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Dry embossing



How to use the embossing tool



I think dry embossing gives a subtle, softer look to your papercraft projects.

"embossed - brocaded: embellished with a raised pattern
created by pressure or embroidery;
"brocaded silk"; "an embossed satin"; "embossed leather"; "raised ...
~Wikipedia"

 





Dry Embossing is so easy to do and can add a real professional touch! You can buy metal templates and embossing tools from most craft stores. The templates come in a variety of patterns and shapes and sizes. (I have my eye on a lovely dragon one, actually. One day it may come to live in my craft cupboard!)

In the picture at the top of the page you can just see the shadow of my brass template behind the paper I am working on.

Here's what I do:

  • Select my cardstock, template and tool

  • Find a window with lots of light behind it

  • Tape or blue-tack my template to the window at a comfortable height for me to work on. In the image above you can see I've chosen a brass rose template and it is under the paper I am working on (you can see a corner of the template on the lower right in the picture at the bottom of the cardstock)

  • Place the cardstock over the template where I want my finished design to appear

  • Run the stencil tool firmly over the template and cardstock, making sure I rub all metal edges of the images with the tool. Work by rubbing the tool in one direction all over the paper, then return and cross-hatch the image with the tool if desired. Be careful not to press too hard or your tool may go through the paper

  • Remove my template and cardstock, turn the paper over so the raised side is 'up' and use the image as desired!



This image has been finished with pastel chalks



Many people have light boxes and use them to see the template behind their cardstock instead of a window. This may be a lot more comfortable for you to use, if you have one. You can also just raise the outline of your image by running your tool only along the edge of the designs instead of cross hatching them.

Other things to try with Dry Embossing:

Look for unusual 'templates' to try:

  • the edges of tearing rulers
  • leaves
  • hold your cardstock over an etched design on a vase, for example, and use it as a template


Be inventive and enjoy your experiments!

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What Other Visitors Have Said

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Dry Embossing and Inking  starstarstarstarstar
Hi Susan

I wanted to show you the card I made using dry embossing and pastel coloured inks. I dry embossed the flowers then inked them. It makes the ...

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