Embossing, Tea Bag Folding, Stencils, Decoupage, Shrink Plastic....What is it all and how do you use it ?......Embossing, Tea Bag Folding, Stencils, Decoupage and Shrink Plastic are all techniques you'll hear about when cardmakers get together but for anyone new to card making it can all be a bit confusing. Even if you're an experienced card maker there may be techniques that you haven't fully explored.
This effect can be created by either using an embossing tool,and a embossing stencil to create a "dry" raised image or pattern. This is sometimes known as blind embossing or Dry Embossing. Or it can be created using Embossing Powder over an inked image, which when heated with a heat gun sets into a raised outline or surface. This is known as Heat Embossing. Both ways are easy to learn and it's worth taking the time to do so because embossing adds another dimension to your card making. You can also buy Embossing Machines such as the Cuttlebug which have ready made embossing folders. Embossing Stencils are very versatile and can used in a variety of ways. As I've already said they can be used when embossing or you can use them as a traditional stencil and just use chalks or another colouring medium to create a picture. Alternatively you can use stencils with a thick embossing paste to create a different effect. Tea Bag Folding has nothing to do with teabags! It is simply a form of origami (paper folding)which uses small decorative pieces of paper. The papers come pre printed and can often have the fold lines pre printed on them. Once folded you simply attach them to your card. Iris Folding creates a swirling effect with paper strips. This is a little more fiddly than Tea Bag Folding and it works best when placed on a simple card. You can also use this effect on photographs and although the end effect is the same the way it is achieved is different from conventional Iris Folding. In traditional terms Decoupage is the art of applying paper cut outs to decorate furniture and other objects. Once the decoration had been applied, layers of varnish would be applied to create an inlay or painted effect. In terms of card making this technique has been translated into layering various parts of an image to create a 3 D effect. You can either create your own Decoupage stamped images or buy them pre printed on Decoupage Sheets. Shrink Plastic can be used to create mini images on your cards. You rubber stamp onto the Shrink Plastic and then shrink it down by heating it. By using Shrink Plastic you can create your own individual Toppers and Embellishments. Another technique which can really make your handmade cards stand out from the crowd is by using Card Making Punches. They are easy to use, reasonably cheap to buy and you can use them over and over again.
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