Guide to Dry Embossing
Create beautiful cards and scrapbook pages with this quick and easy technique. It's as easy as 1-2-3 as the Craft Superstore guides you through three easy steps to producing stunning results. If you've never tried dry embossing before, you may think you need expensive specialist equipment to get started, but with just a few pounds and a little imagination, you can add texture and dimension to your project.
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Step One - Gather Your Crafting Tools
You will need a template or stencil which can be either metal or plastic. These come in a wide variety of patterns, shapes, letters and numbers, some of which are very simple and others quite intricate. For your first attempt at dry embossing it is best to stick to a fairly simple design and, with a little practice, you will soon be using more elaborate stencils. You will also need an embossing stylus. This looks a little like a pen and has a small metal ball at one or both ends. There a several different sizes of stylus available so bear in mind the design and size of your stencil when choosing one. A good light source is essential when dry embossing, but this needn't mean splashing out on a light box. Whilst this is the easiest method of ensuring the stencil is easy to see, a well-lit window will do.
Step Two - Prepare Your Embossing
Using repositionable glue to attach the stencil to the back of your paper or card will hold it in place whilst you are working. With the light source behind the stencil, you should be able to see the outline of the image clearly. If you are using a window it might mean finding one with fairly strong sunlight shining through. If it is a large stencil or an intricate pattern ensure you are comfortable before you begin embossing as you might be there for five minutes or so!
Step Three - Make Your Emboss!
Holding the stylus in the hand you would normally use to hold a pencil, run the ball tip around the grooves in the stencil. You will need to press quite firmly to ensure a crisp outline. You do not need to run the stylus over the whole of an open section of the stencil, just around the edges. If you find the stylus is dragging a little, try rubbing it on your head gently, and this should make it easier to work with. Every now and then turn the stencil over and check you have rubbed the tip into every part of each groove. When completed, remove the stencil and rub off the adhesive gently with your finger.
It really is that easy. When you've taken off the stencil you will see the raised image on the paper or card. To add colour to your embossed adornment, place the stencil over the top and dust craft chalks onto it. Why not try using dry embossing on your envelopes to co-ordinate with your handmade cards.