Tricks and Techniques: Dry Embossing

Happy Friday, everyone!

Today on Card Tricks, we are going to be looking at dry embossing, a simple technique using stencils and a stylus to create stunning raised images.

Like heat embossing, this technique adds texture and elegance to your designs. Unlike heat embossing, dry embossing uses the paper itself to create the designs, not any added embossing powders or inks. While it can be a more subtle design element, the effect is just as beautiful.

Supplies:

·      Piece of card stock (light colours are best to start with, since the light shines through them as you are working, making it easier to see what you are tracing)

Equipment:

·      Embossing stencil

·      Double-ended embossing stylus

·      Tape

·      Piece of wax paper

·      Window (with good light) or light box

Directions:

1.     Tape the stencil to the window (or light box, if you have one).

2.     Tape the piece of card stock face down over the stencil image of your choice. Rub the wax paper lightly over the card stock (this helps with the gliding of the stylus during the tracing).

3.     Slowly and carefully trace over the image with the stylus with a light, steady and even pressure. Use the small end of the stylus for the intricate details and the large end for the larger details. Do not press too hard or you will tear the card stock.

4.     Remove the card stock and stencil from the window and carefully take off the tape. Turn the card stock over to see your finished embossed design.

I hope you all have a great week. I’m trying to get over a bout of something nasty, so I plan on taking it easy for a few days, myself. As a result, I have not decided what to do for next week’s post, so it will be a surprise for all of us. See you then!