Are you a fan of DIY projects and love to create new things? If yes, the word embossing is most likely not a new term to you, or you could have done it but not known what it is. Embossing refers to techniques that create raised designs on different surfaces. Individuals working with paper crafts use this term when referring to a technique useful in the creation of designs that are raised above the paper surface. There are multiple ways to achieve this effect, and they vary in the materials in use and technique. You can leave the finished surface after embossing or enhance the design using chalks or paint. However, this technique has diverse applications such as when creating seasonal stamps and is common among many crafters. Here are some of the embossing techniques you may have to try at some point in your craftwork:
Wet Embossing
This method involves the application of wet paper, usually tissue paper, on top of a raised rubber stamp design. Since the rubber stamp has an engraved image, it imprints the same on the wet paper. The print design on the paper will be vivid after the paper dries.
Embossing Paste
This method utilizes a special paste to create the raised design on paper surfaces. When using this embossing technique, you will need to spread the paste on a piece of paper with a stencil. You should leave the project alone for a few days to give the paste ample time to dry. The resultant will be the desired raised design. You can opt to color the dried paste using pencils or paint to add to the design details. Usually, the embossing paste is available in many colors. You will achieve the transparent and white embossing pastes using mica powders and pigments.
Heat Embossing
This technique is famous among rubber stampers. The process of embossing includes adding a powder to an image surface. The image already has an established stamp with either embossing ink or pigment. The powders undergo heating and melt as a result. After drying the powders create a hard and glossy surface. You will require a special gun to heat the powders for excellent results.
Dry Embossing
This embossing technique uses a special stylus for embossing and a stencil. The stencil is usually at the back, and a stylus pushes through a piece of paper to create the desired design. The design of the paper reflects on the front side of the paper. This is the simplest embossing technique and ideal for beginners. Even with the simplicity of this method, you can achieve intricate designs on multiple pieces of paper. Brass and copper stencils are the common stencils in use due to their strength and excellence of results that they offer.
Embossing is a useful technique in creating unique craft designs. Regardless of the method you desire to use, it is important to have the right supplies and employ the right technique. Therefore, source your seasonal stamps and other supplies for your crafting projects from a reputable crafts store. You will be adding texture and dimension to craft projects using this method.
