google.com, pub-5059501654592326, DIRECT, f08c47fec0942fa0
Written and Created by PaperCraftCentral Susan
I think dry embossing gives a subtle, softer look to your papercraft projects. It also creates a lot of texture and interest in white spaces.
Definition: "embossed - brocaded: embellished with a raised pattern
created by pressure or embroidery;
"brocaded silk"; "an embossed satin"; "embossed leather"; "raised ..."
~Wikipedia
Dry Embossing by hand is so easy to do and can add a real
professional touch to your handmade greeting cards and other craft projects. It is a different technique to heat embossing. You do not get a shiny result with this technique.
You can also dry emboss using a Big Shot machine and embossing folders. I talk about both methods on this page.
You can buy brass templates and embossing tools from
most papercraft stores. The templates come in a variety of patterns,
shapes and sizes. I have my eye on a lovely dragon one, actually. One
day it may come to live in my craft cupboard. I think working with a Big Shot machine
is a perfect way to create this look, but you can also create it with
the brass templates. I'll tell you how to use the templates here.
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.
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.
Look for unusual 'templates' to try such as:
Be inventive and enjoy your manual dry embossing experiments.
Once you have tried the manual embossing technique you may want to branch out and consider purchasing a Big Shot machine. You would then be able to expand your papercrafting to include die cutting and machine embossing. It is so quick, easy and convenient to have a Big Shot machine from Stampin' Up!
There is an example of a raised image created by the Big Shot machine below. The light blue cardstock mat has been run through the Big Shot machine with an embossing folder.
Remember to Contact Me if you have any questions or inquiries about the techniques or products used here.
To use textured embossing folders, follow the instructions on the Stampin' Up! packaging to make a 'sandwich' with the Big Shot embossing plates. In most cases, you will use the main Big Shot platform, a B Plate, the embossing folder in which you have placed your cardstock, and another B Plate.
Roll the entire sandwich through the machine. Take out your impressed cardstock and use it as an element on your card.
There are both textured and dynamic embossing folders available in the new Stampin' Up! catalogue (click on the place your order link in the right column to see what is currently available).
Dynamic embossing folders are thicker than textured ones are and will give you a deeper impression. To use them, you only need the Big Shot platform, the dynamic embossing folder, a piece of cardstock inside the folder, and one B Plate on top.
Here is a little video showing you how to use dynamic textured embossing folders from Stampin' Up!:
I hope you enjoy using some of these techniques to enhance your paper projects. Remember you can use raised elements on scrapbook pages, 3-d projects like boxes and flowers as well.
New! Comments
Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.