by Karen Yvonne Ellis
If you're ready to take your crafting to the next level, add embossing to your repertoire. Embossing is used to create three-dimensional designs on paper or card stock. Embossers emit a heated, low-level air stream over embossing powder, which then melts and solidifies, creating a raised design. Currently, many crafters use this tool in the process of making cards and scrapbooks. However, embossing is used commercially to create business cards and stationery, too. Take a look below to learn how to use an embosser.
Pick a design. Decide on a rubber stamp design for your project. Use clear or colored ink to stamp the design on the paper or card stock.
Powder the stamp design. Carefully sprinkle embossing powder over the stamped design.
Get rid of excess powder. Lift the paper and let the excess embossing powder fall onto another piece of paper. Pour the excess powder back into the embossing powder container.
Remove stray powder. Use a paint brush to gently remove any embossing powder that may have stuck to the paper beyond the stamped image.
Emboss it. Use the embosser, an inch or two away from the paper, to blow hot air onto the image. Work the gun in a circular manner until the embossing powder appears melted. Allow the image to cool and harden before touching or moving it.
The heat emitted from an embosser can be too hot for some. Use a pair of tweezers to tongs to hold your paper if you find it gets too hot to hold with bare hands.
