How to use Stencils and Templates in Dry Embossing.....

Where you see raised ornate borders, flowers or other raised designs on a card this is what is known as Dry Embossing or Blind Embossing.

You often find good examples of this on wedding invitations and wedding cards because it is thought to give a classy or expensive look to the card.

You can buy cardstock which has already been embossed but it is a relatively simple technique to master so why not do it yourself.

You will need some basic equipment such as an Embossing Tool and an Embossing Stencil or Template.

Embossing Tools can be bought individually or in sets. They are like a stylus with a ball point on the end. They come in different sizes, large, medium and fine.

The large ball point is used when working on Vellum, the medium and fine points can be for other general work, and the fine point is best for scoring cards.

Any templates or stencils can be used for embossing provided they have a firm edge which you can score against.

Dry Embossing needs a light source to work. You can either hold your work against a window or invest in a Lightbox. These can be bought relatively cheaply and will work out as a good investment.

Step 1: If you are working with a Lightbox place the card you want to emboss right side facing down on the box.

Step 2: Position your stencil on top of the card. You either have to hold it very still ( if the stencil moves it will spoil the end result)or you can secure it with removable tape(but remember to test the tape on a spare piece of card so it does not damage the surface).

Step 3: Using the ball end of the stylus work carefully along the edges of the stencil. Make sure you have completely embossed the whole piece as once the stencil is removed it is very difficult if nigh on impossible to line it up again.

Step 4: After you carefully remove the stencil flip your card over and there you will have the finished embossed work.

For certain cards the embossed work can look good coloured:

Step 5: To colour, carefully place the stencil over the finished embossed image and then carefully add either chalk or ink with an applicator.

Tip: If you are using Chalk don't forget to set it with a cheap hairspray (the cheaper the better!). Spray into the air and waft the card through the spray for a couple of seconds.

Idea: To make a card that bit special emboss part of your design onto the envelope so that it co-ordinates.

Embossing on Vellum is a little different - if you use a thicker vellum it will change colour when pressure is applied. If you rubber stamp onto the vellum you can then use your embossing tool to go over certain areas of the design to create a deeper colour. Use a computer mat or another sort of rubber mat underneath the vellum and apply an even pressure as you work. Be careful not to puncture the vellum.

You can also use the embossing tool to work on metal foil. As when working with vellum, work over a rubber mat and be careful not to tear the foil. You can create your own designs in the foil or work within a stencil.

Many manufacturers are now producing Embossing Boards for Dry Embossing. These are really easy to use and you do not need to use a Lightbox with them. You simply position your card over the embossing board and run your embossing tool along the board's grooves. This will result in an embossed line/ image on your cards. It is quick and effective - Just make sure you have the card the correct way before you start to emboss!

Embossing Machines

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