heat gun.
Do no mistake a heat gun for a hair dryer—heat guns do not blow hard or at the same temperature. To do this type of embossing, use the special ink to stamp an image onto your paper.
A stamp with a lined outline instead of a block stamp works best. This ink is made to dry very slowly, some careful not to smudge it.
Next, sprinkle the powder over the ink as if you were applying glitter. Dump the excess back into the container, gently tapping your image to remove any extra powder.
Next, use a heat gun to heat the powder. You should see it slowly melt. Immediately remove shut off the heat gun and in just a few seconds, the raised image will be completely dry.
This process, along with dry embossing, can create beautiful cards that your friend will never believe you made yourself.
Embossing is not difficult to learn how to do, and this project really gives your cards and stationary a professional look and feel. There are two main types of embossing done today, but both are easy enough to quickly learn.
Dry embossing, which is also called cool or cold embossing, is the most time-consuming process of the two embossing techniques. However, it is fairly simple to do, so you should give it a try if you like the finished look.
To do dry embossing, you’ll need plastic stencils and a tool called a stylus. A stylus is long like a pencil and has a metal shaft with a point that looks like a tiny ball.
Some styluses come with duel ends so you have a variety of ballpoint sizes with which to work. It is important that the stencils be made of plastic or another hard object unless you have a very steady hand because you’ll be using them as a guide.
Most people like to work on a light box to have a better view of their craft. Simply tape the stencil to the back of your paper and use your stylus to press hard as you trace the stencil.
When you tape the stencil and flip over your paper, you’ll be left with a raised image. This is a great technique for wedding invitations or baby shower cards.
Heat embossing is done very differently. In this case, no stencil is used, but you do need a rubber stamp, heat embossing ink, heat embossing powder, and a heat gun.
Do no mistake a heat gun for a hair dryer—heat guns do not blow hard or at the same temperature. To do this type of embossing, use the special ink to stamp an image onto your paper.
A stamp with a lined outline instead of a block stamp works best. This ink is made to dry very slowly, some careful not to smudge it.
Next, sprinkle the powder over the ink as if you were applying glitter. Dump the excess back into the container, gently tapping your image to remove any extra powder.
Next, use a heat gun to heat the powder. You should see it slowly melt. Immediately remove shut off the heat gun and in just a few seconds, the raised image will be completely dry.
This process, along with dry embossing, can create beautiful cards that your friend will never believe you made yourself.
Raising Your Greeting Cards to the Next Level: Embossing
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Oleh
Dream Come True
