how to do multicoloured embossing.
8:00:00 AM
Embossing is one of those magical techniques. The first time you see that powder melt before your eyes and turn into dimension, that’s the first time you fall in love - it truly is magical. Embossing is a great technique when done right, and the key to perfect embossing is perfect stamping and knowing your products. We share some key facts and valuable information regarding embossing…
Thermal embossing
Thermal embossing is a wonderful medium to add dimension and texture onto anything from paper, cardstock, embellishments and chipboard to wood, metal and plastic. Thermal embossing refers to embossing done with ink, embossing powder and a heat gun.
Embossing Ink
A clear ink that acts as a binding agent for embossing powder is needed when you want to do embossing. The Ink is available in different forms and types like embossing pens and pads. The clear ink pad that I like to use is the Versamark ink pad. I use this ink pad because of its versatility - I can use the same ink pad with other products making it cost effective. In my opinion this is the best ink pad around. It can be refilled and if looked after will last for years.
Embossing powder
Embossing powder is available in a multitude of colours and granulations. Different granulations include Detail embossing powder, Embossing Tinsels, Distress Embossing Powders, Tapestry Powders, Regular Embossing Powder and Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel. Embossing powder is a fast melting powder that delivers rich colours and solid surface bonding. The powder is sprinkled onto a wet, inked surface and then heated with a direct heat source (heat gun) creating a slightly raised design.
Embossing Gun/Heat Gun
A heat gun is a heat tool that directs hot air to a precise area. The forced heat melts embossing powder creating a slightly raised surface on a design. The heat gun is not a hair dryer – a hair dryer blows air where the heat gun delivers more heat. Although industrial type heat guns can be used it is not recommended. These heat guns reach higher degrees and will burn and scorch your paper even before your know it. This type of heat gun is not recommended for the untrained hand or eye of a crafter. They are dangerous.
TIP – always unplug your heat gun when it is not in use or when you leave the house/your craft room – a heat gun that falls to the floor accidentally can turn on by itself and can cause fire and huge damages to property.
i used a combination of Kaisercraft papers including the new 75 cents range that i really love
Tips for heat embossing
• Always make sure your paper is free from dust and oily marks because embossing powder will stick to those areas.
• Dust your area to be embossed with an “Anti-Static Pad” before stamping and applying embossing powder. This prevents the powder from sticking to unwanted areas.
• Did you know that you can create your own custom coloured embossing powders by mixing different colours together?
• Clear embossing ink can be used together with coloured powders OR coloured ink pads can be used with clear embossing powder.
• When embossing onto acetate make sure it is free from finger marks and dust. Do not hold your heat gun too close to the acetate as it will buckle and burn.
• Prevent over heating embossing powder by holding your heat gun about 10cm from the image to be embossed. Overheated embossing dries out and pulls right into your paper – leaving nothing but a matt coloured area. The raised surface disappears.
• Guard against under embossing images. The embossing powder will rub off your project and will make embossing useless. The secret to embossing with most embossing powders – when it turns shiny you know it is heated/melted correctly.
• Scorching your paper with a heat gun happens quickly so keep the heat gun moving.
• Move the heat gun over the image systematically until all the powder is melted. Once the powder starts melting it causes a chain reaction and runs ahead to the next spot.
• Prevent contamination of your embossing powders. Use one powder at a time and shake off any access powder into the designated bowl.
• Always protect your surface when embossing as the heat can cause damage to craft mats and table surfaces.
i embossed the stamped image in copper and again in black on a separate piece of cardstock - the second image was cut out and coloured using Artiste markers and then raised using 3D dots
the celebr8te chipboard piece was embossed using 3 different embossing powders - i love this effect
Prima and Petaloo flowers are perfect for adding some soft feminine touches to tags
Multi-coloured embossing
I love the effect of combining different colours of embossing powders
together. To create some colourful tags I used embossing in different
colours on chipboard elements and plain white cardstock.
Step 1
Ink your chipboard element using Versamark ink pad. Press the ink pad
onto the chipboard, do not drag it across the surface as this will cause
the sponge surface to detach.
Step 2
Add one colour of embossing powder onto selected areas of the chipboard
element. Shake off the excess powder carefully.
Step 3
Add a second and third colour of embossing powder onto the remainder
areas. Cover the entire piece with the last colour of embossing powder –
this will cover any blank spots on the chipboard. Heat the embossing
powder to reveal the multi-coloured embossing onto the chipboard.
all products are distributed by The Wholesaler in South Africa and available from your local scrapbooking store.
0 comments