Stamping & embossing

Today I want a share a secret with you (but you must promise to never tell anyone, ok?). Here it is: Making one of those cool gold (or silver) embossed cards is so easy! Honest! I know, you pick up a card that is embossed with shiny gold (or silver) images and words looks like it was really hard to do because it is so rich and elegant, but honestly, it is one of the easiest things that you can with your stamps! First, lets talk about the supplies you will need: When I talk about stamping a card, I like to use the acronym, SIP: Stamps, Ink, Paper. We’ll need those, plus a couple of additional items.

• Stamps: Any stamps can be used for embossing, though an image with very fine lines won’t work quite as well. So, pick your favorite stamp(s) to start.
• Ink: For embossing, you will need an ink that doesn’t dry right away, one that will stay wet long enough for the embossing powder to stick to it. The best option to get started is a pigment ink; it’s thick and a bit like paint. You can use pigment ink for regular stamping, too, but it does take a bit of time to dry.
• Paper: Any good quality paper or card stock that you would use for your card making or scrap booking will work for this technique.
• Embossing Powder: Embossing powder is what will make your stamped image raised and shiny. It comes in lots of different colors and even different thicknesses. Most of time, a medium thickness is just fine. The most popular colors are gold, silver, black, and clear.
• Heat Gun: To make the embossed image, the powder has to be heated until it melts, and then when it cools, it gets that glossy look. The safest, most reliable way to melt embossing powder is with a tool created just for that use: a heat gun or heat tool. You do want to treat the heat tool with respect; it gets very hot and can burn you if you get careless.
• Embossing Buddy: This is optional, but it does help make clean and professional images. It removes static and any oils that may be left by your fingers and ensures that the embossing powder goes only where you want it to go.

Now, we are ready to Emboss!

1. Rub the Embossing Buddy over the surface of the card stock and blow off any residual powder.

2. Ink up your stamp by tapping on the stamp pad until the stamp is evenly coated with ink. Don’t squash the stamp into the ink because it will be harder to clean off later.

3. Press the stamp ink-side down firmly on your paper without rocking the stamp. Lift the stamp straight up. Note: because this ink is thicker than regular ink, it may want to stay on the paper, so you might have to hold down your paper down with your other hand when you lift the stamp.

4. Sprinkle the embossing powder over the stamped image, being sure to cover it completely. Shake the excess powder onto a piece of scratch paper and return it to the jar.

5. Look at your stamped image. Does the embossing powder cover the ink? If not, repeat step 4. Are there stray flecks of embossing powder where you don’t want them? If so, tap the back of the card stock or paper with a fingernail to loosen.

6. Turn on the heat tool and let it heat up for a few seconds. Keeping the source about 6″ away from your stamped image, apply the heat slowly over the entire surface, letting the embossing powder melt. Do not heat too long or the paper will discolor and/or the embossing powder will melt down inside the fibers of the paper. Once the embossing powder has all melted, remove from the heat and let it cool.

7. You did it! You embossed your first project!

If you want to know more about rubber stamping and scrap booking, be sure to visit my website at http://www.stampingwithgail.com

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