Definition:

A process in which crystal-like powder is heated to the point of melting. Once cool, the result is a hard, glossy, raised finish.



Embossing is my favorite way to decorate a scrapbook page or make your own embellishments.


EMBOSSING SYSTEM
1.) Embossing Powder
2.) Embossing Ink Pad
3.) Embossing Heat Gun
4.) Embossing Pen (optional)
5.) Embossing Markers (optional)

PROJECT IDEAS FOR HEAT EMBOSSING

You can create your own embellishments. Here's an example of how embossing can bring out an element on a scrapbook page. There are 2 clay pieces, under the photograph, that have embossing on them. I took a stamp and pressed it into the clay before heating them. The word imprints the phrase on the clay. AFTER heating the clay in the oven I took an embossing pen and traced the letters. Then I took the gold embossing powder, sprinkled it on and heat it up. It's much easier to see the words. I also embossed the butterfly between the clay pieces.

On this beautiful autumn layout I embossed the word "Michigan" underneath the photo











I created my own embellishments on this page. I used 3 of my stamp phrases. I took each stamp, pressed it into the embossing ink pad, pressed it on the black paper. Poured on the gold embossing powder and heated it up. Then, I cut the phrases out and matted them with blue jeans styled paper.




This layout proves that you can add a little sparkle to your stickers using glitter embossing powder. I took my embossing pen (clear) and marked a couple of places where I wanted to add some sparkle on the stickers.






On this layout I embossed the wooden tag on the left side. First I took a glue stick and put a coat of glue over the entire tag. Then I took some Ultra Thick Embossing Powder (UTEP) and sprinkled a layer on it. I did this twice. I took some matching paper and attached it to the tag. Lastly, a vellum sticker phrase was put on top of that.


Another embossed tag. This was a done bit different then the one above. I still coated it with a glue stick. I put regular embossing powder (black) on it. After heating it up I took some Pearls metallic powder and brushed it over the embossed tag. I didn't want the tag to be dark black. It added a nice touch to it. I then added some different scrapbook papers to finish the look. I also embossed the letters "F" & "L" meaning Florida. Our destination.

Can you tell where the embossing was done?
I used clear embossing powder on the 3 words "Happy","Cherished, and "Memories". The words were not very noticeable and since I was using them as embellishments I wanted them more visable. I took my embossing pen, once again, and traced the letters. I put clear embossing powder on them and heat it up. It creates a nice glossy effect.

Contribution by Heather Gibbs, Heather's Scrapbook's


Ever use Ultra Thick Embossing Powder? You can make an imprint of your stamp in the powder like this....Instructions Below



This is the way I create them but if you know of another way please feel free to do so. Step 1.) I take a portion of scrapbook paper. Cardstock is thicker so you might want to use that instead. Step 2.) Take a glue stick and cover the area with it. Step 3.) Sprinkle the entire area with Ultra Thick Embossing Powder. Step 4.) Heat the entire area. After you have melted the entire layer hold the heating gun so it's blowing on the entire piece because as soon as you take that gun away... Step 5.) Put on another layer of UTEP. Heat it up and repeat until you have 4 layers of powder. Step 6.) When heated you should have a "pool" of embossing powder. Step 7.) Press your stamp into the heated powder for about 10 seconds.


Examples Below....

The Drummer Boy Card This hand made card is stamped with a Hollyberryhouse stamp, heat embossed with gold opaque embossing powder and layered. There is a video tutorial demonstrating Heat Embossing at this link. Heart Medallion Card This heart medallion card makes a great Valentine's Day card, or perhaps just a great card to give someone special any day of the year. It's made with the Hearts and Stripes art stamp from Holly Berry House. This is a card for people who enjoy heat embossing, precision cutting and the use of glitter. There is a video tutorial showing how to make this card at Heart Medallion Video Tutorial (Click EasyEdit to add to this page.)

Post a few technique tips. What's worked best for you?
One of my favorite embossing tools comes in handy when it's time to clean up: A disposable dust cloth picks up all of your excess (or spilled) embossing powder.

If you ever spill embossing powder on your carpet, don't use a high-powered vaccuum to clean it up—the heat could melt it to your carpet.

If you don't have stamps or ink, try embossing with your inkjet printer and some vellum. Print your image or words on vellum, then sprinkle on the embossing powder before it's dry and melt it with a heat gun.

Emboss with white powder on black paper for a dramatic look.

Hold smaller pieces of paper that you are heat embossing with tweezers so that you do not burn your fingers.

Melt Art

Melt Art, a term possibly coined by Suze Weinberg, beloved stamper and designer, is a cousin of heat embossing and often uses rubber stamps. The crafter or artist creates attractive embellishments or stand alone items using products that melt when heat is applied. Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel (UTEE) is perhaps the best known product of this type. Encaustic wax is anothe. The following link contains an interview with Suze Weinberg

Add a photo of a great embossed card or scrapbook page.
(Click EasyEdit, then "image" to upload an image.)