How to Use an Embosser

Things You Need:

• Paper or card stock
• Rubber stamp
• Ink

• Embossing powder
• Paint brush
• Embosser

If you're ready to take your crafting to the next level, add an embosser to your repertoire. Embossing is used to create three-dimensional designs on paper or cardstock. Embossers emit a heated, low-level air stream over embossing powder, which then melts and solidifies, creating a raised design. Many crafters and scrapbookers use this tool for homemade card-making and scrapbook pages. Embossing is used commercially to create business cards and stationery, too. Take a look below to learn how to use an embosser.

Using an Embosser:

1. Pick a design. Embossing works by stamping a design on to the paper first so you know where to direct the heat from your embosser. While your embosser heats up, choose a rubber stamp design for your project; you can find rubber stamps individually or in sets. Use clear or colored ink to stamp the design onto the paper or cardstock.

2. Powder the stamp design. Carefully sprinkle embossing powder over the stamped design. The glitter or powder will stick to the still-wet stamp design so you know where to emboss. You can find embossing powders and glitters in a wide variety of colors, from the standard primary colors to pastels and neons. Most embossing powders and glitters come in sets of five or more in small two-gram or three-gram vials. Stamps and glitter can often be used for other crafts, too.

3. Get rid of excess powder. Always have an extra piece of paper or cardstock underneath the card, scrapbook page or other paper you are embossing. After you have powdered the stamp design, lift the paper and let the excess embossing powder fall onto the piece of paper you placed beneath it.

4. Remove stray powder. Use a paint brush to gently remove any embossing powder that may have stuck to the paper beyond the stamped image. Remove the bottom paper or cardstock that is holding the excess powder or glitter so that it doesn't get hot from the embosser. If that powder melts, too, you can't use it for future card-making and other crafts.

5. 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 liquefied powder to cool and harden before touching it or moving the paper. After you have finished embossing the current project, pour the excess powder on the spare piece of paper or cardstock back into the embossing powder vial so you can use it again later.