Embossing Tutorial
Want to learn
how to emboss with flair? Here is a step-by-step guide to the basics of dry
embossing for beginners as well as fun advanced techniques using chalks,
glitter, scuffing, layering, and ripping. We'll also
show how the alignment guide can make life easier.
Beginners might want to check out our Embossing
Starter Kits – a collection of all the supplies you’ll need to get started,
at a reduced price. They’re available only at Good Impressions.
Want to
learn something about how to emboss that isn’t covered in this embossing
tutorial? Contact us and we’ll be happy to offer
you a few tips. (Or if you're an expert who knows a tip or technique that we
don’t, contact us and we’ll be happy to share it with others.)
Embossing is as
easy as 1-2-3.
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1) Place template on light source
If you don't have a light box, you can tape
the template to a window, or a glass table, or a Pyrex plate, or anything
clear and firm with a flashlight under it. If your template has words or
numbers, place the template BACKWARDS on your light source. It will look
wrong while you're tracing but then right when you turn it over.
Want a light box? Click on our
Accessories page.
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2) Wax it
Place the front of your card DOWN touching
the template. Take a piece of wax paper (it's in your
kitchen between the tin foil and the plastic wrap) and rub the wax paper
on the inside of the front of the card where the light is shining through it. This
will leave a slipperiness on the card that lets the stylus slide MUCH more
easily. |
3) Trace it
Trace the edges of the design with a stylus.
Press firmly-don't be shy. There is no need to "color in" the open parts
of the design; if you trace the edge, the middle will come with it. If you
trace around the outside edge of the template, it will create a frame for
your design.
Remember you will be tracing on the INSIDE of your card.
Need a stylus? Click on our
Accessories page. |
Then you can
add color if you like. Chalks are one easy and versatile way to do this.
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Chalk it
This
set has 24 colors, but you can make hundreds of colors from it by
blending colors and by using any particular color faintly or intensely.
Emboss first, then flip it over so
the template is on top of the
card. This will help keep the chalk just on the embossing. For the
sunflower pot, I took a stroke of brown and a stroke of orange which
blends on the applicator. For the petals, I took a stroke of the
yellow and light orange to make a perfect sunflower yellow! Blow away any
grains of chalk. If you like, spritz hairspray into the air and waft the
chalked card through it to help affix the chalk. Or add glitter over the
top of the chalk. To see our chalk choices, click on our
Accessories page.
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Chalked
Sunflower
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For a little
pizzazz, add crystal glitter over your chalked design.
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Glitter over the chalk
Zig 2 way glue pens are the best. The key to
making the glitter look good is not to overdo the glue. You should not be
able to see the blue color of the glue when you apply it. You should see the moisture of the glue, and that is enough. Not only does
the glitter look better if you don't use too much glue, but it also makes
your glue pen last even longer.
Another neat feature of this glue pen is
that it can also create a temporary bond like a Post-It note. Put the glue on,
and let it dry. Then you can tack your paper on and off. This helps with
scrapbook layouts as well as other projects. Zig glue is acid free and
Xylene free.
Want a glue pen? Click on our
Accessories page. |
Chalked and glittered
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Or, just add
glitter
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Apply glue only to the area on which you
want to put your darkest glitter. The key to making the glitter
look good is not to overdo the glue. You should not
be able to see the blue color of the glue when you apply it. You should
see the moisture of the glue, and that is enough. Not only does the
glitter look better if you don't use too much glue, but it also makes your
glue pen last even longer. |
By putting your darker glitter on first, you
can then pour your lighter color right over the darker glitter, and it
won't show.
Only use ultra fine glitter. Even fine
glitter is too chunky and looks terrible on a card.
To select from our array of glitter colors, or to buy a glue pen, click on our
Accessories page. |
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For a finished edge, trim with fancy
scissors.
(This edge is called Seagull.)
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For a subtle accent, chalk
along the cut edge. To create contrast,
you can also
put a different colored
paper behind the edge or chalk that area.
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Scuffing and
Layering
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Scuff it
Scuffing is an easy way to add color by
taking it off! Holding on to the sides of the scuffer, lay
it flat on the embossed design and slide it with light pressure back and
forth over the design. This will scuff off the colored top layer of
the paper exposing its white core. Scuffing will only work on white core
papers because if a paper is pink all the way through, then if you scuff
off the top, you'll just expose more pink! Be sure you are working on a
firm surface.
This Swirly Flower is L9464 in
Flower Templates.
Can't live without a scuffer? Click on our
Accessories page.
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Scuff the next piece
It is easiest to scuff before you
trim out the design. Note how the design is close to the edge which
saves more paper for the next card.
This frame is from M19 in
Border Templates. |
Trim around the design
Trim about an 1/8" outside of the embossed
edge. Don't worry if it's not perfect; your eye will still catch the
embossed edge which is perfect. Trim as smoothly as possible. It is
easier to move the paper as you cut than to reposition the scissors.
Cut out EASY designs. One easy and yet
dramatic effect is to emboss the rectangular frame around a design and
then simply cut out the rectangle and mount it.
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Layer the flowers
Put a dot of double-sided sticky foam tape
between the flowers which will add even more dimension to the layering.
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Add the center
Use a dot of double sided sticky foam tape
to attach the yellow center of the flower.
The scuffed swirl along the bottom of the
card is from M17 in Border Templates.
All 3 of the papers used in this card are in the Spring
Value Pack in Paper. |
Ta da!
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Ripping
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Rip it
No fancy supplies needed here! Ripping is a
surprising way to add contrast to a card. The key is to use papers which
are white on the back. You must rip UP (as shown above) to expose the
white edge of the rip. If you rip down, the white edge does not show. Rip
slowly with your fingers close to the ripping point. It isn't supposed to
look perfect--it's ripped! |
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The ripped paper can be used like a
ribbon.
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Ripping highlights the change between
2 patterns of paper. |
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In this card, the ripped edge marks
the change from grass to sky.
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Ripping makes for an interesting
alternative edge.
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All ready to go?
Click on our Ideas page for hundreds of examples of
cards and projects you can now create with your new embossing techniques, or
shop Templates and
Supplies to browse our selection.
Have a tip?
Let us know! We're always eager to hear what you've
come up with, and happy to share your tips with other customers.
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Looking for something?
Good Impressions carries over 1,000 templates, pre-packaged paper
combinations, and other supplies to meet your every embossing desire.
This website is just a sampling of what we carry -- let us know if we can help you find anything
else! |
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| To contact us, phone
(650) 345-5482
or email Janet@GoodImpressionsOnline.com |
All material on this site (c) Janet Buyers DBA Good Impressions |
     
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