Embossing is a technique used by crafters to apply a raised surface to their stamped image. It is really very easy to do and can really jazz up your creation! Not just for paper, try it on jewelry creations, too. You'll need to coat embossed jewelry to prevent it from chipping off.
You will need:
- a slow drying pigment ink or special embossing ink
- embossing powder - a ground plastic product available in solid, clear, metallic, pearl colors
- a heat source: embossing powders melt between 200-300 degrees. You can purchase embossing heat guns, but a hot light bulb, toaster oven or iron held above will work. Needless to say - Be careful!
- small paintbrush
- Rubber stamps, of course!
To cut down on static, wipe your paper with a very light dusting of baby powder or a used dryer sheet. Stamp your image. While still wet, sprinkle the embossing powder over the image. Tap off excess onto a sheet of paper for re-use. Any stray specks can be removed with a paintbrush. Hold your heat source over your work and watch the magic! Heat until the powder melts and becomes shiny. Don't touch until cool and set.
Fabric Stamping
I recenty was searching for new sofa pillows and just couldn't find what I was looking for. I decided to sew them myself but nothing at the fabric store grabbed me. Hmmm...what to do? Duh! Make my own fabric! So, I bought a plain, slightly textured fabric and some pillow inserts. Here are the instructions I used to cut and later sew the pillows: http://sewing.about.com/od/freeprojects/ht/envelopebkpill.htm
Since I wanted multiple colors of particular hues, I decided to use up some of the many bottles of craft acrylic paints I had in my closet. But you can use inks compatible with fabric, such as VersaCraft, or fabric paints.
If using acrylics, you will need:
- A Stamping Medium or Fabric Stamping Medium, such as DecoArt Fabric Stamping Medium. Found along with the craft acrylics at the hobby store. Or, try Golden GAC 900, Liquitex Fabric Medium
- A flat, sponge paint dauber. Found by the stenciling supplies. A square of household sponge would work, but having a handle is nice.
- Smooth to lightly textured fabric. Prewash before cutting and stamping.
- Rubber stamps! Choose stamps with bolder lines and simpler shapes for best results on fabric. They can be mounted or not.
- Foam plates, or some other non-absorbant surface for paint.
- An iron, for heat setting.
Use your mounted or unmounted stamps. I made myself a 4" custom, unmounted stamp (hint, hint) of a tree ring pattern. I used half of a CD case as a mounting base for this large stamp. After washing, ironing and cutting the fabric, I mixed my first color with the stamping medium on the foam plate. I dabbed on the paint with the foam dabber and gently placed the painted side unto the fabric. Press evenly. Allow the fabric to dry for a few minutes between colors. Heat set from the back with a clothes iron following the directions on your fabric ink, paint or paint medium. Sew and enjoy your one-of-a-kind pillows or other fabric creation!
A Note About Inks
I often get questions about what type of ink to use for a project. Here is a brief run-down of different types of stamping inks and what they are most useful for:
Dye Based Inks
Color fast and quick drying
Good inks for a beginner to use as being fast drying, they are less likely to smudge
Work particularly well with white and light colored papers and boards
Will fade in bright lights
Typically sold with a felt pad
Tip: Store dye based inks upside down so the dye flows to the top of the felt pad.
Pigment Based Inks
Thick, rich slow drying inks
Color and light fast
Good for using with embossing powders
Typically sold with a sponge pad
Tip: Faster drying pigment based inks are being developed, your supplier will be able to advise.
Permanent Solvent Inks
Long lasting and permanent
Fast drying with good colors
Resilient dye that is suitable for over painting with water colors
Can be used on a wide variety of surfaces including glass and wood
Solvent based inks need to be used in a well ventilated room
May need a specialist stamp cleaner
NOT recommended with photopolymer stamps unless the ink and the special ink cleaner is cleaned off right away. It will ruin your photopolymer stamps!
Embossing Ink – these special inks are clear or translucent and are slow drying. These have been designed specifically for embossing.
Fabric Dyes – pads of inks suitable for stamping on fabric are available in a wide range of colors. These dyes are heat set and have other applications, for example they are great for use on shrink plastic and acetate.
Acrylic Paints - can also be used with rubber stamps. Special mediums are available in the craft paint aisle that you mix in at a 1:1 ration. Dip your stamp or apply with a sponge applicator.
This information is taken from About.com.
The Look of Embossed Metal
I love texture in my art and in my home. so I had to try this technique I found on YouTube that gives your stamped creations the look of embossed metal. You need embossing powder, a heat source, card stock, VersaMark or other brand embossing ink and a rubber stamp. I've found that simpler graphics work the best. Too much detail gets lost as the process somewhat blurs the image. I had used a dirty stamp to make the tree. It had some black ink residue still on it. My laziness paid off! It added depth to the image that I really liked.
Since I was playing with copper embossing powder, had to give the technique a try using my penny rubber stamp. So much fun!
Here is how it is done! Have fun!
