You received a letter. Lift the flap of the envelope and pull out the sheet inside. The card is beautiful, it must have cost a lot. By running your fingers over the paper, you can feel the texture of that elegant embossed decoration. You immediately want to make one the same, and think … it's not expensive and it's not even that difficult to do it. The embossed part is made with a technique called "embossing". There are two different processes: hot embossing and dry embossing. Depending on the technique you choose to adopt, different tools and utensils are required.
The hot embossing overlaps the relief by adding a second layer of paper for decoration, while the dry embossing creates the relief on the paper itself; generally, the latter method requires the use of a special machine, but it can still be done by hand.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Hot Embossing
Step 1. Prepare the card
Arrange a large paper cutout like a placemat in front of you. Place your cardstock in the center and so that the part you want to get the relief on is facing up.
Step 2. Use the rubber stamp
Gently press the stamp of your choice onto the pad. Keep an eye on it and make sure its surface is completely covered by the product solution taken from the swab. Press the mold firmly to the desired place on the card. For a clear and precise image, carefully lift it straight up. Finally, remove any possible solution residue from the mold using a damp cloth.
Step 3. Prepare the area on which to make the relief decoration
Sprinkle it liberally with embossing powder and make sure it is covered entirely. Lift the paper so that excess dust that has not adhered to the surface can fall onto the sheet underneath. You may need to shake the card a little more. Put the excess powder back in its container for later use. Reposition the sheet on the table and use the brush to dust off any specks of dust that do not affect the print area.
Step 4. Use the heat gun
Plug in the plug and hold it a few inches from the paper. Move it around the area with the powder. The heat will begin to turn the powder into a shiny, raised layer. Be careful not to bring the heat too close or keep it on the same spot for too long as you risk burning the paper and ruining the job.
Method 2 of 2: Dry Embossing
Step 1. Prepare your work surface
Place the mold on the light table. If you don't have one, you can use any clear backlit surface, such as a window, glass table, or clear shelf with a flashlight or light source behind it. The aim is to be able to see the outline of the stencil through the paper.
Step 2. Place your sheet
Face down on the stencil. Check that both are aligned as you wish.
Step 3. Make the relief by hand
Use the embossing stylus and apply pressure only around the inside edges of the stencil.
