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Tips
for Embossing
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| Embossing
is a great way to add texture and dimension to your pages. There are
two types of embossing, dry embossing and heat embossing. |
| Embossing
Tips on this Page are divided into categories. You may click on any
category to be taken automatically to that category or just scroll
down the page to view all the categories. |
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|
Standard
stylus and brass stencil |
| Dry
Embossing |
| For
dry embossing you only need two tools, a stencil/template
and a stylus. You can use many types of paper and will
get many different results depending on the color/type
of paper you use. You may also with to add chalk to your
embossed elements for an even more dramatic effect. |
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| The
Tools
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| As
mentioned above, the basic dry embossing technique only
requires two tools, a stencil/template and a stylus. Both
items are available at many craft stores, scrapbooking
stores or direct sales companies. The stylus comes in
various sizes and you will want to experiment with which
size(s) work best for you. |
| At
the left are two of the most common stylus tools used
for embossing. The Making Memories stylus works best with
more intricate stencils while the Chatterbox Empressor
is best for use with larger templates. |
|
Making Memories Stylus (top) &
Chatterbox Empressor (bottom) |
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I
have found that you can use any sort of template to emboss,
so don't limit yourself to just the brass stencil tools available.
Try many items until you find what you like best. For this first
example we are using a floral template by Lasting Impressions
and a tan cardstock paper. |
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| In
the first technique, you use a lightbox, a glass table with
a light under it or a window with the sun coming through it
and place your stencil on the flat surface. Next position your
paper over the template with the side of the paper you want
to be visible face down (this is especially important on two-toned
card stock). Lightly rub the area of the edges where the stencil
design is cut out. This will leave a raised impression on your
paper as shown at right. |
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 |
Although
the image above looks nice, for a more dramatic look you might
want to apply chalks or colored pencils to your design to show
more detail. In the sample shown left we have added red chalk
to the rose, green chalk to the leaves and a gray chalk to the
box outline. This gives the image more detail and allows chosen
images to stand out more on the page. |
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| Another
stenciling method is to place your stencil on a flat surface
and place your paper over it, noting where your stencil pattern
is on the paper. Lightly press or rub where the stencil is to
get a light outline and then lightly rub the area of the edges
of the stencil is. I have found that this method works better
for larger stencils using the Chatterbox Empressor. Shown at
left a Border Buddy template embossed using the Empressor. |
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| Keep
in mind you may purchase special embossing stencils (usually made
of brass), but I have found my Border Buddies and other stencils work
equally as well. Experiment with what you have on hand and then purchase
more items as you find you need them. |
| Making
Your Own Lightbox |
| You
can create your own light box quickly and easily from items you might
have at home. To create a lightbox you will need the following items: |
- Light source such as a flexible lamp
- Piece of glass (with edges taped to avoid cutting yourself)
or piece of plexiglass
- Books or other items to use as a riser for the glass
|
| Stack
your books or other items high enough on each side to accommodate
your light source and place glass or plexiglass on top. Tape a piece
of lightweight paper to the top of the glass to act as a a light diffuser. |
| Turn
on light and you are ready to go! |
| Heat
Embossing |
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|
| This
technique has been around for sometime and is a great
method to use with rubber stamps. The items you need are
shown at left, they are a heat gun, embossing stamp pad
(not shown), embossing powder and a rubber stamp. |
| You
can also use a regular stamp pad for embossing but keep
in mind you will have to work very quickly so that the
ink does not dry prior to you applying the embossing powder.
Pigment ink stamp pads work very well as they take longer
to dry so you have more time to work. |
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|
| Lay
out some newspaper or a large cookie sheet. You also might want
to use something to pour your unused embossing powder in for
reuse. Set your paper up with the area you want to emboss face
up. Press
the rubber stamp onto the embossing stamp pad, covering the
stamp with the "ink." Press the stamp on your paper
where you want the embossed design to go. |
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| Pour
embossing powder onto the stamped area and pour excess
off onto a sheet of clean white paper (this powder is
still good and can be used on the next design or poured
back into the bottle). |
| Take
embossed stamped paper and place over a heat source like
a dry iron, toaster, hot plate or light bulb. Put close
enough to get warm but DO NOT allow paper to burn. Embossing
powder with "melt" leaving you with an embossed
image as shown at left. |
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| Embossing
Using Your Ink Jet Printer |
| Want
to create fabulous looking embossed designs from your Ink Jet Printer?
Follow these quick and easy tips: |
| 1. Create
a design on your computer using your word processing, photo imaging
or other software. |
| 2. Print
design onto vellum. Vellum must be used as it stays "wet"
enough to allow you to use your embossing powder. |
| 3. Immediately
remove your design printed on vellum from your ink jet and apply embossing
powder. |
| 4. Melt
embossing powder with your heat gun and you will have a fabulous embossed
design. This is a great way to make custom "raised" print
invitations that your friends will think were professionally printed! |
| Embossing
Ideas |
| 1. Emboss
and create and entire background. This is best done with a set pattern
to create a nice surface. |
| 2. Cut
out your embossed items leaving a little bit of an edge. Glue these
embossed "die cuts" to your pages. |
| 3. Color
your embossed designs with colored pencils or chalks to create definition. |
| 4. Emboss
on vellum to create muted embossing. |
| Click
here to return to the main scrapbooking page with links to other tips. |
