Blade Rubber Stamps: How to Dry Emboss using Brass Stencils

How to Dry Emboss using Brass Stencils

Dry embossing is a very simple, very elegant method of adding dimension to your artwork. Supplies needed are minimal: thin card stock or good quality paper, a stencil (brass or plastic), an embossing tool (wood handle with a steel blunt-ended needle at each end) and a lightbox. This is plastic, with a low-wattage bulb underneath to illuminate your working area.

Preparation

The stencil needs to be directly on top of the lightbox surface, then the cardstock on top of this. The light from the box will shine through the stencil.

Either tape the stencil to the lightbox, or tape the stencil to the front of the cardstock. to prevent the stencil from moving about. Use repositionable tape eg: Scotch Removable Magic Tape (blue box) or low tack masking tape. If you only have regular masking tape, reduce the tack by taping a length to a piece of clothing and remove, then repeat several times until the stickiness has virtually disappeared. This prevents the tape tearing the surface of the cardstock. Use more tape on the back of the card to position it over the stencil on the lightbox.

Basic embossing

Turn the lightbox on - you will see the stencil clearly through the card. Using the embossing tool, trace around the edges of the lit-up shapes, using the fine point for small areas and the large for big areas. Tracing around the edges of the stencil with the embossing tool causes the fibres in the paper to stretch, which achieves the raised and embossed effect.

Large areas

As you can see in the samples showing frames, there is a very large central area. Emboss as with smaller areas, by tracing around the edges of the stencil with the embossing tool. It is completely unnecessary to emboss in the centre of the image. To finish, remove the card and the stencil from the light box.

Tip

For the sharpest image, allow the card to rest on the lightbox surface and warm up a little, then trace around all the images with the large end of the embossing tool. Then go back over the images again with the finer end. You will find they emboss even more deeply.

Adding colour

Here are several ideas to add an elegant finish to your card:

Remove card and stencil from the lightbox. Tape the stencil in position on the front of the card (over the embossed image) then use a sponge-tipped tool, cotton bud or eyeshadow applicator to gently tint the image with chalks for a soft, delicate hint of colour. If you originally taped the stencil to the card before embossing, miss this step as you can just leave the stencil in place on the front of the card.

Trim the embossed piece to size and use a corner punch to add elegant detail - then mount to a larger piece of contrasting cardstock (the colour will show through the punch-out design). Mount to a folded card the same colour as the first (embossed image). An extra option: add organza ribbon at the fold.

Using a sponge-tipped applicator (this fits on your finger) dab it gently on an inkpad, eg: Brilliance or dye-based inkpads in pastel shades, and pat over and around the embossed images to add a halo of colour. A foam tip Stylus tool is also ideal for this effect.

Emboss a border around a ready-made aperture card: there are various stencils available which will fit most of the aperture cards on the market. Or trace the central shape with pencil and cut out. Reposition the stencil, then dry-emboss as usual.

Emboss a frame stencil several times on scrapbook pages, for instant frames and layouts. The images will flatter any photograph without overwhelming them.

Emboss a frame stencil and cut out the central portion. Use as a mat to give framed photographs a completely new look.

Embossing Paste

Dreamweaver Embossing Paste is available in lots of varieties.

For this method, you do not need a lightbox. Brass stencils give the best effect.

Place the stencil ON TOP of the cardstock, and tape down at the edges to prevent the stencil sliding around. Apply the paste with a palette knife (like icing a cake) making sure to spread it evenly over the whole stencil, taking care not to get paste underneath. Remove the stencil and clean immediately with cold water and a soft cloth. Allow the stencilled image to dry for at least one hour before handling/mounting to card etc.

Variations with White embossing paste:

Allow to dry, then tint entire image with Brilliance inks or dye-based inks (apply with a sponge-tipped applicator or sponge roller) for a soft resist effect. Polish excess ink from the stencilled image with a soft cloth or kitchen roll for a more dramatic effect.

Mix with Pearl-Ex, Powdered Pearls or acrylic paints for a tinted paste.

Variations with Translucent paste:

Whilst the stencil is still in position, dust the image with Holographic, Clear Sparkle or pastel glitters for a subtle shimmer. Shake the excess onto a piece of scrap paper before removing the stencil.

Stencil Translucent paste onto acetate, dust with Snow Glitter or Turquoise Iridescent Glitter. Attach with brads, sticky-back jewels etc. Very elegant.